ATF has an acid in it for the friction clutches in the "slushbucket" so they don't slip all the time and burn up.
While it is highly detergent, I wouldn't run it in an engine as a lubricant; unless only for a very short period, like 30 mins.
It's just too hard on seals..........Ever see an Auto trans. that doesn't leak or have a "weeping" seal?
If the inside of your engine is that dirty, try a quart of Diesel when you change the oil. Run for half an hour, then change the oil. You will have to change the filter too (if so equipped).
Change it again in a couple of hundred miles to make sure you get all the diesel out.
This worked for me on an old 283 that had been out in the rain with no intake on it.
It ran 40k and 5 years after........
No air filter?.........Bad deal
Good luck!
