Preston's Q's

["Al Powell" <APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu>]

> From: Preston Brown <pbrown@econ.yale.edu>
[snip]

> I want to change the ATF fluid.  Is the procedure fairly simple?  I 
> betcha the stuff has never been changed before.  It isn't "pink" when I 
> look at the stuff on the dipstick, it is browner. Has it been toasted?

If it hasn't been changed, you bet it's time.  You might consider 
having the dealer drop the pan and clean the screen or renew the 
filter while he's at it - and refill with Amsoil or other synthetic 
ATF.  Then in a week, take loose the tube for the ATF dipstick, drain 
what you can, then refill with synthetic...then do it one more time 
in a week or so.  Goal is to get as much of the standard oil OUT and 
synthetic IN as possible.  Since you can't drain the torque 
converter, you have to do it part at a time as it mixes.  Make sure 
not to cross-thread the large nut on the ATF dipstick tube!
 
> I also want to change the P.S. fluid (to pentosin, right everyone?!?) if 
> necessary.  Do you think that it would be a good idea?  The frigging cap 
> on the resovoir is is REALLY stuck.  I can't make it budge.  However, the 
> fluid is between the two lines hi/lo so I haven't worried about it.  

WHOOPS.  You CAN'T change it from one type of fluid to another!  If 
you need Pentosin and are not using it, prepare for a rack.  Whatever it 
takes, just check the manual for the correct fluid (it should also be 
on the sticker on top of the reservoir) and use the same thing!  

If the cap is terminally stuck, you can use a large set of pliers to 
get it off and replace it with a new one from the dealer or a junque 
yard.

Those are the only things I felt safe in commenting upon....

Al Powell                           Voice:  409/845-2807
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