Right tranny fluid for manual '86 Ford Escort?

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

I was told the right transmission fluid for a MANUAL 5-speed '86 Ford Escort (US) is Type F Automatic Transmission Fluid. Can anyone confirm this is correct, it doesn’t seem right to me but I can’t find it documented anywhere.

2

Here’s a document I found. I don’t know that it’s official, but it looks pretty complete. It’s not uncommon for some manual transaxles to use ATF.
http://www.teamcapri.com/recalls/tsd_psd/01-15-7.pdf

3

Thanks Tex! I just needed a little reality check. The ATF is REALLY thin and viscous at room temperature relative to the 90-weight gear oil I thought was more appropriate. I guess some smart guys in lab coats have figured this out though…

This is going in an endruo (24-hr of LeMons - spelling intentional, google it) “race” car. Think the ATF is still the right choice for a tranny that will be somewhat abused?

4

Sounds like fun. I wouldn’t try to second guess the manufacturer. Me, I’d us the Mercon.