fluid changes

[blk88lx]

Hey all,

I got a 93 GT with 67000 on the clock. One mechanic told me that it is a good idea to have the fuel sytem flushed. Another mechanic says that that is a waste of $. Car is running fine. 1st mechanic also told me that I need to get the trans flushed and the brake fluid flushed on the wife's Taurus. 2nd mechanic says that as long as you do regular trans fluid changes (I do) your good. Says he's seen cars run 200 000 miles on the same brake fluid.

Is mechanic one right or is this just another way for these guys to waste my cash?

Jayson

[Maroon 5.0 LX]

Pat Goss on PBS's Motorweek claims brake systems should be flushed once a year. According to him, brake fluid is like a sponge and draws moisture in the system. I've seen cars 20-30 years old with probably the original brake fluid in them with no problems. I've seen 5 year old cars with rusty wheel clyinders, caused by moisture in the system.

I think if your trans fluid is changed every 20-30k, and there is no foreign material in the pan, a flush is not needed. You should drain the torque converter each time too.

A jug of fuel injector cleaner of a good brand once in a while probably wouldn't hurt. Fuel filter changes will keep system in good shape.

Although what he suggests won't hurt your car, I think mechanic #1 may be looking for a little extra income.

[Nitrous Al]

Maroon 5.0 LX is correct. As long as your cars are running OK, just do the regular maintenance when needed.

[blk88lx]

Got it,
Thanks guys.

[drudis]

I do brake fluid every time for pads. I just flush a bottle thru the system. Water & rust are really "bad" for a system, and the fluid is only a few bucks, so I splurge... :)
Heck, on my Cobra brakes Mustang, I change fluid before EVERY event. Which is somtimes like more than oncec/month!

As for all the other fluids. I change EVERYTHING (and I mean EVERYTHING) at 60K miles. Oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid/pads, rear dope, radiator fluid, serpentine belt, battery... I figure once its done, I got another 60K miles on it. THen at 120K I decide to do it again, or sell the car (Michigan 10 year old rusted car).