Power tilt fluid ATF substitute

[TrickyRicky]

Picked up a new OMC tilt kit for my 55hp. I have read ATF is OK to use instead of OMC trim fluid. Does it matter what type of ATF? Type F , Dexron 3 / 5 or is power steering fluid better? I don't want the seals to disagree down the road. Who knows for sure?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Power tilt fluid ATF substitute

I run Mercs and it says that either tranny fluid or Quicksilver (after market Merc marine products) is fine. Rule of thumb is that if the fluid in the reservoir is red, put in tranny fluid, if clear, QK PTT fluid. One would imagine that a third party makes the pumps for all marine applications so it it works for one, why shouldn't it work for another. They are doing the same job.

Mark

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Power tilt fluid ATF substitute

Picked up a new OMC tilt kit for my 55hp. I have read ATF is OK to use instead of OMC trim fluid. Does it matter what type of ATF? Type F , Dexron 3 / 5 or is power steering fluid better? I don't want the seals to disagree down the road. Who knows for sure?

Dexron 3 is what I've used for several years now with no ill effects whatsoever.

 

[RRitt]

Re: Power tilt fluid ATF substitute

both work fine. you can even mix them. some older systems had a combination of high pressure and BN70 seals. ATF isn't very good for them as it seems to impregnate the rubber under some conditions (unknown to me, I just see them after they break). A lot of my repaired trim systems go up north and I like to use hydraulic oil. If you get a really long and bitter cold winter then the water will separate out and freeze. HO or AW resist this better than ATF. Some trim systems will split if the water separates and freezes.