1971 CHEVROLET CAMARO engine overheat

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving with Manual Transmissions
The 3-speed manual transmis­
sion shift positions follow the
stan­
dard pattern shown on the illustra­
tion. The 4-speed transmission shift
lever, extending from the floor,has
its special shift pattern diagram
lo­
cated on the knob or floor plate.
Depress the clutch pedal fully
be­
fore attempting to shift to a differ­
ent gear, then release the pedal to
move in that gear. Shifting into 2nd
and 3rd gear
as soon as possible
will add appreciably to your fuel
economy.
Both transmissions, being fully
synchronized, may be downshifted
into 1st gear at any speed below
20
m.p.h. Shift into Reverse gear only
after the car has stopped. Always depress
and release the clutch pedal
fully when shifting.
On Four-Speed
transmission the shift linkage may
be adjusted to allow
"short stroke"
shift lever operation. See your
Chevrolet Dealer.
Also, shift into
"Reverse" before
shutting
off engine. This will permit
the ignition key to be turned to the
"Lock" position.
REMINDER: Before descending a
steep or long grade, down a moun­
tain or hillside, reduce speed and
shift into a lower gear (for either
automatic or manual transmission
cars).
Use the brakes sparingly to
prevent them from overheating and
thus reducing brake effectiveness.
16
Turn Signals and Lane
Change Feature
The turn signal lever is located
on the left side of the steering
col­
umn immediately under the steer­
ing wheel. The lever is moved up­
ward to signal a right turn and '
downward to signal a left turn.
Lamps on the front and rear of the
car transmit this signal to other

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine motorists and pedestrians. The ig­
nition switch must be in the "ON"
position in order for the turn sig­
nals to be operational. This feature
prevents battery drain if the lever
is left in an "ON" position when
your car
is not in use.
In a normal turning situation
such
as turning a corner, the turn
signal is cancelled automatically
after the turn
is completed. How­
ever, in some driving maneuvers
such
as changing lanes on an ex­
pressway, the steering wheel
is not
turned back sufficiently after com­
pleting the turn to automatically
cancel the turn signal. For con­
venience in such maneuvers, the
driver can flash the turn signals by
moving the turn signal lever part
way (to the first stop) and holding
it there. The lever returns to the neutral
or cancelled position when
the driver releases his hold on the
lever.
A green light on the instrument
cluster flashes to indicate proper
operation of the front and rear
tum
signal lamps. If the indicator lamp
remains on and does not flash,
check for a defective lamp bulb.
If
the indicator fails to light when the
17
lever is moved, check the fuse and
indicator bulb.
Power Steering
Power steering assist is provided
by a hydraulic pump driven by the
engine. When the engine
is not run­
ning
or if the power steering pump
drive belt breaks, the car can still
be steered, but much greater steer­
ing effort will be required.
Holding Car on an Upgrade
When stopped on an upgrade,
maintain your position by applying
the brakes. Never hold the car in
place by accelerating engine with
transmission in gear. This could
cause damage by overheating the
transmission (automatic) or clutch
(manual).

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Parking Your Car
Always engage the parking brake
.and place the automatic transmis­
sion selector lever in
"Park" posi­
tion when leaving your car unat­
tended. Also with automatic trans­
missions, never park for prolonged
periods with engine idling and
transmission in gear, especially if
your car
is equipped with air con­
ditioning. This practice
is detri­
mental to the transmission, due to
overheating.
Tilt Steering Wheel
The optional tilt steering wheel
can be tilted up above normal posi­
tion to provide additional room for
entrance and exit
as well as selected
driving positions below normal
height. This permits individual
se­
lection of the most natural position
for all driving conditions.
On long
trips the steering wheel position can
be changed
to minimize tension and
fatigue.
The
tilt mechanism is operated
by lifting up on the small control
18
lever on the left side of the steering
column just below the directional
signal, moving the steering wheel
to
the selected position, and releasing
the lever.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Generator Indicator Light
This light provides a quick check
on the generating system of your
car. The red light will go on when
the ignition key
is in the "on" posi­
tion, but before the engine is
started. After the engine starts, the
light should go out and remain out.
If the light remains on when engine
is running, have your Authorized
Chevrolet Dealer locate and correct
the trouble
as soon as possible.
Engine Temperature
Indicator Light
This indicator light is provided
in the instrument cluster to quickly
warn of an overheated engine. With
the ignition
switGh in the START
position, the red TEMP indicator
will light to let you know that it
is
operating properly.
When the engine
is started, the
red light will go out immediately.
It will light up at no other time
unless for some reason the engine
reaches a dangerously high
oper­
ating temperature. If the red light
should come on, the engine must be
stopped until the cause of the
over­
heating is corrected. Glance at in­
strument cluster frequently as you
drive to see if this light
is on.
Brake System Warning
Light
The service brake system is de­
signed so that half of the brake sys­
tem will provide some braking ac­
tion in the event of a hydraulic leak
in the other half of the system.
When the brake apply system
is not
operating properly, a warning light
located at lower left of instrument
cluster (speedometer face) will
glow continuously when the
igni­
tion is on after the brakes have been
firmly applied.
On cars equipped
with drum brakes, the light will go
21
out when foot is removed from
brake pedal.
• As a check on bulb condition the
light should glow with the
park­
ing brake applied and the igni­
tion on. (Light is also a reminder
to release parking brake.)
• Have system repaired if light
does not come on during check.
• This warning light is nota sub­
stitute for the visual check of
brake fluid level required
as part
of normal maintenance.
If the light glows red:
• The parking brake is not fully re­
leased or,
• The service brake system is par­
tially inoperative.
What to do:
1. Check that the parking brake is
released.
2. Pull off the road and stop, care­
fully-remembering that:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine FLOOR CONTROLS
Braking System
The service brake system is de­
signed for braking performance
under a wide range of driving con­
ditions even when the vehicle
is
loaded to its full rated vehicle load.
Power Brakes
• Cars with power brakes can
make two or more brake stops
using reserve power assist after
the engine
is off.
• When reserve power is ex­
hausted, the vehicle can still be
stopped by applying greater
force to the pedal.
Parking Brake
• To set parking brake, fully de­
press foot pedal at far left side.
• For maximum holding power,
depress regular brake pedal with
the other foot at the same time.
• To release parking brake, pull
"BRAKE RELEASE" lever on
lower left instrument panel.
• Never drive car with parking
brake set
as this may overheat or
otherwise damage rear brakes.
REMINDER: Brake pedal travel
should not be obstructed by im­
proper floor mats or other interfer­
ing material under the pedal.
NOTE: "Riding the brake" by rest­
ing your foot on the brake pedal
when not intending to brake can
cause abnormally high brake tem­
peratures, excessive lining wear
and possible damage to the brakes.
31
REMINDER: Brake linings should
be inspected for wear by a qualified
mechanic at least once a year
or
every 12,000 miles, whichever oc­
curs first. More frequent inspec­
tions should be made if driving con­
ditions in your area, such
as traffic
or terrain, or techniques of indi­
vidual drivers result in frequent
brake applications. Your Chevrolet
dealer
is best qualified to advise you
as to how often this inspection
should be performed. When brakes
require relining, use those Genuine
General Motors
Parts specifically
recommended for your car, and
Delco, brake fluid as required.
Automatic Brake Adjusters
• Brakes on this car are self-adjust­
ing, designed to eliminate peri­
odic brake adjustments.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • coolant meeting GM Specification
1899 M should be used.
NOTE: Alcohol or methanol base
coolants or plain water are not rec­
ommended for your Camaro at
any time.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 15 lb. pres­
sure type, must be installed tightly,
otherwise coolant may be lost and
damage to engine may result from
overheating.
Radiator pressure
caps should be checked periodi­
cally for proper operation.
If re­
placement
is required specify AC.
Thermostat
The cooling system is protected
and controlled by a thermostat in-stalled
in the engine coolant outlet
to maintain a satisfactory operat­
ing temperature of the engine. This
thermostat
is designed for continu­
ous use through both winter and
summer and need not be changed
seasonally. When replacement
is
necessary, specify United Delco
parts.
Tires
The factory installed tires on
your car are selected to provide the
best all around tire performance
for all normal operation. When in­
lated
as recommended in the tire
inflation placard affixed to the left
door of your vehicle, they have the
load carrying capacity to operate
satisfactorily at all loads up to and
including the full rated load speci-
61
fied in that table at all normal high­
way speeds. In addition, for those
owners who prefer the utmost in
comfort, optional tire inflation
pressures may be used when loads
of four passengers or less are
carried.
For the added convenience of
owners, many Chevrolet dealers
are equipped to handle tire war­
rantyadjustments on certain makes
of tires provided on 1971 Chevro­
let cars.
TIRE TRACTION
A decrease in driving, corner­
ing, and braking traction occurs
when water, snow, ice, gravel, or
other material
is on the road sur­
face. Driving practices and car
speed should be adjusted to the
road conditions.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine a bobby pin) between the rubber
cup at the end of the spark plug
wire
and the tubular metal con­
nector inside of it. If the spark plug wire is wet or oily, wipe it
dry. Wrap a dry handkerchief or facial tissue, folded several thick·
nesses, around the wire at least
three inches back from the end
and grasp the wire at this point.
Hold the bare wire about 1f4 inch
from the
bare tip of the spark
plug from which you removed the Checking Spark
wire. When the engine is "turned over" a spark should jump across
the 1f4 inch space, indicating ample current supply. If no spark
jumps, the difficulty is probably caused by a defective ignition part
and should be corrected by. your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
COOLING SYSTEM
When the car will run but evidences serious overheating on the temperature gauge in the instrument panel, there are several items
which may be checked.
(L) Engine overheating will occur when the OIL LEVEL falls danger­ously low. Check the oil level as a matter of course.
(M) Low COOLANT LEVEL will, of course, cause engine over­
heating. Determine the cause of the low coolant level and have
it corrected if necessary.
(N) Check the RADIATOR CORE. Clean it if it is plugged with
bugs, leaves or other foreign material.
71
(0) Condition of the FAN BELT is very important, not only for en­gine cooling but also for proper
generator operation. Check the
condition of the belt. Replace it if it is worn or frayed. Loosen the generator toward the engine to remove and replace the belt. Tighten the belt, whether new or old, by loosening the generator bolts, prying with a bar on the generator until the belt is ten­
sioned properly, then retighten
the
generator bolts.
(P) Another cause of engine overheating may be an inopera­tive COOLING SYSTEM THERMO­STAT. If the thermostat should fail in the closed position, it will not
permit coolant to circulate through
the system.
In such an emergency the thermostat may be removed
but should be replaced with a properly functioning thermostat as soon as possible.
Fan Belt Tension
Thermostat
Installation

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX
Air Cleaner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 55
Air Conditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29
Air Pollution Control Systems ...... .... 41
Ammeter ............................ 23
Antenna ............... .............. 29
Appearance Care ..................... 47
Automatic Brake Adjusters ............ 31
Axle, Rear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
Battery .. .................... ........ 64
Bearings, Front Wheel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 58
Before Driving your Car.. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3
Brakes
................... ........... 31 Driving Through Deep Water ........ 31
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 58
Master Cylinder Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 58
Parking Brake ...................... 31
Warning Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21
Break-In Period Cars Pulling Trailers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
New
Car . ......................... 2
Bulbs and Fuses .
..................... 76
Bumper Jack
Operation
......... . ................ 40 Stowage ........................... 40
Carbon Monoxide Caution ......... .... 11
Circuit Breakers, Headlamps. . . . . . .. 74, 76
Cleaning ............................. 47
Clock ..
............................. 24
Clutch ..................... .......... 32
Controls ....... .... ....... ........... 31
Cooling System Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 60
Defogger, Rear Window
............... 26
Defroster , Defogger, Windshield ........ 25
Dimmer Switch, Headlamp . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32
Directional Signals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
Door Locks.. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. 3
Emergency, In Case
Of ................ 38
Brake Warning Light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Generator Indicator Not
Charging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Hazard Warning Flasher ........... .. 38
Jacking To Change Wheels ........... 40
Jump Starting With Auxiliary
Battery .......................... 39
Overheated Radiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
Towing ..................... ..... .. 38
Emission Control Systems .............. 41
Engine
Cooling
........................... 60
Exhaust Gas Caution ................ 11 Flooded, Starting Procedure . . . . . . . . .. 13
Overheating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 72
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13
Temperature Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23
Engine Oil
Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 72
Change Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 Dip Stick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Filter .......... .................... 53
Oil Recommendations ............... 52
Viscosity
.............. ........ . .. .. 54
Exhaust
System .................... ... 37 Filters .................... ........... 75
Flashers
Hazard Warning
.................... 38 Turn Signal. ...................... , 16
Fluid Levels
Battery
............... Inside Back Cover
Brake Master Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 58
Engine Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 52
Power Steering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 59
Radiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
Rear Axle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 32
Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56
Foreign Countries, Operation In
...... .. 65
Fuel Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20
Full Rated Load (See Tires)
Fumes ..
........ ..... ............ .. .. 37
Fuses ............................... 76
Gasoline Filler Cap
......... 51, Inside Back Cover
Low-Lead .
........................ 42
Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
42
Generator Indicator Light. ............. 21