Fluid changes? '87 760 GLE

Nov 07, 2004 3 Replies
R

Hi all,



I have been driving my 1987 Volvo 760 for a year now. It has always been in our family (but service records weren't really kept).



It has 256K kms on it right now (160K miles).



It is automatic, and I believe it is the early auto (3speed with overdrive).


Most of today's vehicles do not come with a transmission dipstick, they suggest "not" to change the automatic fluid.


My question is, should I change the automatic fluid? I can't find a record of when it was last done. The colour is nice and red, does not smell burnt, and maintains a good level (no leaks). The tranny shifts smoothly, no slipping, and downshifts properly when necessary.



So do I bother? Typically, if the vehicle was newer, I would CERTAINLY keep up the maintenance as best as possible. I do change the oil on the B280F every 5K kms without fail.



The coolant is quite old as well, which I will replace next spring. The hoses, clamps and rad are all original, can't believe it! They are in great shape, not looking like a hose blowout waiting to happen, hehe...



I need this car to last me through 'till 2006, I might buy a newer car in fall of 2006 (a 960 or S90?)



I bet more people will suggest to change the fluid regardless right? I just need to find a competent shop. The Haynes manual shows no filter, ahhh, and normally I'd do it myself but it's getting cold here in Toronto Canada right now. Outdoor car repairs are a problem, haha.



Hmmm, gotta replace the brake fluid as well.


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R

I have the same year/model as you. From the sound of things, all's well in the tranny. But I'd be changing that anti freeze right away, with the impending winter fast approaching. If the fluid is old as you say, why take a chance? Get a thorough flush/fill and have a little more peace of mind.

RS

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J

I have an '87 740 GLE that I bought about 6 years ago with 130K miles. After a couple of months of ownership the transmission started to really act up and the car was barely able to climb a hill. I replaced the AT fluid by multiple fills and drains until the fluid was uniformly clean (the old fluid was not as nice as yours). The transmission has been fine ever since so I have no hesitation about changing the fluid regardless of vehicle age or manufacturer's recommendations.

JT

Robert wrote:

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R

As a general rule the trans fluid should be drained and refilled every

20K miles or so. Since only about 3.5 quarts drain out you're really just replenishing the friction and antifoaming packages in the oil, although incompletely. The current methodology is to flush the system about every two years in order to completely exchange the fluid.

Antifreeze follows the same schedule. Drain and replace--school is still out in my mind whether or not to mix the antifreeze with tap water or distilled water. I use distilled.

Brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or two years according to the service manual. Recent studies have shown that electrolytic action in older brake fluid contributes mightily to the degradation of interior surfaces of the brake hoses and pipes.

Bob

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