Finally, I got through the second phase of my transmission fluid drain and re-fill, and engine oil, went to AMSOIL.

Last weekend I changed the engine oil and filter to AMSOIL, and drained the tranny fluid, and refilled with AMSOIL synthetic.

I must say the drain plug on the transmission was a B$^ch to loosen, but finally got it loose after applying some liquid wrench. The fluid out of the tranny was very very dark, thin in texture, and it seems it hadn't been changed in a while. After draining, I refilled with AMSOIL, but the tricky thing I had to negotiate was checking the levels through the dipstick, since you have to refil through the dipstick, oil sticks to the walls and screws up your level check. Had to leave it for a lil while then re-check.

Today I drained tranny again in an effort to get some more cleaner fluid in, since I didn't get what was in the converter on the forst drain. Fluid was a nice looking color, and once again it took a little over two quarts.

Next step is to wait for noticeable differences in performance in the tranny, if any. Already notice better fuel mileage since oil change, but this is in conjunction with a full tune up.

The only thing I would question is the fact that AMSOIL is saying I could run this oil for extended periods, more than 10,000 miles, not too sure if I should on an engine this old.

Feedback anyone......

 

Regardless of what the bottle may say, change your oil at the prescribled (sp) times--if not sooner. This is especially important with the VE engine.

If you want the best protection, use Mobil 1 5W-30 with normal change intervals. That way, you cannot go wrong.

 

Well, Amsoil warranted it to last till 25K, 35K on Series 2000, and 75K on their ATF. But I wouldn't keep them in their that long, the maximum I have ever kept my Amsoil in my engine was 6K. Everything still ran smootly after that, so I've been thinking about up the bar to 8 or even better, 10K. If I am going to be staying in the northeast region any longer, I'll definately try their series 2000. That oil is supposed to be the best oil for the winter as far as I have heard of.

Another funny thing about their ATF is that someone mentioned that you could use their universal ATF as your power steering fluid. I don't know if that was bull**** or not, but if you know anything about it. Please let me know.

 

think of it this way, although the oil itself might not break down for 25,000 or 35,000 miles, think of all the particles that are in the oil at 3000, do you really want to double/tripple that? seeing as every 3000 the engine would normally get particle free oil, it has less wear, but what about going from the 3000 to 6000 miles, now instead of having clean oil, youve got all these little metal particles running around inside your engine, and it just keeps rising in number, esp since metal or any other material is more abrasive than oil.

Saying Mobil1 is the best will not get anyone anywhere.

 

In theory you could run your engine with oil changes at their upper limit - reality is different to benchtest conditions. Change oil & filter at 6k / 6 month cycle & oil only at 3k / 3 month point - you can up the ante to 4k / 4 month & 8k / 8 month after 6 months or so. Nissan engines are strong - I work with a guy who didn't change the oil on his stanza for 160k! Car rusted out before engine died...
However, multi-valve engines like regular servicing

Power steering fluid exactly same as auto trans fluid. If your paying extra for something "different", you're being ripped.

 

no way, I didn't know their ATF is also can be used as power steering fluid. Well, I'll be damned if I don't use it.

Yeah, the only reason why I am wanted to keep my oil in my engine over a long range becuase of the late fall, winter, and early spring in New York is a real biatch. No way, I am going to change my oil in a freezing cold weather. So, that is why I wanted to keep it in there that long. And since I've been planning on keeping it there that long, I might was well get the best oil, Series 2000 will do it. As a matter of fact, I just ordered from Amsoil, gosh, I ordered so much for the entire year, it's not even funny. I used my $10 membership card on a $200 order and saved $50 off, I ended up paying $150 for it. That's was a great deal.

 

btw, has anyone drained their power steering? Do you know how many quarts of fluids would I need?

 

Amsoil states their synthetic is good for 25K or 1-year which ever comes first. They also state that this is based on using their bypass oil filtration system. I've used Amsoil for 20-years and go 12k between oil changes. HOWEVER, I replace the oil filter every 3K and add about 1/2 quart of fresh oil. As an added precaution I changed to a magnetic drain plug (available at Auto Zone). I've only change the oil once and got a good bit of metal filings off the magnet. With the full change to synthetics (I use Amsoil ATF), I get an honest (no-$hit) 27.5 mpg without the A/C on.
This is the first Max I've owned. Bought the '90 GXE for my oldest son in March and have: Replaced plugs, wires, cap, rotor, & O2 sensor (I think this made the most difference). Very impressed with the quality of the car and especially the comradery of everyone on this web site. I've made several repairs and have received good advice from everyone. Currently looking at another Max for my youngest son. He gets his learners in Dec. There's a '95 in Pitt that looks interesting on e-bay.