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Convertible top motor oil?

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Old 05-19-2013, 07:39 PM
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Convertible top motor oil?

What type of fluid is in the convertible top motors from the factory on a '95 vert?
Was going to flush mine out and replace, but wanted to use the same type. I've read that brown/amber hyd fluid, ATF, or even brake fluid could be used but neither should be mixed.
Wondered if anyone knew for sure what was in it to start with.
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Old 05-19-2013, 10:59 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

I don't have a 95 shop manual, but the 96 factory manual, Page 10-9-26, under "Adding Fluid" indicates it requires SAE 10W motor oil
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Old 05-19-2013, 11:23 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

The 95 manual says 10W mineral oil.
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Old 05-19-2013, 11:29 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

My 97 manual says the same, 10W oil.
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Old 05-20-2013, 03:54 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

This is even more funny...the 94 manual says 10W motor oil. I guess a sample of what is in the tank will tell you what it is.
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Old 05-20-2013, 06:58 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

It is an amber colored very thin oil, but doesn't really smell like motor oil, so I'm guessing that it may be 10w hydraulic oil. I suppose either would work but would not mix well. My car lift uses regular ATF as the hyd fluid in the cylinders.
I'll see what I can find at the tractor supply store since they carry hyd fluids, see if it matches the smell at least
Thx
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Old 09-26-2013, 08:26 AM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

Since there was another thread about convertible top oil, I will update this one, so that it will have info if searched. There was a GM bulletin found that stated 10W motor oil was the correct fluid and that some of the service documentation indicating anything else was wrong.

Document ID# 911168
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Camaro
Service VME - Convertible Top Hydraulic Fluid #PI00386 - (Aug 14, 2002)
Service VME -- Convertible Top Hydraulic Fluid.
When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.
SERVICE VME
This is a service VME to all Chevrolet and Pontiac dealerships regarding 1994 through 2002 Camaro and Firebird convertible top hydraulic fluid. This is Art Spong, Brand Quality Manager for the F-cars. The service manual and ESI incorrectly advise to use DEXRONŽ III automatic transmission fluid for the hydraulic fluid in the convertible top system. The proper fluid is a ten-weight SAE oil. A bulletin will be issued and ESI will also be corrected. Thanks. If there are any questions, I can be reached at 586-947-8890.
Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Bulletin Date: MAY 2002
SERVICE MANUAL ADVISES INCORRECT USAGE OF CONVERTIBLE TOP FLUID. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 636700 )
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Old 09-26-2013, 08:50 PM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

Thx for posting that Rob! I never went any further with mine as the fluid looked very clean still...car has been sitting since last December...just started taking it apart to try one last fix to the wp gear shaft leaking and opti issue..I think the shaft assembly is worn out although it was replaced about 50k miles ago.
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Old 09-27-2013, 11:06 AM
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Re: Convertible top motor oil?

Thanks Rob!! As usual, we can count on you for the correct info.
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