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Posted by Robert Davis [Email] (more from Robert Davis) on Fri, 2 Mar 2001 00:16:50 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: 97 Aero 5 speed tranny and other questions..., John C. Womer, Wed, 28 Feb 2001 14:27:19
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>> ...oil color darkens but doesn't go black until just before I change it...usually 'bout 25,000 miles).

This apparently wasn't a question, but I'll inject my 2¢ anyway, as I usually do when the subject of oil emerges. It would be wise to change every 10-15k miles, even when using a good synthetic. If you do decide to extend the interval, take a sample at 10k and every 5k thereafter, submitting each to a lab for analysis. Check for viscosity change, TBN, and contaminants. Base your change interval on these tests. R&T Magazine has stated that synthetic oil may be changed at 10k intervals on the conservative side, but probably not beyond 15k. I also would change the filter (Mobil 1, Amsoil, Delco Duragaurd Gold, or other synthetic fiber filter) at least every 10k.

BTW, it is normal for Saab engines to go well over 100k before showing oil consumption.

>> Q: Is there something "better than stock" for use in the 5 speed
>> transmissions to provide smoother shifts and longer life? (I know I
>> don't need a filter!)

Be very careful with your choice of fluid in this transaxle. If you get it wrong, chances are the gearbox will fail, which is a lesson I learned the hard way by changing to an aftermarket synthetic hypoid gear oil (Redline MTL) in my '91. Your '97 might have had the new synthetic Saab fluid installed from the factory, but even if not you can still change to it by following the proper procedure, as your car does have a tranny drain plug. I have a copy of the Saab TSB for this change, and if you're interested I can email you a scan of it.

I would not use any other fluid in the 9K manual transaxle other than 10w30 or 10w40 fossil engine oil or the Saab synthetic fluid. I would especially stay away from any hypoid gear oil, synthetic or fossil, or any synthetic engine oil. I changed to the new Saab fluid in my '95 Aero, and although I sensed only slight improvement in shifting, Saab claims improved bearing life, and that is enough incentive for me.

>> Q: If I read it correctly, I saw a TSB listing that said Saab was
>> offering a synthetic power steering fluid...maybe that is worth a try?

I hadn't heard that, but I wouldn't hesitate using it. Unlike the transaxle fluid, the power steering pump doesn't seem as quirky where fluid choice would be a factor in its welfare. I changed to a synthetic fluid some months ago, and although I'm sure the Saab fluid is fine, it is probably overpriced.

>> I have been using Mercedes coolant (like Saab, they get theirs from BASF, but it has an additional anticorrosion "package").

I've researched this topic moderately and what little information I found suggests that Mercedes fluid is a ethylene glycol formula like most others, except without the green dye included in most others. It may have unusual additives, but I don't know for sure. I have never heard anything negative about Mercedes coolant, but I also have seen no evidence of its superiority either other than some declarations thereof here.

After researching, I began using Prestone 5-year (the orange stuff), and of course a 5.5 oz. bottle of Bar's Leaks. If you've read this forum long you have already learned the benefits of BL as an additive, but in short it seals leaks, lubes the pump seal, and conditions the system. It is installed in every new car made by the Big Three and many other OEM's, foreign and domestic--and I feel it should be a standard maintenance procedure for all cars. It is the only additive of any kind that I use, with the exception of an occasional bottle of Chevron Techron added to gas every year or two in the past, although I really don't think it's necessary.

My '91 had BL installed for eight years and 124k miles without a cooling-system problem, which may be a record for a 9K. That's right, no heater core maladies. This and an oil change were the first acts of love and affection I applied to my Aero when purchased in '99.

>> During the winters....

The Louisiana resident asks, "What's a winter?" :-)

Good luck with your Aero. You'll love it!
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