97 Buick Park Ave Transmission Oil

[Carlostrece]

My 97 Buick Park Ave currently has 105K on the odometer. 15 years ago, at 55K miles, I had transmission oil flushed and replaced, and filter replaced with the typical/stock type of conventional trans oil.

My climate and driving style are moderate. The transmission still works properly.

It's only been 50K miles since trans oil was replaced, but it was 15 years ago. I'm wondering how many years conventional transmission oil can last? Should I change it again now, or just keep going?

I love my car and need it to last another 15+ years because I'm handicapped and rely on it, and it's interior is customized to accomodate my special needs. However, I don't want to waste money changing oil if it's not needed. So I'm asking for advice.

 

[Slick3914]

I would definitely have the transmission serviced.

 

[Tkonrr]

Considering how you love your car and need it to last 15+ years more, definitely have the transmission fluid replaced. My wife's 2 cars and my own have very robust made auto transmissions and I still change the transmission fluid on all of them every ~25,000 miles to keep them healthy. The 4t65e transmission in your Park Avenue needs regular fluid changes to make it to 150,000 miles or more. Make sure the fluid level is correct, very important not to overfill or underfill.

 

[RF Overlord]

Agree w/the above.

 

[Carlostrece]

OK. I'll change it. Thanks guys.

 

[Carlostrece]

Does it matter which brand ATF? I assume conventional ATF is a better choice (with old seals) than synthetic?

 

[Egg_Head]

I would go with Maxlife. I believe it has some seal conditioners in it.

 

[FusilliJerry]

Never had an issue with seals using synthetic ATF in an older vehicle.

My more recent experience has shown the extra spend for something like Redline or Amsoil is worth it over conventional if its a vehicle you plan to keep "forever". I'm keen on Redline D4 or High-Temp depending on application and they hold up notably longer in shift performance and keeping it "uncooked" for longer in demanding applications (AW4 in a Cherokee that runs HOT).

I use it in a 97 Civic, 08 Mazda 3, & 01 Cherokee.

 

[RF Overlord]

Does it matter which brand ATF? I assume conventional ATF is a better choice (with old seals) than synthetic?

Brand isn't important as long as it's not one of those weirdo off-brands sold in convenience stores.

No worries using synthetic. '97 isn't old. My 1968 Buick Skylark, OTOH...

 

[wlk]

Maxlife in these older GMs work very well. I'd siphon and refill vs a pan drop and filter but service it none the same.

 

[Carlostrece]

I've heard that switching an old auto trans from conv to syn ATF can cause slipping clutches and/or seal leaks. That's why I asked about ATF type. I'll use Maxlife ATF.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

It does not matter what brand of ATF you use. Maxlife is good stuff and quite popular.

Also, since your Buick doesn't have a drain plug for the transmission, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

 

[Carlostrece]

It does not matter what brand of ATF you use. Maxlife is good stuff and quite popular.

Also, since your Buick doesn't have a drain plug for the transmission, get an aftermarket pan that has one. This will make future ATF changes much easier

That's a good idea. Another (cheaper) alternative is to buy an aftermarket add-a-drain-plug kit. I've neved added a drain plug, but I assume it'd be easy enough.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

That's a good idea. Another (cheaper) alternative is to buy an aftermarket add-a-drain-plug kit. I've neved added a drain plug, but I assume it'd be easy enough.

Maybe, but it's easier to just replace the entire pan since it isn't that expensive ($15-20), and you only need to do it once.

Some of them come with a gasket, and some don't, but even the ones that include a gasket, that gasket is usually cheap and low quality, so order a Fel-Pro gasket and install that with the new pan.

You just have to figure out whether your pan has 6mm bolts or 8mm bolts

 

[RF Overlord]

I've heard that switching an old auto trans from conv to syn ATF can cause slipping clutches and/or seal leaks. That's why I asked about ATF type

That's an old wives tale and always has been.

 

[Carlostrece]

That's an old wives tale and always has been.

Maybe.

It's similar to the old saying about not replacing extremely old ATF in an extremely old, worn, poorly maintained transmission.

Though in my case, my transmission has had it's ATF changed once before at 55K miles. It's now at 105K. So my tranny has been somewhat maintained.

 

[RF Overlord]

So my tranny has been somewhat maintained.

It's been better maintained than most.

 

[Chris142]

It's only been 50K miles since trans oil was replaced, but it was 15 years ago. I'm wondering how many years conventional transmission oil can last?

When I was born my dad bought a new 68 Plymouth Valiant. He passed in 2015 and I sold the car in 2015 with it's original transmission and transmission fluid.

 

[Carlostrece]

When I was born my dad bought a new 68 Plymouth Valiant. He passed in 2015 and I sold the car in 2015 with it's original transmission and transmission fluid.

What was the condition of that 47 year old ATF?

 

[Chris142]

What was the condition of that 47 year old ATF?

Still shifted fine lol.