My friends 67 had transmission fluid. Why not flush it and do the same?
Convertible top pump fluid ? ?
. . I know this has been asked but I still am not finding the answer. .
. . I have a '65 Impala Convertible. . No owners manual of course. . Which fluid does the manual call for? ? I can't believe it says that it might be brake fluid or it might be trans fluid. .
. . I have a '65 Impala Convertible. . No owners manual of course. . Which fluid does the manual call for? ? I can't believe it says that it might be brake fluid or it might be trans fluid. .
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
My 65 uses transmission fluid (regular ATF) as well.
Btw I did a little research and I have found people saying they use brake fluid. Honestly if I were you, I would flush it and add tranny fluid. However, I don't know what the result would be of mixing the two. I can't imagine mixing would be ideal though.
Pull a line and let some fluid out. Do not mix the two it will ruin everything. Most use tranny fluid.
My 65 uses brake fluid. Do not mix. Brake fluid is clear, trans fluid is pink.
As GM built the car, brake fluid was used. Many have changed to transmission fluid because it is less damaging to paint if spilled/leaked. Performance is the same with either fluid.
Not totally true as in addition to being corrosive and an organic (paint) solvent it is very Hygroscopic. As such it absorbs water out of the air; and water and a corrosive (in this case basic fluid) just about guarantees there will be rust forming.
I figured the factory used either ATF (red) or Power Steering fluid (clear) as both are just ten weight hydraulic oil. Brake fluid costs more than hydraulic fluid so I am curious as to why the factory would spec brake fluid.
Did I mention that brake fluid is also highly toxic and sweet to the taste which is why it was banned from use in a lot of household items. It is also highly flammable. All around a bad choice in my opinion for that application.
If I were to use brake fluid I would flush the system and use only DOT 5 brake fluid (purple) as it is silicone based not Glycol Ether.
Big Dave
I figured the factory used either ATF (red) or Power Steering fluid (clear) as both are just ten weight hydraulic oil. Brake fluid costs more than hydraulic fluid so I am curious as to why the factory would spec brake fluid.
Did I mention that brake fluid is also highly toxic and sweet to the taste which is why it was banned from use in a lot of household items. It is also highly flammable. All around a bad choice in my opinion for that application.
If I were to use brake fluid I would flush the system and use only DOT 5 brake fluid (purple) as it is silicone based not Glycol Ether.
Big Dave
. . I know this has been asked but I still am not finding the answer. .
. . I have a '65 Impala Convertible. . No owners manual of course. . Which fluid does the manual call for? ? I can't believe it says that it might be brake fluid or it might be trans fluid. .
I do not have the 65 manual but a direct quote from the 66 Fisher body service manual in the folding top section states fill with "GM hydraulic brake fluid super #11, or equivalent".
My 63 shop manual also says use brake fluid. I can't imagine the 65 is different. So if you question is "which fluid does the manual call for?", my answer is GM hydraulic brake fluid super #11, or equivalent.
I am not recommending using brake fluid, everything Big Dave said about it is true. Just trying to answer the question asked. :beers:
Don't forget DOT 2 brake fluid changed from Caster Oil (vegetable oil) base to a Glycol Ester base in the early sixties with the introduction of DOT 3. It may be the Caster bean oil was ok but caustic artificial brake fluid wasn't. So this is a complex problem and I think it requires more research
Big Dave
Big Dave
FWIW - the tranny fluid, (or 5.1 Brake) is easier to see in the clear hoses going to the 2 actuators located in each rear seat side-panel area.
Hi guys my pump and cylinders for my convertible top 65 impala had transmission fluid from factory. I have read all over the the internet also the best fluid to use is tranny fluid so I put that back in. I recently replaced hoses from pump to convertible top cylinders now it has air in the lines would some one please help me out I am having trouble bleeding the lines can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me out thanks Ramon C. THANKS
The only bleeding process I've used is to leave the fill plug off (after filling) and cycle the top down and up a few times. Check level, fill, repeat as necessary. It's worked for me.Hi guys my pump and cylinders for my convertible top 65 impala had transmission fluid from factory. I have read all over the the internet also the best fluid to use is tranny fluid so I put that back in. I recently replaced hoses from pump to convertible top cylinders now it has air in the lines would some one please help me out I am having trouble bleeding the lines can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me out thanks Ramon C. THANKS
As for type of fluid, ATF fluid works fine and is less corrosive than the brake fluid used by GM. I've used both without problem. I did not mix them.
Ditto everything he said.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Ditto everything he said.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
I konw this is an old post but I have a couple questions.
My system has been dry for years. It seems like it might still work. motor works and cylinders move freely.
As far as mixing fluids. To what extent should I clean the old fluid out? Would a few drops of the old fluid be enough to ruin anything? Assuming it was old brake fluid and I refill with ATF. I've drained what I can by moving the cylinders and the hoses have hung and have no fluid left. Took the motor apart and it is dry.
Also wondering if the $50 "Fluid-Matic Hydraulic System Convertible Top Fill" is the best way to fill it? If I can do it with a funnel and not make a mess I'd rather save the $50. But the fill hole being on the side of the pump looks like it might be messy to fill. Not sure why the hole isn't on the top of the motor.
Any tips appreciated!
Thanks.
Recommend a good flush (with ATF if that's what you are going to use) and cleaning of the entire system to remove dirt and any other contaminants that may be present (I would not be concerned there may be some minute particles of brake fluid remaining).I konw this is an old post but I have a couple questions.
My system has been dry for years. It seems like it might still work. motor works and cylinders move freely.
As far as mixing fluids. To what extent should I clean the old fluid out? Would a few drops of the old fluid be enough to ruin anything? Assuming it was old brake fluid and I refill with ATF. I've drained what I can by moving the cylinders and the hoses have hung and have no fluid left. Took the motor apart and it is dry.
Also wondering if the $50 "Fluid-Matic Hydraulic System Convertible Top Fill" is the best way to fill it? If I can do it with a funnel and not make a mess I'd rather save the $50. But the fill hole being on the side of the pump looks like it might be messy to fill. Not sure why the hole isn't on the top of the motor.
Any tips appreciated!
Thanks.
A special 'tool' to refill is not necessary. A funnel works just fine. Using a small section of flex 'hose' on the end of the funnel helps. I 'made' a fully functional 'funnel' from a old plastic container for 75w90 manual transmission oil. The narrow opening at the top of the container fits into the 'hole' nicely and one can cut the container open so the new fluid may be 'pored in'. Place some rags around the pump to catch any spillage (much more important if using brake fluid). Bleed system as explained in the old post.
Check for leaks. Remove whatever 'panels/seats' necessary to see.
As for the fill hole on the side; fill to the level of the hole.
Hope this is helpful.
Pete
This helps a lot. Thanks!Recommend a good flush (with ATF if that's what you are going to use) and cleaning of the entire system to remove dirt and any other contaminants that may be present (I would not be concerned there may be some minute particles of brake fluid remaining).
A special 'tool' to refill is not necessary. A funnel works just fine. Using a small section of flex 'hose' on the end of the funnel helps. I 'made' a fully functional 'funnel' from a old plastic container for 75w90 manual transmission oil. The narrow opening at the top of the container fits into the 'hole' nicely and one can cut the container open so the new fluid may be 'pored in'. Place some rags around the pump to catch any spillage (much more important if using brake fluid). Bleed system as explained in the old post.
Check for leaks. Remove whatever 'panels/seats' necessary to see.
As for the fill hole on the side; fill to the level of the hole.
Hope this is helpful.
Pete
Since the car has no interior and I've just reinstalled all the hydraulics it'll be easy to check for leaks. Wanting to get the top functioning good before I install any carpet and seats, etc.
Thanks again!
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
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