2000 black c5

So doing maintenance stuff on 2000 C5 with 31,000. mi on it. Not a big time mechanic. Was going to change as much clutch fluid (probably not able to get much) using "ranger method" as car probably has original fluid from 18 years ago. Understand suck out as much fluid as possible from master with turkey baster type thing but not dry to bottom to keep from letting any air into system, refill with fresh then pumping clutch pedal 30+ times and repeat till clear.

Dot 4 synthetic any better than regular old dot 3? Anything else to consider? No clutch problems at present or at least until I start messing with.

Appreciate any input from owners who actually know what they are doing,

Thanks!

Supercharged111

Ranger method is pretty worthless. I ended up installing a remote bleeder after doing it the hard way a couple of times. You have to drop the h pipe and tunnel pan to access the stock bleeder. Do that though and the fluid will stay cleaner much longer than the ranger method. I didn't even get around the block and my fluid was black again. I must have performed 20 fluid exchanges and the result was the same every time.

SDVette

I've done the "ranger" method 3-4 times over 20 years.
I use the "GM Clutch fluid".. not sure if it has an additive, but I think it's not straight brake fluid??

I can't say that it helped for sure.. but it sure didn't hurt! 80K miles and 20 years later.. original clutch, original fluid (other than partial flushes).

aj98

My dad has worked at a GM service department for 30 some years.
He recently advised me that yes, GM fluid has an additive, and further advised failure to use same may cause issues with the clutch hoses/seals.

2000 black c5

Yeah didn't think ranger method was going to do much but as another member said, probably can't hurt. Your method sounds like way to go but lots of work. Probably go lazy man route for now as clutch seems to be fine.
Thanks.

2000 black c5

Sounds like a good testimonial for following your example.
Manual say use "Hydraulic Clutch Fluid GM part no. 12345347 OR equivalent DOT 3 Brake fluid" so makes me wonder if additive in the GM stuff. Who knows.
New problem in that I've searched web for the GM stuff but with part number, keeps coming up as "discontinued"
Always something. will check with dealer.
Thanks.

2000 black c5

Thanks for that valuable insight.

Been trying to find the GM fluid. Manual say use " Hydraulic Clutch Fluid (GM Part No. 12345347 OR equivalent DOT-3 Brake fluid) keeps coming up at different sites as "discontinued" with GM part number.

If there is an additive in the GM stuff wonder why they also recommend DOT-3? Maybe they figure let the hoses and seals take a beating so you'll come in for the repairs.

Also saw somewhere that GM now recommends DOT-4 (I think synthetic) for all corvette clutch fluid. Could definitely be wrong about that as i can't even remember where i read it.

Any idea where I might be able to find the GM fluid? I will call dealer to check. Or should I maybe just go with DOT-4 synthetic? Might be only choice.

Thanks again.

aj98