Checking the Transmission Fluid

Old Blue still carries the Cruise-O-Matic 3 speed automatic transmission she took from the factory way back in the day. From the web, I found that the fluid can be checked and filled from the same access point. However, this access point is located in a difficult place and if top up is required, you must get the correct fluid (FORD stopped using the specified fluid years ago). You need a funnel with a long hose to reach the access point.

I read at the FTE site:

• MX = Cruise-O-Matic Transmission used in 1965/67 F100/350's with 352's, and F350's with 240/300 I-6's.
• You check the fluid level with the transmission's dipstick: C5TZ7A020A with the engine running after it's warmed up to normal operating temperature.
• And...that is where mechanics fill the trans...they use the transmission dipstick's tube = C5TZ7A228B
• Every Ford A/T fluid level is checked with a dipstick, every Ford A/T (except 1951/55 Lincoln's) is filled using the dipstick tube

Its dark back there behind the engine but I see it! 

And what kind of fluid do I use ??????  Of course the guys at the FE forum had the answer: "Type F ATF is correct for P/S & A/T for all of these piles and thru 1976 w/a C6 (ditto C4) "  I ran down to Napa and grabbed a long nose funnel and a pint and then went searching for the dipstick.

So I took a look behind the Engine and found the dipstick hiding back there. Pulling it out, wiping it clean, reinserting and pulling again I find that there is NO fluid in the transmission. I inserted the funnel into the same tube the dipstick came out of and started pouring the thick fluid into the funnel. It took a while because the fluid was thick, and I spilled a bit pulling out the funnel nose and checking the level but I did eventually get the dipstick to show FULL.

The only difference I have noticed with the old transmission is that it does not slip into neutral when sitting at a stop light.

This is the dipstick and the place to re-fill 

[This articles describes how to check the transmission fluid on a 1966 Ford F-250 Camper Special with a Cruise-O-Matic transmission ]