Re: [DML] Changing Final Drive fluid ALSO other maintenence

[Soma576@xxxx]

In a message dated 9/7/03 5:38:11 PM Central Daylight Time, 
johnnysher1@xxxx writes:

> Hi. I've been preparing myself mentally for my purchase which looks 
> to be in January. I've been reading my parts and workshop manuals 
> and saw that on an automatic, (that's what I'm getting), there is a 
> final drive fluid that needs to be checked/changed. What my question 
> is: does this need to be changed as often as the trans fluid and what 
> type of oil is used for it? I didn't even know about it until I read 
> more of the workshop manual. 
> 
> That what scares me the most - finding stuff I had no idea even 
> existed in the Delorean that needs maintenance.
> 
> Johnny

the owner's manual says to change the final drive oil more or less every 15K 
miles with the transmission oil every 30K. the oil is your typical 80w90 or 
75w90 gear oil. you can probably get away with changing it every 2 years if it 
is not your primary vehicle.

actually i have a maintence schedule that i follow each year. i divide most 
services into 2 year intervals, but i change the engine oil once or twice a 
year depending on how many miles i put on it. 

first year:
change brake fluid and clutch fluid (GTLMA)
change manual trans oil.
change oil, grease chassis (4 fittings on mine)
check air filter (K&N).

second year:
change antifreeze.
change fuel filter
change oil, grease chassis.
check air filter.

each service time takes most of the afternoon. i will also make sure my strut 
mounts are tight for the doors, lubricate the power antenna and other struts 
and hinges, check my suspension struts for leaks, check for brake or other 
disastrous leaks. each time i clean my interior i also put conditioner on my 
door weatherstripping.

i try to remember to check my tires for proper pressure once or month or 
before i go on a trip or take it out of storage.

for other maintenece, i always remove my nose bra when i wash the car (always 
by hand) and clean the bra. when i wash the car i make sure to spray out the 
suspension and the frame, as well as lightly spraying the dust off the engine 
and using universal dressing for a fresh and shiny look on my repainted 
intake manifold and valve covers. I clean the interior with DMC leather care or 
Hide Food every month or two depending on usage. i also get the motor steam 
cleaned and my carpets shampooed every spring when i take the car out of storage. 
every other year i use the blending pad to rebrush the stainless. i detail 
the side molding, tires, and all other outside plastic piece with eagle-1 tire 
dressing which works awesome since it is UV protectant. between washes i use 
windex to freshen up the body from dust (even though the car is usually covered 
in my garage when i'm not using it.

If you love your car, you won't look at this stuff as a chore or a hassle, 
but rather a time for you to get away from the stresses of your regular life and 
show your car how much you love it! you will also save money and time by 
maintaining your fluids properly.

Andy


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