hey all i thought I'd join here as it seems to suit my cars needs, have had a read through a fair few old threads etc, unfortunately whilst reading sometimes the site times me out quickly and I have to relog and then refind my page I was reading...anyways I have a 94 TS Magna auto 2600 wagon nothing special, it's done heaps of klm's at about 280K. I actually only paid a grand for it 12 months ago, I actually love the car and really enjoy the space it provides for my family and all my gardening needs and such. I have been tinkering with the idea of spending a few years and any spare coin I save and fully doing it up back to almost new with a few performance enhancements, I talk about those much though as right now I just wish to ask all you fine some quick questions.

1. I'm about to do heaps of driving over the holiday period and need to do some minor things to make sure she keeps running over this period, I need to change the auto transmission fliud, can I do this and whats the best way to do it..where is the auto transmission fliud tank..?

2. I need to change the engine belt as it has a small crack in it from wear and tear, where is the cheapest place to buy one from in Sydney, I'm thinking to buy one then get my mechanic to install it.

3. I'm going to change the oil and filter and can do that my self, once again where is the best place to buy oil filters for this make and model. I was thinking to use Shell helix oil for cars with high milage is this ok..?

I've had the valve cover gasket replaced and the electronic engine leads replaced so far, that was a little while ago.
When I start her up she blows a puff of blue smoke but when driving she doesn't blow anything is that just dirty oil burning and nothing to worry about just yet..?

thanks and sorry for all the questions...guys great forum.

Welcome to AMC

Peter pan is our state rep here in NSW and has a second gen

I am sure he can point you in the right direction

Also pop in here and say hello to the NSW crew http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

buy only mitsubishi automatic oil for the automatic (5 litrs)
should be serviced once a year and a filter and gasket changed
that means taking off the pan

supercheap a bursons or repco for other oils/ filter/ hoses/plugs/belts etc

make sure your hoses are in good shape and use coolant

the puff of smoke is typical of the 4 cyl motor with a lot of km

When you say only buy mitsu auto oil, are you reffereing the auto transmission fliud or the engine oil...?

I found a valvoline oil filter in the k-mart auoto section for 7 bucks, it just says it will suit mitsubishi, holden and ford cars, how can I tell if I can use this filter, do I have to get the exact filter for this model or is the one I saw fine to install. Also found 5 litres of valvoline 20w oil for 26bucks, says it's good for cars with lots of mileage..can I just use these both or whats the go...?

I'm getting the belts changed tomorrow as my mechanic says they are knackered..80bucks for the belts, labour..included

I just need to know what the transmission fluid I need to use is ...and I should also drain out all the old stuff too.. is that right..?

thanks guys.

Hey mate,

Firstly, welcome to AMC!

Most Magna owners will recommend you only buy Mitsubishi branded transmission fluid when you do a flush, but I have used aftermarket stuff since I got my car without problems. (I think it is more important in the 3rd gen transmissions)

There is a sump bolt at the bottom of your transmission (just like the engine oil one at the bottom of the engine). Unscrew that and let all the fluid drain out into a bucket.

It's then best to pour some new fluid in (down the auto trans dipstick) until it comes out the bottom of the transmission the same colour as it is pouring in (a pinky colour).

Then screw the sump plug back in and fill up to the mark on the dipstick

Hope that helps :)

When you say only buy mitsu auto oil, are you reffereing the auto transmission fliud or the engine oil...?

He'd be referring to the auto transmission fluid. These boxes are pretty picky about the fluid you put in them, so it's always best to go for the genuine stuff where possible. Pretty sure Castrol TQM-ST works fine in them too, but I hear it's more expensive than Mitsubishi's offering.


I found a valvoline oil filter in the k-mart auoto section for 7 bucks, it just says it will suit mitsubishi, holden and ford cars, how can I tell if I can use this filter, do I have to get the exact filter for this model or is the one I saw fine to install. Also found 5 litres of valvoline 20w oil for 26bucks, says it's good for cars with lots of mileage..can I just use these both or whats the go...?

The oil filter needs to be a specific part number. I know the Ryco number on the Astron 2.6L filter is Z56B, that cross references to Valvoline part number "V03". So look for that on the box or filter to determine if it's the right one. If it has another number or any ID on it, maybe post it back here.

20w50 engine oil should be fine for the 2.6L motor.

Welcome to AMC good to see another 2nd gen joining the crew. I used to manage a parts shop and Nulon E10 was very good for lessening the effects of valve stem seal wear dont know if you can still get it but Bursons/Supercheap etc used to carry it.

Excellent info guys thanks a heap..one more question about the transmission fluid..when I put the sump plug back and then begin filling up with new fresh fluid, how much will it take out of a bottle for it be at it's proper level..?
I mean the bottle you see at an auto shop are 1 litre...so will I ned a lot more than that, just trying to understand how much to put in an empty tranny..checking the dip stick is the way...?

[QUOTE]magna buff....... only mitsubishi automatic oil for the automatic (5 litrs)/QUOTE]
says above

this has all the info /specifications as a pdf

you need second generation ..... and adobe reader to view

downloadable manual http://www.lisho.net/?page_id=3

Good Advice cruiser.
If you really wanted to do something to improve its performance, advance the timing a touch and get some extractors, without spending $10K on an 4cyl its going to go no-where fast.

I would be getting your transmission flushed properly by your mechanic or transmission place. Make sure you tell them to do a whole FLUSH of the fluid not just a drain and refill.

Talking to Madmagna about oil filters a few weeks ago, I'll only buy genuine ones now as they are the ones ones not going to a generic type of filter for many makes and models of cars. For $7 do you really think its going to be of any quality. Ditch it. I paid like $16 for a genuine one, It's money well spent when you have piece of mind its made JUST for that motor.

Oil, go a 20w-50, Used shell for ages with the old motor, all oils around 20w-50 will be the same, if you can tell me a noticable difference in the same weight oils I'll eat my hat.

hey thanks heaps guys, I'll be back once I have these minor repairs sorted and let you know how all is going.

For your trans, if the fluid is dirty you are wasting your time in changing the fluid without a flush, get an auto trans place to do this. Many companies now make Magna Specific fluid, I personally use Lubrimax and have this in many cars with no issues at all

Oils, Paul, I will watch you eat your hat next time you are over mate lol, I personally would recommend Penrite HPR20 or there abouts, the puff you are getting is valve stem seals, on the 4 cyl is not a biggie to change but non the less if only just starting you should have a while before it gets worse, you will start to notice some smoke upon take off and this will get worse over time.

With the filter, be very wary of the multifit ones as most companies have clued onto the fact that the gasket and thread are the same over many such as the z79, z56b and z148a all share the same mounting but different releif valve pressures, they commonly go with the lowest pressure which can cause oil bypass in the filter thus bearing and other damage.

and steer clear of my mates and me if you want stuff done properly haha. dont take it to ryde motor group.