diff --git a/src/test/run-pass/preempt.rs b/src/test/run-pass/preempt.rs
index e0434c14048..3d3e178f064 100644
--- a/src/test/run-pass/preempt.rs
+++ b/src/test/run-pass/preempt.rs
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 
 fn starve_main(alive: chan<int>) {
     debug!("signalling main");
-    alive <| 1;
+    alive.recv(1);
     debug!("starving main");
     let i: int = 0;
     loop { i += 1; }
@@ -22,10 +22,12 @@ fn starve_main(alive: chan<int>) {
 pub fn main() {
     let alive: port<int> = port();
     debug!("main started");
-    let s: task = spawn starve_main(chan(alive));
+    let s: task = do task::spawn {
+        starve_main(chan(alive));
+    };
     let i: int;
     debug!("main waiting for alive signal");
-    alive |> i;
+    alive.send(i);
     debug!("main got alive signal");
     while i < 50 { debug!("main iterated"); i += 1; }
     debug!("main completed");