Flushing fluids isnt just unnecessary, it's potentally dangerous.

autofoundry.com ^ | 9/25/2013 | Jason Lancaster

[dhs12345]

This is how you get 200K+ miles out of a car. Of course, has to be decently designed and reliable in the first place.

Our 1993 4Runner is hitting the 200K mark without any major repairs. Knock on wood. Think that it still has the original clutch too. Funny. I don’t remember replacing it. Lol. My son learned to drive a clutch using it. So it is probably due.

[slumber1]

Best advise is simple - follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owners manual.

[Obama_Is_Sabotaging_America]

..oh, and give your car a name, talk nicely to it while tapping the dashboard now and then and it will last longer and not break down as often. Not joking.

[AFreeBird]

What about an engine flush. I’ve read both pro and con on the subject. I’ve Los read that synthetic oils can and do break down sludge, and that can lead to clogged oil channels.

Any truth to that?

[CrazyIvan]

Have you tried the new synthetic smoke?

[jimmango]

I replace the smoke on my wiring harness once every three thousand miles, and am careful to use genuige Lucas OEM smoke.
I usually wait for the smoke to escape before replacing, but I guess you can't be too careful these days.

[Obama_Is_Sabotaging_America]

IMO, cars with sticks last longer than auto trans. cars. You will go through brake pads many times over on an auto trans. vs. a manual trans. Manuals get better gas mileage, too.

I HIGHLY recommend getting an engine with TURBO. You get power when you want it but can drive conservatively to get better gas mileage if so desired.

I am FULL of advice and perhaps maybe full of IT. LOL

[CodeToad]

Titles uses the alarming word “Dangerous” but the article never does and never explains it.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

From what I understand, automatic transmissions in front-drive Chryslers are trouble-prone, and many of the problems stem from not using the factory recommended fluid.

Our ‘98 Sebring convertible has 141,000 miles on it so far, and thankfully the transmission has not had any problems.

[First_Salute]

A guy walks *OUT* of a bar, where 3 cops are standing. The guy crosses the east-west street, right in front of the cops.

The guy is only some 30 ft from the concrete pillar of a parking garage, where he stops - in plain site, still - un-zips and pees, right there.

Apparently, that was *NOT* “potentially dangerous.”

[Dr. Sivana]

I had purchased a 1966 Dodge Dart in 1992 from a little ol’ lady. The odometer had 39,900 on it, and I had it up to over 120,000 in 1994; the transmission fluid was never changed, and the transmission never had any problems. The 28 year old fluid was still pink.

[Cyman]

Over the years I have learned that manufacturers recommendations for any service depends on who pays for the service,. A typical new car gimmick is “you only pay for gas and tires we pay for the rest”. You buy a car with that advertisement attached and you may never see the inside of their service department

[Signalman]

Dangerous to your wallet? Maybe that’s what he means. Just a guess.

[Dr. Sivana]

DRIVE A MANUAL TRANS., NOT AN AUTOMATIC!!!

That's a matter of personal preference. I'll keep my automatic. the only manual I liked was the Dodge three-on-the-tree. I like to be able to sit three in front. No can do with floor shifter.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

What I’ve heard about synthetic oils in older engines is that synthetic tends to find leaks that dinosaur juice won’t get through.

[dainbramaged]

How often do I need to repack muffler bearings?
That's easy - every so often.

[ZirconEncrustedTweezers]

“I HIGHLY recommend getting an engine with TURBO. You get power when you want it but can drive conservatively to get better gas mileage if so desired.”

You also get shorter oil change intervals, unless you like replacing turbochargers on a regular basis. :)

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

A buddy of mine had his Chrysler minivan's transmission die right after 60K.

A common occurrence on Chrysler minivans I'm told. Partly due to the design that has smaller sized fluid porting or some such.

[Dr. Sivana]

IMO, cars with sticks last longer than auto trans. cars.

That will vary from car to car. Also, when buying a used car with manual transmission, you may have clutch issues VERY quickly, as your clutch habits will be different than the previous owners. I made the mistake of getting a used Honda, and the clutch lasted all of one week.

[Quick Shot]

Always thought Lucas should use bigger wires in order to smoke longer, The short poof’s are no fun, need a console engulfing gem for great effect.