Transmission Additive - Need Opinions

[bcomo]

I have one leak from the transmission lever seal on the 60 Cruise-O-Matic. It's not really that bad over a week period. But replacing the seal would involve dropping the tranny down and removing the Valve Body.

Appart from that one leak, I have a great shifting, non leaking tranny.

I know that Alexander, for example, used Lucas to correct shifting.

I need any opinions as to whether an additive is risky, and if this is worth the risk of using an additive to correct.

[6TB1RD]

Bart:

All the additives I have dealt with, have rubber conditioners in them that help the rubber swell a little to stop the leaks. It will not harm any of the phenolic disks or any other part. I tried a Tranny stop leak in my power steering pump to see if I could stop the leak and it did not help.

[Alexander]

I have Lucas tranny additive in my '59 for years now. It cured the delay in of going into drive from Park. No significant leaks.

[tbird430]

I've also heard that the Seafoam brand tranny additive was a good one to use... I know the Seafoam fuel treatment works GREAT from personal exerience.

[bcomo]

Thanks so far ..... keep those opinions coming.

I appreciate the input very much.

Thanks

[bcomo]

I added the Lucas Transmission Additive this morning. I drove the car about 5 miles. When I got home -- no more leak at the transmission lever seal. Shifting was still good as usual.

If I don't have any drips on the driveway tomorrow morning, then I would say that Lucas did the job.

I'll do a post after a few days to say if it's still doing the job.

Thanks for the input.

[thunderbird61]

I added the Lucas Transmission Additive this morning. I drove the car about 5 miles. When I got home -- no more leak at the transmission lever seal. Shifting was still good as usual.

If I don't have any drips on the driveway tomorrow morning, then I would say that Lucas did the job.

I'll do a post after a few days to say if it's still doing the job.

Thanks for the input.

Well, did it work?

I'm considering it myself.

/Ronny

[bcomo]

Ultimately, the Lucas did NOT stop the shift lever seal leak. It required dropping the tranny pan, removing the valve body, and shift lever to replace the seal.

I didn't have any shift problems before or after I added the Lucas, so I can't say that it did anything good or bad for shifting.

[seven up]

Do you use Type F fluid ?

I am curious to know if the Dexron's can contribute to leaks in these Cruise O matics.

[YellowRose]

Transmission Additive - Need Opinions

Hi Seven Up!

Since Bart is not around I think I can answer your question for you. In a conversation I had with Bart today regarding Lucas tranny additive and transmission fluid, he told me that Type F tranny fluid is the recommend fluid for our transmissions. Especially, if they have never been rebuilt.

Ray
'59 "Yellow Rose" VTCI #11178

[bcomo]

Ray is correct in that if your COM has not been rebuilt, which would mean that it still has the older style clutch and band material, then Type F is what should be used. If the COM has been rebuilt, which would normally mean that it probably has the newer fiber clutch and band material, then you could use Mercron/Dexron.

Type F is backward compatable -- meaning that you can use Type F with the newer or older materials. It just provides a firmer shift. Whereas using Dexron/Mercron with older materials can cause slip in the clutches and bands. So, if in doubt as to what to use -- use Type F.

As far as causing more leaks using Dexron/Mercron -- I wouldn't think so. But, someone else may have more info on that aspect.

[tarps3]

Ray is correct in that if your COM has not been rebuilt, which would mean that it still has the older style clutch and band material, then Type F is what should be used. If the COM has been rebuilt, which would normally mean that it probably has the newer fiber clutch and band material, then you could use Mercron/Dexron.

Type F is backward compatable -- meaning that you can use Type F with the newer or older materials. It just provides a firmer shift. Whereas using Dexron/Mercron with older materials can cause slip in the clutches and bands. So, if in doubt as to what to use -- use Type F.

As far as causing more leaks using Dexron/Mercron -- I wouldn't think so. But, someone else may have more info on that aspect.

Is that true for other transmissions or does it only apply to Fords?
I ask because I own a '53 Olds and am trying to determine what type of fluid to use in it.

[bcomo]

Casey:

I have no idea about the 53 Olds tranny.

You might google a Classic Olds forum and do a search on tranny fluid. Or post that question on their forum.

I found this one that you might look at:

http://www.classicoldsmobile.com/

[seven up]

Forgot that I asked about the Type F.

I'll be draining the COM and refilling with Type F when nice weather arrives. I want to say thank-you for the information about the correct fluid. Hopefully there will be a drain plug on the converter.

I've had to repeat myself several times to the chain store clerk when asking for Type F that went into a 70 F 250, C6 automatic. It's stamped onto the dipstick, though.