Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I've been researching what ATF to use for my 54 ultramatic (early type). There seems to be a consensus on using Type F because Type A is not available. This is stated in Brian's article 'ULTRAMATIC: What Fluid to Use'.

However I came across Accel 22800 Type A ATF being sold on Amazon. Has anyone tried this?

Thanks,
Joe

The Ultramatic in my '51 was leaking and making some ugly noises of several different varieties. After much internal debating about a rebuild to solve the problem, I opted for changing the downshift seal and the pan gasket with a refill of the box with Type F and a wait and see attitude.

After driving for about 25 miles the various noises disappeared. I have racked up about 1000 miles on the car since then.

P.S. Sorry that I did not respond sooner as most of my time is spent on the Pre-War side as I spend most my time restoring our '32 901.

Marston,

Thanks for the reply. Type F seems to be the best consensus, and your experience cinches it for me, so I'll go with it.

Thanks,
Joe

And no problem on the response time, the tranny's just sitting on the garage floor waiting for the engine to be reassembled anyway.

Joe:

Considering that all Ultramatics are prone to leak fluid, I would recommend using Type F simply because you will have no trouble finding it at Advanced Auto or Trak Auto stores when you need it. I don't know anything about Type A, but if you decide to go that route, you may want to buy quite a bit of it just in case.

Type A is pretty much AW32 hydraulic (aka shock oil) with red dye.