I bought my '90 coupe (L98, auto.) last summer. The car has 23,000 miles on it and is in great condition. I don't have any service records so I am considering changing the coolant, transmission fluid and filter and brake fluid, primarily for my own peace of mind.
Are these relatively straight-forward jobs on a Vette? Are there any problems I should be aware of? Are there any "tricks" that make the job easier? Should I replace the fluids with the factory recommended fluids or are there any upgrades that you can recommend?
I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks!
:seeya

 

Might as well buy a turkey baster and use it to suck out the PS fluid and replace that too.

Use Mobil 1 oil, everything else can just be factory stuff.

 

:cheers: I agree with changing fluids for your peace of mind!

Obviously, you will probably start with the coolant. While you are in that area, consider removing the top radiator shroud and pulling the radiator. The cooling system on these cars is a "vacuum cleaner" you might be amazed at what you find in there. Blow out the radiator vanes at the same time.

The suggestiion about the power steering fluid is a very good one! However, I use Amzoil Synthetic ATF fluid with great success.

Engine oil? Again, I use Amzoil Racing Gold, 20/50. The oil if you run it hard and drive it moderately also, undergoes a wide range of heat. Oil is cheaper than metal.

Transmission! Flush the entire transmission. You will need help with this since you have to disconnect hoses at radiator, add fluid and start and stop the engine. Others will probably chime in here, but simply changing the filter and the four or five quarts in the pan is not adequate IMHO

Rear end/differential: A little more difficult to extract old fluid. I use the "turkey baster" with a clear vinyl tube attached to get down into the housing. Use the GM additive. I also use Amzoil here too!

e mail me if I can be of further help

Jack :steering: [ I love that Lil Guy! ]


[Modified by jackdaroofer, 8:54 PM 1/29/2003]

 

Thanks Guys! I will follow your suggestions. Never gave a thought to the power steering or rear diff fluids. Looks like my wife just lost her turkey baster. :seeya

 

Just rinse it out good before you toss it back in the drawer and shell never know.....

 

:withstupid: I whole-heartedly agree with this one! I had a shudder under light acceleration, and after I had the dealer do a power flush, it's just like new! Best money I ever spent! :thumbs:

 

Just called my Chevy dealer and made an appointment for a power flush. Thanks.

 

Don't forget the brake fluid. (Here comes the turkey baster again)

 

Regarding your transmission fluid, it is worth it to buy one of those electric pumps that they use to change oil in marine engines. You insert a flexible plastic tube down the dipstick spout and suck the oil out. That way it doesn't splash all over the floor when you remove the transmission pan. You need to remove that pan to shange your filter. You can also drill a tap a hole in that pan and put a drain plug in it if you like.

Greg

 

Greg, good idea!

But to do a complete flush/change, you have to run the engine to get the tranny pump to pump out all the fluid. There are about 13 quarts of fluid in the whole system. I am not familiar with dealer tranny flushes, but I do it by removing hose at radiator, add a nice long hose to get it to go in a bucket and not spill.

Check archives, etc. there are tons of posts on this subject

On brake fluid...Yes, use your turkey baster to clean old fluid and crap out of Master Cylinder reservoirs, but then you really should completely bleed the brakes, getting all the old fluid out of the entire system.

Look into getting Speed Bleeders or a friend to help you

Jack

:steering: [ I love that Lil Guy! ]