1960 CHEVROLET CORVAIR fuel

STARTING
1. POWERGLIDE-Place control lever in N position. The
engine will not start in any other position.
THREE-SPEED-Place gearshift control lever in Neu­
tral.
2. INITIAL START -Depress accelerator to floor and
release. This presets the automatic choke.
ENGINE WARM-Hold accelerator pedal about half
open.
3. Turn ignition switch to START and release as soon
as
engine starts.
4.
"FLOODED" ENGINE-Depress accelerator to floor
and hold while cranking engine. Never "pump"
accelerator.
3 WARM-UP
Never race the engine or drive at high speeds until
the engine has had a chance to warm up. Always let
the engine idle for a minute or two after starting and
drive at moderate speeds for several
miles, especially in
cold weather. Failure to allow sufficient warm-up time
causes much unnecessary wear to the engine. Also,
excessive speeds before axle and transmission lubricant
becomes warmed up can cause harm to these parts.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will com­
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Corvair. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the car sufficient warm-up
time, do not make "jack rabbit" starts or skidding stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as steady as traffic
permits to gain the benefits of all the economy built into
yourCorvair.

POWERGlIDE
PUSHING TO START
• Turn on key and move selector lever to Neutral. At
20 to 25 MPH move lever to "L."
• When engine starts, move selector lever to "D."
NOTE: Never tow to start.
TOWING
• Place selector lever in Neutral.
• If transmission or axle are malfunctioning, tow with
rear wheels raised.
• Never tow faster than 30 MPH.
ROCKING CAR
When stuck in mud, sand or snow, you may rock
the car forward and back by depressing the accelerator
slightly and shifting the selector lever between" R" and
"D." Avoid excessive engine speed while performing
this operation.
~ -'.
6
SPEEDOMETER
Shows speed in miles per hour. The odometer below
the speedometer registers accumulated mileage.
FUEL GAUGE
This gauge indicates fuel quantity in the tank only
when the ignition switch is in the "ON" p')sition. When
the ignition is "OFF," the indicator pointer will not
necessarily return to the EMPTY mark, but may stop at
any point on the gauge.
"TEMP-PRESS" AND "GEN-FAN" INDICATORS
These indicators are extremely important since they
provide a constant check on the operating condition of
the air cooled engine and the generator of your Corvair.
Both
indicator lights should light with the ignition switch
"ON" and before starting the engine. Indicator lights
will go out shortly after engine is, started and during
normal operation of the car. Flickering of the "Gen-Fan"
light while engine is idling is a normal condition.
Engine cooling depends on operation of the fan
driven by the Gen-Fan belt. A broken or slipping fan
belt will cause the Gen-Fan indicator to remain lighted
during normal operation and continued engine opera­
tion can result in serious damage.

HEATER
Three control levers provide full control of the
optional Corvair gasoline heater.
FAN-this is the AIR-ON control and the blower control.
This lever must be pushed down before the unit will
operate.
DEF-diverts heated air to the defroster ducts for
defogging or deicing windows.
HEAT-Allows for selecting degree of heat desired.
Heater will begin to supply heat in a minimum of
30 seconds. For efficient heating and heat distribu­
tion, keep all windows closed.
NOTE: When heater or ignition switch is shut off,
the combustion blower will continue to operate
for 30 to 40 seconds to remove unburned fuel
and vapor from the system. This is normal for this
type of heater.
10
RADIO
The optional Corvair radio control knobs are shown
below. For best reception the antenna should be extended
to at least the height of the car roof. For long distance
reception, extend the antenna to its full length.
ON-OFF SWITCH AND VOLUME CONTROl TONE CONTROl
HEATER~---1!m~!d CONTROLS TUNING
KNOB

AINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
16
OCTANE REQUIREMENTS
The Corvair six-cylinder engine is designed to deliver
peak performance on what is designated as Regular
grade fuel in the continental United States and Canada.
Regular gasoline may, however, vary in octane between
manufacturers or between different sections of the
country. If unfavorable performance is encountered be­
cause of either or both of the above factors, any Author­
ized Chevrolet Dealer can make ignition adjustments
which
will restore your car to normal operation.
Before taking your car to foreign countries (except
Canadal, where fuel available generally does not meas-

ure up to U. S. standards, it is desirable to' obtain
detailed information as to availability of fuels in a given
area and service and adjustments n~cessary to adapt
your car to the fuels available. Such information may be
obtained by writing:
General Motors Overseas Operations
Service Department, Room 9-164
General Motors Building
Detroit 2, Michigan
Include with your request the area to which you
plan to take your car and the vehicle type and serial
number.
COOLING SYSTEM CARE
The Corvair engine, being an air cooled engine, is
entirely dependent on the fan belt and blower to supply
sufficient volume of air for cooling purposes. The engine
fan belt should be checked for tightness at regular
intervals and replaced when necessary. Watch the
"Temp-Press" and "Gen-Fan" indicator lights on the
instrument panel for signs of engine overheating.
OIiIOJl~ll!I[olrolin! ...... ~'-~ ............ ,'.,./ .. / ... A/

ammonia or soda solution and flush with clear
water. Check state of charge regularly, espe­
cially in freezing weather, for an undercharged
battery may freeze and break.
16. FUEL FILTER
Every 15,000 miles-Replace filters, located in each
carburetor inlet. If flooding occurs, replace more
often.
17. BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Check frequently and maintain fluid level at mark
inside reservoir below filler opening, using G. M.
Hydraulic Brake Fluid, Super No. 11. If addition
of fluid is required more often than ·every 1000
miles the entire system should be checked for
leaks.
18. PARKING BRAKE & CLUTCH PULLEYS
AND CABLES
Every 10,000 miles-Lubric.ate pulleys under dash.
Remove the
tunnel cover under vehicle and lubri­
cate pulleys and cable bearing points with lub­
riplate. lubricate gearshift lever ball and socket
and shift rod universal joint at transmission con­
nection with lubriplate.
BODY LUBRICATION POINTS
Most body lube points do not need frequent, heavy
23
lubrication as does the chassis. However, periodic checks
of certain points on the Corvair body, and lubrication
when needed will eliminate annoying squeaks and
noises . Be careful not to over-lubricate. Wipe off all
surplus lubricant.
The following items should be lubricated periodically:
1. DQQr Hinges-Wipe off dirt and apply Lubriplate.
2 . Door Lock
Striker-Wipe off dirt and apply stick type lu­bricant.
3. Door Bottom Drain Hole Sealing Strip-Apply silicone rub-
ber lubricant.
4. Door Jamb Switch-Apply Lubriplate.
5 .
Rear Door Weatherstrip-Apply silicone rubber, lubricant.
6 . Front
and Rear Compartment Lid Lock-Apply Lubriplate.
7. Front Compartment Lid Torque Rods-Apply dripless oil to bearing points.
8. Gas Tank Filler Door Hinge-Apply dripless oil. 9. Glove Box Door Hinge-Apply dripless oil. 10. Rear Folding Seat Back Support Link Assembly & Filler Panel Hinge-Apply dripless Qil to bearing points.
The following items moy be lubricated whenever
access to the item is availoble:
11. Door Outsi.de Handle Lock Cylinder Shaft-Apply Lubri-
plate. 12. Door Window Regulator and Cams-Apply Lubriplate .
13. Door Lock Parts-Apply Lubriplate . 14. Door Locking Mechanism-Apply Lubriplate .
15. Front and Rear Compartment Hinges-Apply Lubriplate.

SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL AND UNIT NUMBERS
Serial Number . Stamped on plate attached to left center body pillar. Body Number .. Stamped on a plate attached to the left rear wheel well, within the engine compartment.
Engine Number. Stamped on the engine block behind and to
left of the fuel pump.
DIMENSIONS
Overall length ............................. 180.0 in.
Height
(loaded) .......... ................. 51.3 in.
Width
............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 66.4 in.
Wheelbase ...........•................... 108.0 in.
Turning
diameter ................. ............ 39 ft.
CAPACITIES
Gasoline Tank .........................•.... 11 gal.
Crankcase Refill ............................... 4 qt.
Add for Filter .......... , ... : ............... 1 pt.
Transmission
3-Speed .................................. 2 pt.
Powerglide
(Refill) ...... 4% to 8 pts . (depending on drain period) Differential .................. ............ 3 pt.
Air Cleaner ..................... . Polyurethane Element
Cooling System ...
.................. Air Cooled Engine
28
TIRE INFORMATION
Type .................................... Tubeless
Size .............................. 6.50 x 13-4 ply
Inflation COLD HOT
Front ............................ 15 18
Rear ......................•..... 26 30
Spare Tire-Inflate to 26 Ibs. Deflate to 15 Ibs. when using as front wheel.
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower .•..............................
Compression Ratio ........................... 8.0:1
Displacement ....... ....................• 140 cu. in.
Bore
................... ' ............ ' ....... 3.375
Stroke ...................................... 2.60
Firing Order .............. .............. 1-4-5-2-3-6
Spark Plugs .............•. AC-4.4FF (Gap: .033-.038")
Idle Speed
3-Speed .................. 450-500 RPM (in Neutral)
Powerglide
................ .. 475-500 RPM (In Drive)
Ignition Timing .......................... 40 B.T.D.C.
Axle Ratio
(Std.) ......... ................... 3.55:1
(Opl.) ............................ 3.89:1

INDEX
Page
Air Cleaner .............. , . ............ .. 21
Air Vents ............................... .
Ash Tray
............ .................... .
Battery ................................. .
Body
lubrication ......... . ............... .
Brake
Master Cylinder ..................... .
Brake-Parking .......................... .
Brakes
........ .. ............. .. ........ .
Breaking-in
Period . ........ .. ........... . .
11
11
22
23
?3
9
9
2
Bright Metal Parts . .............. .......... 14
Bulb Specifications .................... .... , 29
Chassis lubrication ................... ..... 19
Cigarette Lighter .......................... 11
Circuit Breaker ......... . ................. 29
Cleaning Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14
Clutch Cross Shaft lever ................... , 20
Clutch Pulleys & Cables .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
Cooling System ........................... 17
Crankcase lubrication ................ 16 and 20
Dimensions .............................. . 28
Dimmer Switch ... ........................ . 8
Distributor .............................. . 21
30
Page
Driving for Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Engine Oil Cooler ............. .......... . . 21
Engine
Compartment ....................... 13
Engine lubrication .................... 16 and 20
Engine Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28
Exterior Appearance ....................... 14
Washing ............................. 14
Polishing ........ ..................... 14
Bright Metal Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14
White Sidewall Tires .................... 15
Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
Front Seat Adjuster ........................ 12
Front Suspension ......... ........ ......... 20
Front Wheel Bearings ............ .......... 21
Fuel Filter ............. .. ................ 23
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6
Fuses ..
................. ................ 29
Gas Cap ........ ........................ 13
Generator ............................... 20
Gen-Fan Indicator ......................... 6-7
Glove Box ......... .... ............... . ' .' 11
Heater .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
Interior Appearance ............... ...... .'. 15
Jacking the Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 8
Keys
and Locks .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11