Forum

[Steve T]

Hi guys not wishing to start a huge discussion about oils but is PSF the same as ATF and can it be used in our primary drive? Thanks

[Dennis C]

I have a feeling that if you use Power Steering Fluid you clutch will soon start slipping, as it is not designed to work with a clutch as ATF is, it's more a hydraulic oil.

[Steve T]

Also what is type F? The onesI've looked at don't mention type F but do say about dexron what's the difference between types thanks

[Presto]

First to say - I don't know. But this seems to be a man who does, so I quote: 'Generally speaking, if you're caught in a pinch, you can use your manufacturer's recommended ATF in the power steering system -- but never, ever the other way around. The friction modifiers in transmission fluid won't hurt most power steering systems, but not having them will definitely hurt the transmission.' But what this may mean when it comes to using PSF in an Enfield primary drive is another question - again one to which I don't know the answer. But just a thought - I think we're far more fussy about oils in the older style 'classic' Bullets than we need to be. They are very tolerant and very undemanding on lubricants. If not, they would not survive the lives they are forced to live in India and other arduous environments. Not sure what 'help' these ramblings may be to anyone!!

[PeteF]

I think the "F" is a bit historic now. I think it donated it was suitable for Ford 'boxes.

[Valsp]

Type f was used by ford and others in early auto boxes. It does not contain friction modifiers and it is the type of ATF to use if you want to go down that route. Comma still make and sell and it is available from auto shops. Be warned if you use the current type of ATF you may suffer from clutch slip.

Same applies to normal engine oils. Use JASO MA which is the Japanese standard for special oil which can be used in 4-stroke motorcycle engine with one oil system for engine, gearbox and wet clutch system. The oil is non-friction modified.

JASO MB grade oils are classified as the lowest friction oils among motorcycle four-cycle oils. Not to be used where a JASO MA grade oil is required.

[David]

Its no good to just say buy ATF. There is now a huge range of ATF's on the market which all do the same thing but have very different additive packages in the oil.

ATF type F or G was designed for Ford and Borg warner automatic transmission fluids. They DO NOT have friction modifiers in them. The standard for both is Ford-M2C-33F or Ford-M2C-33G. Type G is a beefed up version of type F. There are other differences as well compared to other ATF's.

Short end of the stick is, because there are no friction modifiers, this will help to prevent slip, preventing clutch slip, whilst still cooling and lubrication everything.

They are now getting historic, and getting hard to find for sale. It's pretty much an online order affair. The only true Type F and Type G ATF's, I'm aware of are Castrol TQF, Comma AQF, and Carlube ATF-G. The previous mentioned oils are all to Ford-M2C-33F or Ford-M2C-33G.

[Presto]

While it is right to point out that there is a vast range of ATF, for different applications in Automatic Transmissions (which are highly sophisticated), it is also right to point out that ANY grade, brand or type of ATF is suitable in a Bullet primary drive (which is completely unsophisticated!) – as per the advice given by our hosts.

[David]

Yes you can use any ATF, but they all work differently, thanks to there additive packages. The more modern ones that come After type F and G, have friction modifiers and other additives that promote slip, and are meant for sophisticated transmissions. Most people choose to go over to ATF in the belief it helps them prevent slip. Which if you use the wrong one, simply is not the case, it maybe slightly better than engine oil..Which was my experience using Dexron, until I learnt its type F I needed. I personally don't bother with modern ATF..Especially when we can pick up type F for £6.95 for a litre, including vat and delivery.

[Valsp]

Sorry Presto You are simply wrong. It has nothing to do with the simplicity of the Bullets transmision system. As David has said modern types of ATF with friction modifiers can and will cause clutch slip