kaplana08

Now that GM blacked out the C7 clutch fluid reservoir has any used the ranger method to periodically change out the fluid. I don't see a fill line anywhere inside the bowl like my C6 had. Please advise if anything has changed regarding the method. I guess it's going to be a bit of a pain to see inside when filling and when trying to see how black the fluid has become.

pickleseimer

Dip the end of a clean screwdriver into the fluid to pick up a drop and then deposit that on a clean white paper towel. That should give you an idea of how dirty the fluid is.

bearphoto

OMG, they are still using that same poor design that allows clutch dust to enter the clutch fluid?

After having 7 C5/C6 corvettes, all with a manual trans when I decided i wanted a C7 I swore I would not buy another manual trans corvette that had that same poor design. So I bought an A6 and it has been perfect. Although I prefer a manual trans I won't buy one that has that design. Thank goodness I did not go with the A8 which apparently continues to have issues (as reported on this forum).

A471133

Yup. Use it every 6 months. The container is small enough to read where the line is when you put new fluid in. Its less than $5 for a container of DOT4 and I usually have to ranger method the whole container before it comes back clear. Workout for my left calf lol.

RUSTYNKL

looked at my clutch M/C at 6 mos., fluid was black! Bought a turkey baster and DOT 4 fluid. I just change my fluid in the M/C every month, After 6 mos. the fluid is the color of light tea. Vette has 11,000 miles.

beepster

Exact reason I bought the '14 rather than a new '15 at the time. I saw no reason to have an 8 speed auto in a vehicle that already achieved 30mpg...

JerryU

I do the same every oil change, which for me is usually once a year per the GM oil life indicator.

Since I do not track or drag race feel it is almost as good as the GM recommended proceedure every 2 or 3 years (my 2014 Owner's Manual says every 2 years the 2016/2017 Manual says every 3.) The GM procedure requires removing and exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, etc to get at the bleed valve! Have used the Ranger Method for my C6 for 5 years and the C7 now for 3 and no problems.

GM notes that some of the dark color is due to staining from seals so it does not reflect only contaminated fluid.

Also agree a good leg exercise! Not as much burn as 3 sets of 10 reps on my leg press machine but the ~210 pumps (30 pumps on 7 changes) does feel like I've done some good!

juanvaldez

There is a fill line if you look closely. I have a '16 Z51 M7 that now has 13,000 miles. I do it once a month or so. The first time when the car only had a couple of thousand miles lots of floaties came out. Now it just get a tiny bit darker. I only do a two or three changes with 30 reps between.

C7s

Any particular brand of fluid you guys using?

08G8V8

I'm sure you can use any DOT4 fluid, but the manual states "Super DOT4". I see Pentosin is one of the only fluids that is "super", and I saw on another forum that the GM fluid is re-branded Pentosin Super DOT4 so I am getting this from Amazon. The good thing is they sell a 1/4L bottle which is perfect for doing the Ranger Method and not having a bunch left over to sit on a shelf open until the next flush. A little more expensive than other fluids, but cheaper than GM branded fluid, and a more convenient size for this application.

C7s

Thanks! Just ordered some!

BJ67

Shine a good light into the open reservoir and you can see down to the bottom if the fluid is clean, and or detect black or golden color. there are two lines on the outside of the Reservoir, minimum and maximum levels

TNSQUIRE

I changed mine out today with the ranger method. It took about 30 minutes and four cycles of changing the fluid and pumping the clutch 50x each cycle to get back to clean fluid. My car has 23,000 miles. The fluid was dirty but not dark black.

Foosh

Can someone please publish the complete "Ranger method?" I remember doing it on my '06 Z06, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details.

juanvaldez

Suck out the fluid, fill with fresh fluid, pump clutch pedal 30 times, repeat.

I do mine on a regular basis on a daily driver (13k in 11 months). Did two cycles today and fluid looked pretty good. I not a fanatic, use Valvoline Dot 4 for Advanced Auto.

Foosh

Thanks, I also found Ranger's detailed write-up, attached below:

http://www.rangeracceleration.com/Clutch_Care.html

AORoads

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-dot-4-a.html

Altho many, if not most, used Prestone DOT 4 easily available at stores like Walmart, it's obvious from the above thread that Super DOT 4 usually has/can have a higher wet and dry boiling point. See posts 9, 10, 14, etc. JoeC5 has pushed his C6 pretty hard and had no adverse effects from Prestone DOT 4, as well as many others who've used it. Doesn't mean the GM spec is wrong or off, just a possible alternative to use.

JoesC5

Do not use a turkey baster as the plastic might not be compatible with the brake fluid and can crumble, dumping brake fluid all over everything.

Use the MixMaster that can be found in the two cycle aisle/section at Walmart automotive dept. It is made to be used with petroleum products.

driver9

Thank you for that info, but some might find it helpful to know it's not MixMaster, it's MixMizer. Much easier to find online under MixMizer.

kaplana08

Super dot 4 no longer available. now it"s GM brake and clutch fluid dot 4 comes in bigger bottle with little handle

http://www.parts123.com/corvettecent...50e&ukey=46412