Help with oil change

Discussion in 'Buick FAQ' started by Milo916, Jun 6, 2020.

  1. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Going to do a oil change on my 72 skylark and I see this.... I’m a new mechanic so can any help with telling what part this is And Can I easily switch it out when I drain all the oil. Don’t know how the hole came about ‍♂️
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Thank you all for any help, much appreciated!
    #BuickLove
     
  3. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    Thats the dust cover for your torque converter. The opening is to drain any water that finds it's way in there. I can also drain oil if your front transmission seal goes. Bottom line is it's supposed to be there.
     
  4. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    It leaks small drops of oil so that transmission seal I should have looked at! Thank you for the knowledge I bought this skylark to become more knowledgable on cars so thanks again for the response
     
  5. gsfred

    gsfred Founders Club Member

    If the oil is red it's tranny fluid.
     
    Milo916 likes this.
  6. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    Unless it is dripping on a consistent basis, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
     
  7. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Thank you for your response
     
  8. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Another beginners question? Can I flush my radiation by taking off either of the yellow arrows? I’m trying to avoid removing my lower hose because I couldn’t find the drain plug underneath.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    Drain plug for the radiator should be on the drivers side bottom of the tank.
     
  10. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Do I have to take off this metal cover? Here’s pics of bottom left of tank.....once again I appreciate your help
     

    Attached Files:

  11. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    That isn't a stock radiator. It has plastic tanks and an aluminum core. The drain plugs on those are usually on the bottom of the radiator. Your core support may block access to it. Stock radiator petcocks are on the bottom drivers side tank and the face the back of the car, not straight down. Pull the bottom hose. Just have a drain pan big enough.
     
  12. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    You can't, that's the core support, it doesn't come off, all one piece.
     
    Milo916 likes this.
  13. Milo916

    Milo916 Active Member

    Thank you so much for the education, greatly appreciated, I’ll pull the hose thanks
     
  14. 1973gs

    1973gs Well-Known Member

    Instead of taking the hose off of the radiator, it's easier to just take the hose off of the water pump. You can do it from the top and you won't risk damaging the radiator. Just have a large drain pan and loosen the clamp. If the hose doesn't come off easily, which it probably won't, use a thin screwdriver or an awl between the water pump and the hose. Let the coolant drain out for a while before removing the hose completely. Then remove the hose and slowly lower it into the drain pan. I can usually do it without making a mess, (usually) but more than likely, you'll end up with coolant on the floor, but at least you won't be laying in it!
     
  15. 6455spd

    6455spd Silver Level contributor

    I drop a hose down the radiator cap opening and siphon out most of coolant before pulling the lower hose. I found this way to be the least messy.
     
    SRR and 1973gs like this.

Share This Page