New AU3 XR - some questions.

[AllanB]

First post and yes I've been searching!

First time Falcon owner - just got a 2002 AU3 Tickford XR6, vemon red, leather and super low kms from one owner. It was his pride and joy! Very happy with the car, but the owners handbook is brief on info relating to any form of servicing (see your Ford dealer is their answer).

I plan to replace all fluids for piece of mind. Auto is easy - I'll pay someone!

1.
Question re power steering fluid - rang two Ford dealers, one said Mobil 424 (Tractor tramsission fluid!) one said brake fluid ........ positive it is NOT brake fluid but tramsission - please confirm the correct fluid to use.
Out of interest - how often is this meant to be replaced?

2. Engine oil - I read somewhere Ford saying something about synthetic oil in the AU - dino, semi or full synth - does it matter? 5.5l with a filter? Is this correct?

3. Radiator - from a read here, do it every couple of years and use a good quality anti-freeze/conditioner.


Many thanks for any replies.

Allan

[itsdamafia_2]

I recently became an AUII VCT owner and found the following-

Recomended power steering fluid is mobil 424. However, i found someone had recomended to me the Castrol Type "F" fluid as it is readily available at most auto stores and the label on the bottle states it meets the requirements to be used as a power steering fluid for the AU models

To flush the fluid out, i would buy a couple litres and syphoon out old fluid from the pump, and replace with fresh fluid. Do this a few times over a few days, and most of the fluid in the system will be fresh.

Engine oil is 10-30w rated. However im using a semi-synthetic "Shell Helix HX7" Grade 10w-40...... $33 from Super Cheap. Ive used the Helix range for years on my cars, and my last car the insides of the motor was clean as a whistle, no sludge at all



The manual states 5.5 litres with filter, but with mine i found it was closer to 5 litres. Dont overfill........

Regarding coolant, ive always used the Tectaloy Gold concentrate $20 which is rated for 60,000km use (although i still change it once a year)

[AllanB]

The syphon idea sounds easy!!!

Water is done as is the engine oil.

I found Supercheap stock Valvoline Formula F steering fluid - which is specifically designed for Ford Falcon EL & AU models.

Thoroughly enjoying the car so far - but that Tickford suspension is pretty firm around town! Sweetens out on the open road and with speed! Personally I think it is a bit of a shame they fired Tickford and went FPV.

[Day-mow]

Hit up some hills roads mate. You'll really enjoy the tickford suspension then

[Cav]

Hey Allan, how about posting some pics?