Community Forums

baraff · 09-20-2018, 04:03 PM

I have a 2005 Ford V10 with the 5R110w 5 speed Torqshift transmission. The motorhome now has 93,000+ miles on it. The transmission fluid was changed at 63,000 by a dealer, but they did not change any filters. That dealer no longer works on motorhomes of any type. Before that, I have no idea if it was changed.
I have a severe problem finding a dealer in our area that will work on motorhomes. I was talking with the guy at our local oil change place and he says they would do a pan drop, filter change (both pan filter and oil cooler filter), and fill with a synthetic that meets spec. The OEM spec is Mercon SP.
My manual has all kinds of warnings about using ONLY Mercon SP. However, since then, apparently, newer fluids can be used with certain exceptions. I don't know at this point what synthetic fluid he is using. He is also planning on doing a flush.
I'm a bit leery about this. I know I can't use Mercon V or it's equivalent. Beyond that I'm very confused.
Can someone who knows these older 5 speeds chime in?
Thanks

Pirate · 09-20-2018, 04:54 PM

The internal filter does not need to be changed. There is an external filter that should be changed. I don't know the spec but I change mine often. They are cheap and easy to change. You can also buy a later year pan (2007+) and put it on that transmission with a higher quality internal filter if it makes you feel better. I did just because I could. For fluid, I only use MERCON LV.

avfordguy · 09-20-2018, 10:14 PM

Mercon lv replaced sp, go over to ford truck enthusiasts forum, lots of threads from a guy named mark that worked in trans, development, smart guy!

Mark Kovalsky · 09-21-2018, 09:22 PM

MERCON LV was supposed to replace MERCON SP. But MERCON SP is still available. I recommend sticking with MERCON SP.

There is a better internal filter available. It was introduced mid year 2008. If you want to switch to this filter you MUST replace the pan with a 2009 5R110W pan. Also get the filter for a 2009.

He may plan on doing a flush, and he may even think he did one when he's finished. But he didn't do what he thought he did. This trans has an internal thermostat, and unless he has a heated flush machine (which may possibly be mythical) he has only changed about half of the old fluid.

There is a way to flush this trans. Here is how to do it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-exchange.html

avfordguy · 09-21-2018, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

MERCON LV was supposed to replace MERCON SP. But MERCON SP is still available. I recommend sticking with MERCON SP.

There is a better internal filter available. It was introduced mid year 2008. If you want to switch to this filter you MUST replace the pan with a 2009 5R110W pan. Also get the filter for a 2009.

He may plan on doing a flush, and he may even think he did one when he's finished. But he didn't do what he thought he did. This trans has an internal thermostat, and unless he has a heated flush machine (which may possibly be mythical) he has only changed about half of the old fluid.

There is a way to flush this trans. Here is how to do it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-exchange.html

Thanks Mark! From an old fse

**JohnRR** · 09-21-2018, 09:49 PM

Great video, thank you for the link.

Pirate · 09-22-2018, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

MERCON LV was supposed to replace MERCON SP. But MERCON SP is still available. I recommend sticking with MERCON SP.

There is a better internal filter available. It was introduced mid year 2008. If you want to switch to this filter you MUST replace the pan with a 2009 5R110W pan. Also get the filter for a 2009.

He may plan on doing a flush, and he may even think he did one when he's finished. But he didn't do what he thought he did. This trans has an internal thermostat, and unless he has a heated flush machine (which may possibly be mythical) he has only changed about half of the old fluid.

There is a way to flush this trans. Here is how to do it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-exchange.html

Why stick with SP vs LV?

Mark Kovalsky · 09-22-2018, 05:40 PM

I've heard a few people say they have experienced rough shifts after changing the 5R110W from SP to LV. I don't have hard data on that, just what I've read on other forums.

Pirate · 09-22-2018, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

I've heard a few people say they have experienced rough shifts after changing the 5R110W from SP to LV. I don't have hard data on that, just what I've read on other forums.

Thanks. I've read pages and pages on this issue and it still seems to go back and forth. One guy even said if you tow and heavy use SP should be used. Not sure where his data comes from. Also appears Ford muddied the waters too with one part of Ford saying one thing and another part saying another. I've only run LV in mine with no issues so far at 88K miles but that doesn't mean it won't blow up at 89K miles.

baraff · 09-22-2018, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

MERCON LV was supposed to replace MERCON SP. But MERCON SP is still available. I recommend sticking with MERCON SP.

There is a better internal filter available. It was introduced mid year 2008. If you want to switch to this filter you MUST replace the pan with a 2009 5R110W pan. Also get the filter for a 2009.

He may plan on doing a flush, and he may even think he did one when he's finished. But he didn't do what he thought he did. This trans has an internal thermostat, and unless he has a heated flush machine (which may possibly be mythical) he has only changed about half of the old fluid.

There is a way to flush this trans. Here is how to do it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-exchange.html

Thanks to all for the replies. Great video. The current fluid SEEMS ok, good color, no burnt smell.
If I replace the "toilet paper roll" filter on the oil cooler and the pan filter, will it really matter if only 50% of the fluid is changed by flushing cold and dropping the pan? The fluid was last changed with a dealer flush at 63,000 miles and looked and smelled ok then. Filters were not changed, Not sure if they had ever been changed. The motorhome has 93,000 miles on it now.
I am just wondering if it is really necessary to replace all the fluid if I can replace 50% plus new filters. Had it been burnt or never changed I would definitely change out all the fluid.

Mark Kovalsky · 09-23-2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Thanks to all for the replies. Great video. The current fluid SEEMS ok, good color, no burnt smell.

What is the contaminant level, usually in PPM? How about the percent depletion of the anti foam portion, the friction modifier, etc. My point is that you can't tell ANYTHING about the fluid by looking at it, unless it's so bad that it's burnt and/or discolored.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

If I replace the "toilet paper roll" filter on the oil cooler and the pan filter, will it really matter if only 50% of the fluid is changed by flushing cold and dropping the pan?

Flushing it cold and dropping the pan changes about the same amount of fluid as just dropping the pan. Don't waste money on a cold machine flush on this transmission. It does NOTHING except spend more money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

Filters were not changed, Not sure if they had ever been changed.

The filter near the radiator does need to be changed. The filter in the pan is good for the life of the transmission.

baraff · 09-23-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

What is the contaminant level, usually in PPM? How about the percent depletion of the anti foam portion, the friction modifier, etc. My point is that you can't tell ANYTHING about the fluid by looking at it, unless it's so bad that it's burnt and/or discolored.

Flushing it cold and dropping the pan changes about the same amount of fluid as just dropping the pan. Don't waste money on a cold machine flush on this transmission. It does NOTHING except spend more money.

The filter near the radiator does need to be changed. The filter in the pan is good for the life of the transmission.

Good information, thanks Mark.