1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

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jahmalj
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Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:52 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider 2000

1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby jahmalj » Sun Jul 09, 2017 2:19 pm

Hello All,

I am looking for recommendations for the transmission and radiator fluid on my automatic 1981 spider. It has been sitting so I drained the oil (SAE 30) and will drain the radiator and transmission fluid. I am learning about cars and this one in particular so please bare with me. :)


Jahmal

Frog2Spider
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Your car is a: 1981 2000 Spider
Location: Vancouver, Washington

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby Frog2Spider » Sun Jul 09, 2017 4:31 pm

As per 1981 Spider Owners manual

- Engine Oil - 10w 40 (15w40 is recommended, but harder to find. DO NOT use Synethic. It will leak)
AND a Zinc Additive
- Coolant - 50/50
- Brake Fluid - Dot 3 (Do not use Synethic. It will destroy the seals in your Master Cylinder and Calipers)
- Manual Transmission - GL -1
- Differential - GL -5 ( 75/90 Gear Oil)

Owners manuals are available and highly recommended. They can be down-loaded free or bought from a Fiat vender specializing in parts for our cars.

Dave.
Always looking for curves under blue skies!
Frog2Spider

'81 - 2000 Spider

jahmalj
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:52 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider 2000

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby jahmalj » Sun Jul 09, 2017 6:33 pm

Thank you @Frog2Spider

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Nanonevol
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Your car is a: 1977 Fiat 124 Spider
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Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby Nanonevol » Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:25 pm

Don't put GL1 in your automatic.
1977 Fiat Spider
1985 Jaguar XJ6
1967 Triumph Bonneville (hard-tail chopper)
1966 BSA Lightning

Frog2Spider
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Joined: Thu Jun 19, 2014 6:48 pm
Your car is a: 1981 2000 Spider
Location: Vancouver, Washington

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby Frog2Spider » Sun Jul 09, 2017 8:14 pm

Yes, GL1 is for manual transmissions only, as stated. Just re-read your question.

An Automatic transmission is not a Fiat component. The Fiat manual has no automatic specifications and recommends having the transmission checked by a transmission shop, as different GM models were used.

Dave
Always looking for curves under blue skies!
Frog2Spider

'81 - 2000 Spider

jahmalj
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:52 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider 2000

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby jahmalj » Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:21 pm

@Frog2Spider I am not sure what you mean that the automatic is not a Fiat component. It's a 1981 Fiat Spider 2000 with an automatic transmission. Am I missing something here?

@Nanonevol Do you have a recommendation for the transmission fluid?

Thanks,

Jahmal

jahmalj
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:52 pm
Your car is a: 1981 Fiat Spider 2000

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby jahmalj » Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:28 pm

All,

I got it. I am showing the Dexron transmission fluid. Thanks for the help. BTW, I do have my manual now! :)


Jahmal

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RRoller123
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Your car is a: 1980 FI SPIDER 2000
Location: SAGAMORE BEACH, MA USA

Re: 1981 Fiat spider Transmission & Coolant recommendations

Postby RRoller123 » Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:49 pm

They used a 3 speed Chevy automatic transmission, from a Chevette if I am not mistaken.
'80 FI Spider 2000
'74 and '79 X1/9 (past)
'75 BMW R75/6
2011 Chevy Malibu (daily driver)
2010 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Ext Cab 4WD/STD BED
2002 Edgewater 175CC 80HP 4-Stroke Yamaha
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