Phan 45 #1 Posted October 30 Hello - Please see the color of the transmission oil. It is low. What kind of lub should I add? The manual said Dexron or Type F Hydrostatic Oil (Wheel Horse Part Number 8827). What is a replacement for Type F? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,975 #2 Posted October 30 I use DexMerc \ 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar Nuthin 1,487 #3 Posted October 30 (edited) I have a '73 16 Auto torn apart at the moment. The fluid in it looks like it may have been contaminated with a mix of ATF and engine oil. My plan (when I get it put back together) is to use Type F. I've seen posts from people using Dexron/Mercon but I'm not sure how its performance compares in Sundstrand hydros. Below is an excerpt I found on the web, comparing Type F to Dexron. Any feedback from earlier model hydro owners appreciated. Quote Type F transmission fluid is meant for automatic transmissions in Ford vehicles made in the 1970s and earlier. It can also be used as power steering fluid in Fords built roughly before 1996. While most other types of transmission fluid use friction modifiers for added viscosity, Type F fluid is actually formulated to help the parts of your transmission grip better while simultaneously lubricating them to prevent premature wear. Read More: https://www.slashgear.com/1565437/what-type-f-transmission-fluid-everything-need-know/ EDIT: I just saw @pfrederi's comments while I was posting. I trust his judgment for sure! Edited October 30 by Bar Nuthin 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 62,218 #4 Posted October 30 When I bought my neglected 418-C I checked the Eaton 1100 and the fluid was red so I replaced it with type F that I had on the shelf and have had no problems at all. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 44,650 #5 Posted October 30 I have used DEX/Merc in 3 older Sunstrands. Works fine. Don't overthink it. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,975 #6 Posted October 30 All I know is that if you look at the WH tractor manuals for hydros all the old ones (sunstrands) call for Type A ATF. Type A was the original ATF...early version actually used some sperm whale oil. Type A is essentially Dexron 1. Dex/merc is compatible with Dexron 1,2, and 3 and early Mercon fluid but not the newer stuff. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #7 Posted October 30 1 hour ago, Bar Nuthin said: Below is an excerpt I found on the web, comparing Type F to Dexron. Great knowledge ! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #8 Posted October 30 1 hour ago, pfrederi said: All I know is that if you look at the WH tractor manuals for hydros all the old ones (sunstrands) call for Type A ATF. Type A was the original ATF...early version actually used some sperm whale oil. Type A is essentially Dexron 1. Dex/merc is compatible with Dexron 1,2, and 3 and early Mercon fluid but not the newer stuff. AI said: For your Wheel Horse hydrostatic transmission, you should use Dexron-equivalent fluid (either Dexron II or III), which the manual specifies as a substitute for Type F fluid. Wheel Horse Part Number 8827 is an older part number that has been superseded by modern Dexron versions. https://www.google.com/search?q=Dexron+or+Type+F+Hydrostatic+Oil+(Wheel+Horse+Part+Number+8827)&rlz=1C1VDKB_enCA1142CA1142&oq=Dexron+or+Type+F+Hydrostatic+Oil+(Wheel+Horse+Part+Number+8827)&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDI1MTFqMGo3qAIIsAIB8QU5le_Kmx2CPfEFOZXvypsdgj0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #9 Posted October 30 Someone used a kubota filter - I am unsure if I should do the same? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bar Nuthin 1,487 #10 Posted October 30 (edited) 27 minutes ago, Phan said: Someone used a kubota filter - I am unsure if I should do the same? Transmission Hydro Filter.pdf - Automatic / Hydro - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum I've been using the Wix 51410 with no issues - I believe it is the exact same filter as Napa's 1410 Edited October 30 by Bar Nuthin 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #11 Posted October 30 5 hours ago, Bar Nuthin said: Transmission Hydro Filter.pdf - Automatic / Hydro - RedSquare Wheel Horse Forum I've been using the Wix 51410 with no issues - I believe it is the exact same filter as Napa's 1410 Thank you - will go the same! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #12 Posted November 4 On 10/30/2025 at 12:22 PM, Phan said: AI said: For your Wheel Horse hydrostatic transmission, you should use Dexron-equivalent fluid (either Dexron II or III), which the manual specifies as a substitute for Type F fluid. Wheel Horse Part Number 8827 is an older part number that has been superseded by modern Dexron versions. https://www.google.com/search?q=Dexron+or+Type+F+Hydrostatic+Oil+(Wheel+Horse+Part+Number+8827)&rlz=1C1VDKB_enCA1142CA1142&oq=Dexron+or+Type+F+Hydrostatic+Oil+(Wheel+Horse+Part+Number+8827)&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDI1MTFqMGo3qAIIsAIB8QU5le_Kmx2CPfEFOZXvypsdgj0&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Thank you very much! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #13 Posted Wednesday at 05:00 PM Hello - for following up. I found Dec/Merc III (pic 1) and Dec IV (pic 2). I think I need the first one. Can I use it and top it up, I don't know what is in side - but the color shows amber. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,975 #14 Posted Wednesday at 06:31 PM What you have smeared on the rag looks pink to me. If it is pink/reddish use the first Dex/merc 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phan 45 #15 Posted Wednesday at 08:56 PM 2 hours ago, pfrederi said: What you have smeared on the rag looks pink to me. If it is pink/reddish use the first Dex/merc So, I should top up it - Dec/Merc III. Thanks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
