If you are acquainted with Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles, then you are well aware of the automatic transmission fluid: MERCON LV and Mercon v.
These are the most used fluids by these brands and models. But firstly, I was confused about “is mercon lv the same as mercon v”?
The straightforward answer is No! Mercon LV and Mercon V are not the same. They have quite different characteristics. Where Mercon LV signifies low viscosity, Mercon V has a high viscosity but a stable viscosity index.
However, no doubt, both are premium-quality automatic transmission fluids recommended by Ford Motor Company. But they come with some significant differences. Now, let’s dive into the details and find what makes the two Mercon fluids different!
Can You Use Mercon LV Instead of Mercon V?
It’s a big no. You can’t use Mercon LV instead of Mercon V.
The reason is that the two transmission fluids have different viscosity index and densities.
Moreover, they have different additives and compositions.
So, they can’t be used interchangeably for every engine.
Also, the Ford Manual for Mercon LV recommends not to use it for Mercon V as the two lubricants aren’t compatible.
What Happens If You Mix Mercon V and Mercon LV?
The manufacturer recommends not mixing Mercon V and Mercon LV.
The reason is their different composition. Where Mercon V is a hydro-processed blend, Mercon LV is a full synthetic oil with quite different viscosity and pour temperature.
And even if you mix the two, it won’t leave you with any WOW factor.
Now, let’s get to the point: Mercon LV vs Mercon V?
Difference Between Mercon V And Mercon LV
Mercon V and Mercon LV are two top-notch but different listings of Ford Motor Company.
Both lubricants work equally well at their end to make the engine work smoothly and swiftly. But they aren’t THE SAME.
So, instead of beating around a bush, let’s buckle down on the factors that differentiate the two.
Mercon LV s Mercon V- A Quick Comparison!
| FEATURES | Mercon V | Mercon LV |
| Viscosity | Higher than Mercon LV | Lower than Mercon LV |
| Viscosity Index | 205 | 155 |
| Density | 7.19 | 7.09 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.863 | 0.842 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company | Ford Motor Company |
| Weather Compatibility | Cold Temperature Works best at both temperature extremes | Best at high-temperature |
| Oil Compatability | Dexron III transmission fluid Type H fluid Type CJ fluid | SAE 20W ISO 46 GM DEXRON |
| Base | Hydroprocessing | Fully Synthetic |
Now that we are well abreast with the general sneak peek of Mercon V and Mercon LV. In detail, let’s find out whether Mercon LV is the same as Mercon V.
Viscosity
The first property to make a sound difference is their viscosity.
Viscosity is the property of fluids to pour at different temperatures and its shear resistance. The lower the viscosity, the easier it flows.
Mercon V has a comparatively higher viscosity than Mercon LV. In fact, LV in it stands for “lower viscosity.”
As a result, the engine equipped with LV faces less friction.
To boot off the facts further, it let’s engine withstand the excessive heat produced during the operation.
To bring into light, the viscosity of Mercon V at 100°C is 7.5, while that of Mercon LV is 6.0.
Viscosity Index
The viscosity Index is the property of transmission oil that lets it work in a wide range of temperatures with ease.
The general rule of thumb is that the higher the viscosity index, the more stable the oil is.
Thus it can operate efficiently at different temperatures.
The reason is the viscosity remains the same.
Mercon V has a pretty stable viscosity index of 205.
This helps it keep spartan and functional at low temperatures also.
However, Mercon LV has a low viscosity index, i.e., 155.
Therefore, its viscosity faces a comparatively large swing as temperature changes.
Density Of Fluid
The density of transmission fluid defines its thickness or thinness.
The more the density, the thinner it is, and thus, the more quickly it flows.
Mercon LV has a density of 7.01 lb per gallon, while that of Mercon V is 7.19.
It means that the latter one being thinner, flows easily through the engine transmission.
On that account, it withstands internal grinding and friction better than Mercon LV.
Weather Compatibility
Since Mercon V has a stable viscosity index, it doesn’t shudder or offer friction or resistance to flow at low temperatures.
In short, it has a lower pour point. Thus, the automobile functions swiftly at low temperatures too.
However, if you live in countries with high temperatures most of the year, Mercon V isn’t going to provide you with something exceptional.
But Mercon LV is made to withstand intense thermal resistance.
Moreover, it ensures low friction and consistent performance even when the automobile heats up.
To put it bluntly, Mercon V is a better bet if you live in cold countries.
However, go for the second option if you live in a hot country.
Brand/Manufacturer
Both the fluids are manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Motorcraft Oil).
However, they can’t be interchanged. All the models manufactured in 2008 or before use Mercon V.
Since Mercon LV is its new, upgraded version, only a few latest Ford models operate on it.
Specific Gravity
Both Mercon V and LV have low specific gravity, less than that of water.
The specific Gravity of Mercon V is 0.863, while that of Mercon LV is 0.842.
So, more or less, it is the same for the two fluids with a minute difference.
Oil Compatability
Mercon V has nearly similar composition and properties as that of
- Dexron III transmission fluid
- Type H fluid
- Type CJ fluid
So, it is compatible with all these hydraulic fluids. Thus these three can be interchanged without any risk of transmission damage.
However, Mercon LV is the newest and most upgraded transmission fluid. It is incompatible with all the older versions of both Ford and other companies except for GM Dexron.
It shows sound compatibility with the following fluids:
- SAE 20W
- ISO 46
- GM DEXRON
Usability
Being the latest version, Mercon LV goes with the newer models of Ford along with Mercury and Lincoln.
However, Mercon V fits the use of an array of vehicles.
Overall Performance
Mercon V is comparatively thinner but offers higher viscosity. As a result, it offers anti-shudder protection and operates equally well at low temperatures.
On the other hand, Mercon LV has a lower viscosity. Thus, it offers high resistance to heat and sludge. Consequently, it gives a sound, consistent performance at high temperatures.
And with this, the question “Is Mercon LV the same as Mercon V?” gets answered quite well!
Simply, two different fluids with quite different properties!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What transmission fluid is equivalent to Mercon LV?
DEXRON®-VI is considered to be Mercon LV equivalent. Both offer nearly the same viscosity and density.
In fact, the two protect synchros equally with easier and smoother shifts.
What is Mercon LV compatible with?
It is compatible with ISO 46, SAE 20 W, and Valvoline Maxlife fluids. Moreover, the older GM Dexron version is equally compatible with the Mercon LV.
In Mercon fluids, MERCON® SP and Mercon LV are found to be compatible.
It is ideal for vehicles like Mercury, Lincoln, and Ford.
Can Mercon LV replace Mercon V?
No!
Mercon LV can not replace Mercon V. Likewise. The latter can’t act as a replacement for the former.
The reason is that both transmission fluids have different viscosity and density. Thus mixing them or interchanging them won’t do you any good.
Sum Up!
Speaking of the point, the answer to ”is Mercon LV the same as Mercon V” is a big NO!
Mercon LV transmission fluid has low viscosity and density. As a result, it offers better thermal resistance.
On the other hand, Mercon V has a comparatively high viscosity and index. Therefore, you can’t interchange or mix them.
You Can Also Read:
- How to Find What Type of Transmission Fluid Do I Need?
- Dexron VI Compatibility Chart: Breakdown of the Compatibility
- 6.4 Powerstroke Firing Order: Is It Challenging To Comprehend?
- Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart
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