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Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

so, I just re-read the FAQ page and thanks to Ryan for putting that truly marvelous page together!

yeah, we are all very appreciative of that page

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

and I see that there is a debate of some kind about draining and replacing tranny fluids and flushing tranny...can a few of you expound on this debate, what are your thoughts on either one, pro or con???
thanks

just draining the pan will leave the metal sludge and sediment in the bottom. you really want to drop the whole pan and clean it out completely. if you don't the metal particles can flush up through the system again and would start damaging the trans. it really is a good maintainance procedure. plus--it really can't hurt...

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

I also saw OEM mentioned several times, what does this mean? Is it a brand or something more?

it means Original Equipment Manufacturer-- meaning the part is the same as the original equipment it would replace-that was made by the vehicle maker

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

Sorry for the question, I am just a girl, who never in a million years thought she would spend this much time reading and thinking about engines....and if I were a rich girl, I can promise you, I would be at another site right now

trust us guys..we wish more girls would take interest in their vehicles...it would save us the worry

at the very least learn how to jump a battery and change a tire.

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

What kind of oil should I be using, I saw Chevron Techron Concentrate mentioned, is that a type of oil, a brand or an oil additive?

i believe it's an additive. there are a ton of posts on this forum about types of oil to use. i use penzoil 10w30....but that's just me. everyone has an opinion about the oil to use...read the forum posts, you'll see what i mean

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

Also, now that my engine is half taken apart, is this a good time for my mechanic to clean the EGR valve, or is any easier to get to now as any other time,

it can be done in about 30 minutes any time you want.

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

I mean, the truck is just sitting there, half naked,

hey...me too...

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

and I did not have the oil filter changed at last oil change, is that any easier to do now that the heads and valves are off? what about the fuel filter, same question?

you didn't get the oil filter changed??? why not?

the fuel filter can be done a little later also..

Originally Posted by wildlysmiley

I know these are a lot of issues at once, I hope someone has the heart to advise on all of these questions.

let us know how it turns out. it's a bummer about the bolts...specialty parts can be expensive.