Dex/Merc instead of Dexron III for Power Steering?

[monomoy4]

Hey All - What's a good replacement for Dexron III for my '87's power steering fluid? Everything I've read says our cars take Dexron III but I can't find it in stores anymore...Dex/Merc being one replacement.

For the time being, I just need something for topping off (found reservoir leaking) and later flushing.

[Gawernator]

Where are you located? I've seen generic dexron III replacement at all local stores

[djnolan]

A couple of possible replacements compatible with Dexron III are Dexron IV or Synthetic ATF such as Deep Purple.

[968 GUY]

Deep Purple may cause Smoke...on the water!

[djnolan]

it will turn you into a smooth operator.

[ernie9944]

I'm using (Superpro RXL1 ATF+3) from Chrysler without any issues.It's the same as Dextron III which is a GM product.

[monomoy4]

Originally Posted by Gawernator

Where are you located? I've seen generic dexron III replacement at all local stores

I'm in St. Louis - maybe I haven't gone to the right stores...been to Walmart, autozone, amazon.

The autozone replacement says it's compatible for cars that require dex3 but I don't know if I should be mixing that in

[Rasta Monsta]

Redline D4 is Dex III compatible and very robust.

[Gawernator]

If it says for DEXRON III applications it's probably good. I am using generic no name O'reilly's store brand dexron III ATF and it works.

[VirginiaF1]

Originally Posted by 968 GUY

Deep Purple may cause Smoke...on the water!

So I had to sign all the way into my Peli forum account just to post my hearty laugh on that one..
Thought the same thing.. Good on ya mate.

[monomoy4]

thanks for all your comments

...once last thing, so is it okay to mix/top off with the old, or should I flush it out? at least at a minimum, perhaps I'll draw out as much as I can with the baster I just bought.

[968 GUY]

Flush it.

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by monomoy4

I'm in St. Louis - maybe I haven't gone to the right stores...been to Walmart, autozone, amazon.

The autozone replacement says it's compatible for cars that require dex3 but I don't know if I should be mixing that in

WalMart Dexron transmission has a leak sealer included-Red bottle-for high mileage cars.

Your choice on use but I am not comfortable with any leak sealer in the PS unit.



Also on the recent trip to WalMart Superstore found they did not carry any 20-50 conventional oil. Most all oil was synthetic --mostly 10-30 or 10-40 in various brands.
Not even Pennzoil 10-40 for the Jeep.

John

[monomoy4]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

WalMart Dexron transmission has a leak sealer included-Red bottle-for high mileage cars.

Your choice on use but I am not comfortable with any leak sealer in the PS unit.

Also on the recent trip to WalMart Superstore found they did not carry any 20-50 conventional oil. Most all oil was synthetic --mostly 10-30 or 10-40 in various brands.
Not even Pennzoil 10-40 for the Jeep.

John

I agree on avoiding leak sealers...seems most people say to avoid stuff like that.

Regarding the 20W50...I've never found 1+ quart sizes in stores for this type, only 1 quart. Recently bought 3 oil change size jugs on Amazon (Castrol GTX)

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by monomoy4

I'm in St. Louis - maybe I haven't gone to the right stores...been to Walmart, autozone, amazon.

The autozone replacement says it's compatible for cars that require dex3 but I don't know if I should be mixing that in

Hi Todd,

Repeating my answer for the post:

Castrol Info on Dex/Merc:
Castrol USA - Transmax DEX/MERC

The AutoZone fluid you found is OK if it says compatable with Dexron III.

And for the Synthetic members:

https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Other_Products/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.aspx#

J_AZ

[monomoy4]

Originally Posted by John_AZ

Hi Todd,

Castrol Info on Dex/Merc:
Castrol USA - Transmax DEX/MERC

J_AZ

One last followup here - Last night, I bought the Castrol Transmax you mentioned above. I also saw Transmax Import Multi-Vehicle for Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW, and other imported vehicles. The bottle notes that it's compatible with Dexron III AS WELL AS Mercon V...which the standard Transmax says it's not compatible with. Perhaps it's just subtle differences in the chemical nature of these fluids that go beyond the scope of this conversation, but I find it curious that both are backwards compatible with Dexron III....but the import CAN be used in applications calling for Mercon V while the standard Transmax cannot be used.

From the bottle backs (underlined parts I reference above):

Standard - "Recommended for use in all 1983 to 1996 Ford automatic transmissions. Use Castrol Type F ATF in applications calling for Type F. Do not use this ATF in applications calling for Mercon V, Mercon SP or Mercon VI."

For Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Other Imports - "Recommended for use in vehicles that require: Honda, Acura - ATF-Z1, DW-1 (except in CVTs), Toyota, Lexus - Type T, T-III, T-IV, Nissan, Infiniti - Matic-D, Matic-J?, BMW - LT71141, Mitsubishi - Diamond SP-II, SP-III, Volvo (all specifications)

.....Also meets requirements of: ATF+3, ATF+2, ATF, Ford Mercon, Ford Mercon V (Not for use where Mercon SP or Mercon LV is required), General Motors Dexron III and prior (Not for use where Dexron VI is required)."

[John_AZ]

Thanks Todd,
I bookmarked the post.
J_AZ