Fluid changes? '87 760 GLE

[Robert]

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.

 

[Rusty]

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

 

[Jay Tanner]

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

 

[radietz]

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.

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