What type ATF in Powerglide

[Willard M.]

For my 54 the shop manual says use type A ATF in a Powerglide. This product is long gone. I have used Dextron in the past which I think was Dextron 3 but now Dextron 6 is the stuff available. What type of ATF are others using?

[Edward J.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

Willard, Dexron 111 is okay to use, Im not sure that dexron V1 is okay, not sure that is compatible. but cost more that the than Dexron 111.

[John S.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

i use castro type F. on the front label it is DEX/MERC "for use in older ford & general motors vehicles." on the back label it states not to use this for dextron VI applications.

[Alexander C.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

I'm going to be running this:

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=50&pcid=9

Being that these have no cooling lines, I feel it's very important to use the best synthetic Dextron replacement available.

[Chuck S.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

From what I've found on the internet, all previous ATFs (Type A, Type F, Dexron and Mercon) were all pretty much interchangeable. The big break for ATF occurs with introduction of Dexron VI and Mercon V. I've also read GM is no longer licensing Dexron III and Ford has ceased licensing Mercon.

In GM's case, maybe Dexron III is only being sold by GM. If Dexron III worked for you, check your Chevy dealer for Dexron III. As of 2006, GM service manuals were still calling for Dexron III in the Tremec six speed manual transmissions, so dealers should still stock it for service. Dexron VI was/is specified for the six speed auto.

The difference is probably in specific gravity, viscosity, and friction characteristic. For the manual transmission, more specific gravity and viscosity is likely important for lubrication; friction characteristic less important.

[John F.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

From what I've found on the internet, all previous ATFs (Type A, Type F, Dexron and Mercon) were all pretty much interchangeable. The big break for ATF occurs with introduction of Dexron VI and Mercon V. I've also read GM is no longer licensing Dexron III and Ford has ceased licensing Mercon.

In GM's case, maybe Dexron III is only being sold by GM. If Dexron III worked for you, check your Chevy dealer for Dexron III. As of 2006, GM service manuals were still calling for Dexron III in the Tremec six speed manual transmissions, so dealers should still stock it for service. Dexron VI was/is specified for the six speed auto.

The difference is probably in specific gravity, viscosity, and friction characteristic. For the manual transmission, more specific gravity and viscosity is likely important for lubrication; friction characteristic less important.

http://www.valvoline.com/products/co...ssion-fluid/33

[Cecil L.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

You can still get Type A at NAPA. I went through this a few years back on a 58 Chevy restoration. I rebuilt the PS pump (on back of generator) and the control valve and had problems with leaks using the later type fluid which had a lower viscosity than the original Type A. After changing to Type A, the leaks stopped.

[Alexander C.]

Re: What type ATF in Powerglide

You can still get Type A at NAPA. I went through this a few years back on a 58 Chevy restoration. I rebuilt the PS pump (on back of generator) and the control valve and had problems with leaks using the later type fluid which had a lower viscosity than the original Type A. After changing to Type A, the leaks stopped.

Wow, that's great to know! I'm going to search their website for it now...