Bout' Time

Hello, In the next week or so (waiting for Salt to be washed off of road), I will be picking up an under 25,000 mile, 1 owner, 1995 coupe. I am so excited, I am going out of mind (first vette! and I have always wanted a c4) YES I will post pics as soon as I pick it up! Owner has all service records. Has not changed fluids (brake fluid/transmission/flushed radiator)
QUESTION: What, if any, fluids need to be changed. I know this car has been VERY well treated, BUT age/years can cause some chemical breakdown of fluid. If so, how much should it cost to have it done?

AirForceOne!

If it were me, I would change all the fluids just for piece of mind! Some will disagree, but I'm very meticulous (****) Sometimes age overides mileage! Be prepared to pay some $$$ if you have it done!

davewhtt

The only way you are going to be positive is to change them yourself. Start with engine oil,then trans fluid.Sounds like your ride is like new keep it that way. Dave

c4cruiser

I would certainly change all of the fluids. The LT1 motor uses Mobil-1 5W-30 synthetic oil. Get a good filter too like an AC-Delco, Wix, Purolator, or NAPA Gold.

The '94 still used green (ethlyene glycol) coolant so stay with that. Any good auto repair shop can do a trans fluid flush and install a new trans filter.

Chances are the brake fluid is black so do a brake fluid flush and check the condition of the flex hoses at each wheel.

With the low miles, I would think the car has the original tires on it. If so, they will be hard and should show some dry-rot. Look for cracks in the tread and the sidewalls. If you do see cracking like this, get rid of them!! Old tires can easily see ply separation or come apart at just about any speed. A tire that comes apart at freeway speeds could put an end to driving your new toy.

bac22

Low or high mileage, there is shelf life for most fluids in a car.

TommyFox

All of them!!!! No records of any fluids being changed? Except oil I guess. Don't forget brake fluid as well.

18 year old fluid anything is bad. Coolant oxidizes and destroys Heater Cores and Radiators. That's why I only use Evan's coolant.

stag15m4

I know this thread is about fluid, but when I bought my Low Mileage C4 I wound up chasing both Brake Line Pressure and Clutch Line Pressure problems. When they don't get driven, the rubber get dry rotted and will fail. I simply changed out the master cylinders and the clutch slave cylinder as well as the flexible brake/clutch lines too. Now, everything works quite well!

Have fun!

Aaron Keating

Yes. I would in a heart beat. Brake fluid will take in moisture even if it's sitting sealed in a bottle of brake fluid once it's been opened the first time. It'll do the same thing in the car.

Trans fluid, definitely change as well as it's just another form of hydraulic fluid.

Coolant yes, it's probably changed into an acid at this point.

Oil ditto.

Infact those are always my top list when I buy a car. Unless it's brand new, (as in literally brand new) I do the fluids. Even if I can see evidence of a previous change. You never know when someone decided to skimp out and put something cheap in the car to just unload it.

Bout' Time

Excellent advice. We have a local Corvette specialty shop. I will make the appointment. Regarding tires, he just put a set of new ones in the fall (saw the receipt and they look brand new)- he kept the originals and said I can take them when I pick up the car. Original tires looked great, but yes, they were hard and that is why he replaced them. Pics coming soon.

93Rubie

Belts, HOSES, Fluids, etc...

ANY rubber product, fluid, or ANYTHING that can dry out/rot out over time is supect.

I did ALL of my idler pulleys, belt, EVERY HOSE, ALL fluids, etc....Sooner or later I'll do all the non-plastic vacuum lines.

JrRifleCoach

Something to think about.
A Vette is a car and the fluids used are nothing exceptional.
You can spend large amounts of money, or spend it sensibly.

Get those old fluids out and systems flushed.
You'll find much more fun to come.

Also, buy a Factory Service Manual (FSM) as soon as possible.

FirstC4

Welcome and absolutely change them.

I changed my fluids at only 18k last summer. Oil, trans, coolant, brake, power steering, clutch, diff as well as my serp belt and upper/lower radiator hoses.

nicpete

when you changed your upper and lower hoses did you drain the complete system,or just whatever came out of the radiator?just curious

thanks

Silver96ce

Change them all including the power steering fluid. Have the engine block flushed and pull and clean the radiator and its area under the shroud. If the cooling hoses are original - change them along with the accessory drive belt and the brake hoses. Having a car sit without regular maintenance is as bad or worse than a high mileage car. In fact, a high mileage well-maintained car might be in better shape.

Wayne88

When you have the time, I'd change all the fluids.

But, with that low mileage, there is no real urgent need to change the fluids right away.

DGXR

If there is any question, just change the fluids... all of them. The car is 19 years old. I don't know about you, but I can't put a price on my peace of mind. Adult pastimes aside, there is no better feeling than running my Corvette through the gears knowing that everything is in the best condition it can possibly be. The cost for full service of the transmission, axle oil, brake system, power steering and coolant, I would guess $500 or more, depending on the type/brand of fluids used and the labor rate of your shop.

Curious, you say the owner has all service records but did not change brake, transmission, or coolant fluids. What kinds of services were performed (besides oil & filter changes)?

MavsAK

Definitely, and get the vacuum lines, and hoses while you are at it too.

DC Ron

I bought my 93 with 39K miles and original tires on it 3 years ago. Changed all the fluids, which was pretty pricey, and had everything else checked out by the (somewhat) local corvette specialist. Replaced the tires. 7K miles later, no major mechanical issues. But lots of the little things like weatherstrip, battery, speaker amp, etc.

mchenpa

Bought my 92 with 42k and the PO said he had changed all but coolant. The oil that came out at 44k (5 months later) was horrible.

I kick myself to this day for not changing the oil the day after I brought it home. Lesson learned and the rest of the fluids have been changed out since.

I did some myself with the help of this forum and let a trusted or recommended mechanic do the others.

The one thing I did that I don't think was mentioned is the fuel filter. My C4 (sure they are all the same) will starve for fuel (sputter) during any hard turns or acceleration if it is below 1/4 tank. Not sure if I sucked any crap off the bottom of the tank or if that is even a legit concern but necessary or not I changed the filter out and keep the tank at least half full.

Welcome and have fun!