Fluids Question Ford 3600

jedoga

New User
Have read some posts regarding fluids. One funny reply said the best way to start an argument was to ask about fluids for older tractors. Not my intent to be sure. That old 3600 is running and getting tested by pulling a trailer and a tiny amount of brush cutting with a little old Big Bee. Tight areas exacerbate the steering issues that may be remedied by merely topping off the steering fluid.

Herein lies the problem. What the heck is the final best word on what to pour into the reservoir. Avoided this for a couple hours of operation, but it must be addressed. The posts I have read run the entire list of anything and everything that matches or exceed the specs of the recommended fluid from the seventies when the tractor was made. Then someone would argue against using that fluid and then someone would say it was good. ATF is what has been suggested more than the UTF(new term for me) for the tranny and hydraulic system. Power steering fluid has been poo pooed outright.

As far as ATF, there is type a, type f, type fa, dexron, mercon 1,2,3,4,5... It is an old tractor, but I still want to put the right fluid in it. Before running it anymore with a deficit of fluid in the steering system, is there a general consensus of fluid to use that will not harm the steering system and will make it perform to its best mechanical ability other issues notwithstanding?
 
The Ford specifications for fluids when that tractor was made have all been superseded by new specifications., Most folks use a UTF that says on the label that it meets or exceeds the Ford/New Holland M2C134D specification in the transmission, rear axle and power steering. Most also use a good modern C rated multi-viscosity detergent motor oil in the engine.
 
I can't recall anyone ever telling me they damaged anything steering related by using the wrong fluid. Personally, if I need to add or replace fluid in someone's Ford tractor I put universal tractor trans/hyd fluid. (Unless a preference for something else has been stated beforehand, or the existing fluid looks to be ATF) Some people use automotive power steering fluid. I've seen that mixed with UTF without problems.

Others may well disagree, but I doubt it makes a great deal of difference. There's nothing special or complicated about that system. If it's clean oil, it will work.

Just my experience.
 
I have a 2600 replaced the PS filter this year and refilled with UTF that meets Ford spec which is what I use in the trans and rear. fluid that was in it looked just like what I poured in.
 
Again,, the owners manual... recommended the lowest spec fluid for the power steering... of m2c41a... this was also the fluid recommended for power steering since 1955 on ford tractors. And the recommended SOS transmission fluid as well. SO.. any fluid that meets or exceeds this 1955 tractor fluid spec will work in the power steering system. The hydraulic system required a different rated oil. That being said, any power steering fluid you can buy will far exceed the original spec. That also includes any UTF tractor hydraulic oil you can buy will exceed the spec. SO. use your utf you have, or any left over power steering or atf fluid you have. You power steering does NOT have any wet clutches or wet brakes, so the m2c41 is a very basic spec that most fluids easily exceed, even the GM spec atf and power steering fluids with friction modifiers can be used in the power steering, and can it tolerate the anti friction additives that can NOT be used in the clutch and brake systems elsewhere in the tractor. ALL of these fluids will work. ALL of these fluids will work.. Most folks just use the utf as they have it available for the transmission and rearend sections of their tractors. Other folks use 15w-40 motor oil, as there power steering pump is leaking oil into the crankcase anyway but its not a first choice. I do not suggest going to new holland and pay $160 a pail for their Ambra SuperG oil which is m2c134G synthetic oil, but yes, it meets and exceeds the m2c41 spec as does type F atf fluid does. If you buy a jug of any m2c53 or better oil, it will work in the transmission/rearend/ power steering of a ford 3600. so that could be a choice. A john deere 303 oil or a newer j20 spec oil meets or exceeds the m2c41 spec.
 
sotxbill, that was thorough. Thanks. Eman85, Harry in Ky, and Sean in PA, thank you very much. Taking the day off tomorrow. Owner will be running around on a pretty usable tractor when he returns from his trip. Again, thanks to all.
 
For years I have been putting UTF (M2C134D) in every power steering system I have worked on and that's a bunch. I just put a rack and pinion on a 2016 kia guess what fluid I used.

Back in the early 90's I worked late 80's Toyota the PS cried noting I tried would stop it. I flushed it out and put UTF in the system problem solved. From that day on I fill my own PS bottles with UTF. I would wager I have serviced 100's if not a 1000 PS systems with UTF and never a issue.

I would also wager UTF is in the PS fluid bottles at your local parts store.
 

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