303 engine rebuild and fluids

tarps3 · 10-17-2006, 09:12 AM

Hi all,
I have a '53 Olds 98 I'm in the midst of restoring.
I am nearing the completion of my engine rebuild and restoration (including the frame). I've attached a pic I hope will go thru.
Anyway, I need to know what sort of fluid I need to use for the power steering mechanism. The Owners manual says "Hydramatic fluid". Should I use tranny fluid or regular power steering fluid?
thanks.
Casey

http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0951.jpg

http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0953.jpg

http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0964.jpg

Oldsguy · 10-18-2006, 04:48 AM

Very nice! Not sure about the fluid on the older power steering unit, sorry.

Oldsfan · 10-18-2006, 06:24 AM

I used Dexron in mine when I had it overhauled last year. Not only is that what was recommended at the time, but that's what my mechanic said he uses.

Paul

tarps3 · 10-18-2006, 07:08 AM

Thanks for the info Oldsfan. I put in some Valvoline Maxlife power steering fluid that is supposed to be an equivalent of Dexron. It is approved for all GM power steering systems according to their website. it has the same values as Dexron.
Casey

10-17-2006, 09:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
tarps3 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 29	303 engine rebuild and fluids Hi all, I have a '53 Olds 98 I'm in the midst of restoring. I am nearing the completion of my engine rebuild and restoration (including the frame). I've attached a pic I hope will go thru. Anyway, I need to know what sort of fluid I need to use for the power steering mechanism. The Owners manual says "Hydramatic fluid". Should I use tranny fluid or regular power steering fluid? thanks. Casey http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0951.jpg http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0953.jpg http://squarebirds.org/users/tarps3/...e/IMG_0964.jpg

10-18-2006, 04:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Oldsguy Administrator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lees Summit MO Posts: 2,862	Very nice! Not sure about the fluid on the older power steering unit, sorry. __________________ Dan '46 2 door

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10-18-2006, 06:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
Oldsfan Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 482	I used Dexron in mine when I had it overhauled last year. Not only is that what was recommended at the time, but that's what my mechanic said he uses. Paul

10-18-2006, 07:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
tarps3 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 29	Thanks for the info Oldsfan. I put in some Valvoline Maxlife power steering fluid that is supposed to be an equivalent of Dexron. It is approved for all GM power steering systems according to their website. it has the same values as Dexron. Casey