Hi, everyone, I have read that normail oil services need to be done every 3000 miles, but what about gearbox oil etc. We added a yellow 2004 copen to the family and am concidering a total fluid change. I also have to look at plugs and leads etc as we have a misfire. I can see plenty of time being spent under the bonnet! Neil
Brake fluid is normally 2 years to avoid cylinder corrosion on any car, coolant 2 - 5 years dependant on car and coolant used to avoid internal corrosion, engine oil you got. No proven history probably means you gota do the lot so may as well go for steering and gear box then you can rest in confidence. Only thing left is boot hydraulics and maybe just dip the resovoir just after some roof operations. I'm a newbie also btw.
Gearbox oil is to be changed after 6 years or 50.000 miles. I can definitely recommend it, as it improves longevity and shift feeling immensely. The best gear oil to choose is Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75W90 GL4+. You need 2-2.5 liters. You can get it here: https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/engine-oils/Castrol/Syntrans-Transaxle-75W-90/p-OIL-139 Spark plug change is an easy job and also recommended. Power Steering flush helps keep the steering rack from leaking. You need Dexron III for this. In terms of engine oil, only use 0W and 5W oils, I can recommend 0W40 or 5W40. This stuff really works well: Shell Helix Ultra 0W-40 - Engine oil - Oils at 123spareparts.co.uk Hope this helps
Oops, fat fingerd happened again! Thanks for the info. Will look at a full service when i have some spare time.
Hi, Reading through this thread, I am interested in changing my Copen gearbox oil (currently done 46k miles and is 8 years old) but I am not sure how easy it is to drain and refill. Any help appreciated - thanks
It is quite easy. On the 1.3, you have to undo the left front wheel, I have attached a picture, the two shiny big bolts are the fill and drain plug. Open the top one first, then open the bottom one, it should be a 24mm nut. Make sure the car is on a level surface when filling it up. As mentioned, use Castrol 75W90 GL4+, it's one of the best.
Sorry Salieri can I get away with just buying 2ltrs of the gearbox oil or do i need to get 3ltrs? I know it takes just over 2 ltrs of oil. I also need some advice. My drive is on a very slight slope can I get away with jacking up one side of the car etc and placing a spirit level on the engine or car roof until its level? Thanks
It does not have to be perfect. When I did it, I jacked it up in the center front. After taking off the wheel I lowered the jack a bit so it was level again, without touching the floor You have to fill up until it runs out of the top hole. I was stupid and only had 2 liters so I had to improvise, I would definitely go for 2,5 or 3 liters, depending on what is cheaper. Maybe you can get a package deal like 3 for 2. If it has to be on a budget, you can use the following, its way cheaper: Comma SX75W-90 High Performance Semi-Synthetic Gear Oil - Gear oil - Oils at 123spareparts.co.uk Or any other 75W90 with a GL4 specification. But never use the following: GL5, GL4/5, or anything that says limited slip (LS)! But: Its not as good, there really is a difference...If you just want your gearbox to last longer, then go for the cheaper alternative.
I have taken Salieri's advice and I replaced the oil with the Castrol 75W90 GL4+ and what a difference, gears are much smoother. Not sure if its just physiological. Cheers
thanks guys ,,,, newbie you see .... get it from the boys who in the know looking for that 1300 turbo engine one day ...
Is the recommended oils the same in every country as I live in Thailand where it's very hot, does that make a difference as I am about to have a service and oil change ? Also mine is an automatic so does the same apply to gearbox oil ?
Hot climate, use 5W40. Do not use 5W20 or 5W30. For Automatic transmissions, you have to use automatic transmission fluid. Its probably Dexron III.
Service time for me too. Last year I did plugs, air filter, oil and filter, aux belt, battery, rear wheel bearings, gear oil, thermostat and a full underseal. Only done 6000 mile since so this year its just oil and filter, air filter, brake discs, pads and fluid, and another aux belt as its squeaking already.
Hi Salieri. Can you advise the plug size for the manual transmission fluid drain plug for the Copen L880K 659cc? I am trying to locate the appropriate gasket for it. Thank you.
