Transmission fluid should be flushed every 20-25k. I use regular ATF.

Dick, I've been meaning to ask you. At the moment, I'm still at a limbo on whether or not I should switch from dino to synthetic, or just make my own blend. I'm finding conflicting opinions and suggestions from brickboarders, written manuals, and long-time Volvo mechanics alike:

One of my indi-mechanics, God rest his soul, told me to change the oil every 3k, or at least 4k, regardless of whether or not I use synthetic or regular oil: "Whatever you put in the engine will still have to come out of it."

In "The Gothenburg Bible," Paul Grimshaw writes, "Using synthetic oil, however, does not absolve the owner from continuing to change oil in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended interval as a minimum."

Then, brickboarders like yourself suggest that synthetic will last longer, protect better, and in the long run, prove to be cheaper than changing your regular oil every 3k.

In the meantime, I've decreased the oil change interval from 5k to 3k on regular oil 15w 40, until I can answer this question in my own terms. I wish it were clear cut, but it seems like the chapter and verse regarding oil change interval are open to more than one interpretation.

Regards,
ed850