Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SAFETY CHECKS
Your Camaro not only conforms to all U.S. Fed
eral Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards applicable at
time of manufacture, but also incorporates other im
portant General Motors safety features. Even with
these safety features, however, continued safe and
dependable operation depends greatly upon regular
vehicle maintenance.
This section discusses the various components and
systems of your vehicle that should be checked regu-
CHECK OFF EACH ITEM UNDER MIlEAGE AS SERVICE IS PERFORMED. Brakes and Power Steering -Check all lines and hoses. Check condition of brake linings and parking brake adjustment. Chassis lube and check all fluid levels,· Check condition of front and rear suspension and steerine system. Exhaust System -Check condition of system and underbody. Tires and Wheels-Check condition. (Check tire pressure at least monthly.) Engine -Change oil.· Check condition 01 all belts. -Replace oil filter (at 1st oil change and tllen every 2nd chanie). -Check air cleaner every 12,000 miles; replace every 24,000 miles. .-Replace PCV valve. -Service exhaust emission control systems (see Owner's Manual). -Change toolanl every Iwo years. Throttle linkage -Check operation and condition . Headlights -Aim. Transmission (Automatic)-Change fluid and service filter. 0 ,', III · 0
33
larly to help maintain continued safe and dependable
vehicle operation.
Some checks should be made by
your dealer or service station, and can be done con
veniently while your vehicle
is in the shop for other
regular maintenance services.
Other checks can be
made easily by owners.
CHECKS TO BE PERFORMED BY YOUR
DEALER OR SERVICE STATION
As a service reminder to owners, all 1971 General
Motors passenger cars are equipped with a
"Vehicle
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine POSITIVE CRANKCASE
VENTILATION (PCV)
~F"'FILnREDAIR --+ B = BLOW BY GASES :lI." HB ~COMBUSTlBlEMIXTURE
pey
VALVE
OPERATION: All General Motors gasoline engine
powered vehicles are equipped with Positive
Crank
case Ventilation-a system which permits no crank
case emissions to be discharged into the atmosphere.
To function properly, the system depends on the
43
PCV Valve which returns blow-by gases to the com
bustion chamber where they are burned.
MAINTENANCE: This valve must be clean in
order to maintain efficient engine operation.
An
inspection of the ventilation filter should be
made at the first oil change
(4 months or 6,000
miles, whichever occurs first). At each subse
quent oil change, the ventilation filter
should
be inspected and replaced if necessary. Re
place filter at least every 24,000 miles. Under
normal driving conditions, the PCV Valve should
be replaced every 24 months or 24,000 miles,
whichever occurs first, and
all hoses and fit·
tings
should be inspected and cleaned or re
placed, as necessary. Replace the PCV Valve
and inspect related parts every 12 months or
12,000 miles when the vehicle is used in a ser
vice requiring more frequent engine oil change
as covered on page 53.
NOTE: Emission control systems in this section are Illustrated on V-8 engines; systems on 4 and 6 cylinder engines are similar.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR INJECTION REACTOR (AIR)
KEY TO HR. SYSTEM CJ F1LTEREDAIR
.... ~!~:~~A:~~~~I:E ~ TREATED EXHAUST ~(TOUMOS'HERE THMOUGHHHAlIST'II'E)
OPERATION: The Air Injection Reactor system,
(used on vehicles not equipped with
CCS) is de
signed to reduce air pollution by oxidizing (burning)
the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide after they
45
leave the combustion chamber. A positive displace
ment air pump, driven by the engine, compresses
filtered air which
is injected at the exhaust port of
each cylinder. This air mixes with the exhaust gases
and promotes further oxidation of both hydro
carbons and carbon monoxide. The
AIR system also
includes a specially calibrated carburetor and dis
tributor.
MAINTENANCE: Complete effectiveness of this
system
is dependent on the engine idle speed,
ignition timing and
dwell being set according
to specifications as indicated on a label under
the hood. These adjustments should be
checked at the first oil change (4 months or
6,000 miles, whichever comes first). Subse
quent checks should be made at 12 months or
12,000 mile intervals, whichever comes first.
These adjustments are
also included as part of
the
quality tune-up recommended at the same
intervals. In addition, all hoses and fittings
should be inspected to make sure they are
properly connected, and the drive belt in
spected for wear
and tension on the 12 month
or
12,000 mile schedule.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Change Interval
Change oil each 4 months. If
more than 6,000 miles are driven
in a 4-month period, change oil
each
6,000 miles.
In certain types of service in
cluding:
• operation under dusty condi
tions,
• trailer pulling,
• extensive idling, or
• short trip operation at freezing
temperatures (engine not
thor
oughly warmed up),
the oil change interval should not
exceed 2 months, or
3,000 miles,
whichever occurs
first. Operation
in dust storms may require an im
mediate change of oil. See your
Chevrolet dealer for advice on the
frequency of oil and filter changes under
unusual driving conditions.
The above recommendations
apply to the first change
as well as
subsequent oil changes. The oil
change interval for your Camaro
engine
is based on the use of oils
that
meet. the requirements indi
cated in the section on "Engine Oil
Recommendations." Oil change in
tervals longer than those listed
above will result in serious
reduc
tion in engine life and may affect
Chevrolet's obligation under the
provisions of the
New Vehicle War
ranty.
A high quality
MS oil meeting
General Motors Standard GM
6041-M was installed in your en
gine at the factory. It is not neces
sary to change this factory-installed
oil prior to the recommended
nor
mal change period. However, the
oil level should
be checked more
frequently during the break-in pe
riod since somewhat higher oil con-
53
sumption is normal until the piston
rings become seated.
Manifold Heat
Control Valve
Every 6,000 miles or 4 months,
check heat control valve for free
dom of operation.
If shaft is stick
ing free it up with GM Manifold
Heat Control Solvent or its equiva
lent.
Engine
Oil Filter
Replacement
The engine oil filter should be
replaced at the first oil change and
every second oil change thereafter.
This recommendation
is based on
the use of engine oils that meet the
requirements indicated in the
sec
tion on "Engine Oil Recommenda
tions," and the use of a quality oil
filter. AC
Oil Filters provide maxi
mum engine protection.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine the crankcase ventilation valve.
Regular replacement of the PCV
Valve
is recommended at 24-month
or
24,000-mile intervals.
G.M. Evaporation
Control SYltem
The Evaporation Control System
requires only periodic canister filter
servicing.
Every 12 months
or 12,000
miles, whichever occurs first, (more
often under dusty conditions) the
filter in the base of the canister
must be replaced and the canister
inspected.
Drive Beltl
Every 6,000 miles or 4 months
inspect drive belts for wear, fray
ing, cracking, and tension. Belts
which are in poor condition should
be replaced immediately.
Check tension by applying
mod
erate thumb pressure midway be
tween pUlleys. If the center-to
center distance between pulleys
is
13 to 16 inches, the belt should
deflect
lh inch. If the center-to
center distance
is 7 to 10 inches,
the belt should deflect
1;4 inch.
Loose belts should be retensioned
to give the correct deflection.
Air Cleaner
Paper Ellment Type -First
12,000 miles, inspect element for
dust leaks, holes
or other damage,
replace
if necessary. If satisfac
tory, rotate element
1800 from
originally installed position.
Re
place element at 24,000, miles.
Element must not be washed,
oiled, tapped or cleaned with an
air hose.
Crankca.e Ventilation Filter
(located within Air Cleaner)
If so equipped, inspect at every oil
change and replace if necessary.
Replace at least every
24,000
miles; more often under dusty
driving conditions.
Flame Arrester -Every 12,000
55
miles-Clean the arrester (located
in the base of the air cleaner) with
kerosene
or a suitable solvent. Dry
with compressed air.
The engine air cleaner should
be installed at all times unless
temporary removal
is necessary
during repair or maintenance of
the vehicle, because in the absence
of the air cleaner backfiring could
cause
fire in the engine compart
ment.
For maximum protection spe
cify an AC Acron air filter ele
ment.
Fuel Filter
Replace carburetor inlet filter
element every 12 months or
12,000 miles, whichever occurs
first or, if an in-line filter
is also
used, every
24,000 miles.
Replace in-line filter every
24,000 miles.
When replacement
is necessary,
always insist on AC Acron filters.
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
This section contains a complete summary of the scheduled maintenance recommended for your vehicle.
Intarval
Every 6,000 mile. or 4 month., which· ever occur. flrat
Service To Be Performed
• Change engine oil (normal passenger car serv
ice"). Not to exceed 6,000 miles.
•
Lubricate front suspension and steering linkage.
• Check brake lines and hoses.
• Check all lubricant and fluid levels (power
steering pump, brake master cylinder, transmission, rear axle, radiator, battery).
• Check Power Steering lines and hoses.
• Hood latch lubrication.
• Check manifold
heat control valve.
•
Lubricate transmission floor shift linkage.
• Check
throttle and parking brake linkage and
body parts.
• Check emission control items at first oil
change (adjust engine idle speed, dwell, ignition timing) .
• Check exhaust system for proper mounting , leaks, and missing or damaged parts.
Interval
At first oil change
At first
oil change and
every second
oil change
thereafter
Every
6,000
mlle&
Service To Be Performed
• Check air conditioning system hose connections, refrigerant charge and for refrigerant
leaks.
• Tire and wheel condition inspection.
• Inspect accessory drive belts.
•
Lubricate parking brake pulley, cables and linkage.
Inspect crankcase ventilation filter (located in
air cleaner) and replace if necessary.
• Set idle speed , ignition timing, and dwell to
specifications.
• Change engine oil filter."
•
Rotate ti res • Lubricate parking brake pulley, cables and
linkage .
·Servlce more often during severe operating conditions as outlined under Service and Maintenance.
66
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Interval
First 12,000 miles Every 12
months
or 12,000 miles
Every
24,000 miles
Service To Be Performed
• Rotate distributor cam lubricator. See 24,000 mile recommendation.
• Insp .ect air cleaner element, if satisfactory
rotate 1800 from original position and reinstall. See 24,000 mile recommendation.
• Inspect brake linings and check system for
leaks
• Inspect parking brake and throttle linkage. • Engine tune-up.
Replace carburetor 'Inlet fuel filter element. • Check emission control items. • Inspect AIR drive belt.
Evaporation Control System-Replace filter in
base of canister and inspect canister. • Check headlamp aiming.
• Repack front wheel bearings.
• Replace distributor cam lubricator. • Drain automatic transmission sump and add
fresh fluid (normal passenger car service).' Adjust Powerglide low band at first fluid
change.
• Replace crankcase ventilation filter (located
within air cleaner).
• Replace Turbo Hydra-Matic sump filter.
Interval Service To Be Performed
Every 2 years • Drain radiator coolant, flush and refill system.
Every
24 months· Replace PCV Valve. Inspect all hoses and or 24,(100 miles fittings.
Every
36,000 • Check steering gear for seal leakage (actual
miles solid grease-not just oily film).
• Lubricate clutch cross shaft (sooner if necessary), remove plug and install lube fittIng.
During Winter
• Check operation of air conditioning system.
months
Periodically • Check battery liquid leve/.
• Inspect seat belts, buckles, retractors and
anchors.
• Check all lights for proper operation.
As Required
• Check wheel alignment and balancing.
'Service more often during severe operating conditions as outlined under Service and Maintenance.
67
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The chart on the previous page, and the information on the pages
which
follow, contains information designed to aid the average
driver to discover, and possibly correct, conditions resulting in minor
mechanical
difficulties in his car. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to several of the most common automotive mal
functions and point out a logical checking sequence, will lead step
by step to the most likely causes and corrective procedures. If, after
making the checks and adjustments suggested, the source of the
trouble has not been found and corrected, it is strongly recom
mended that an Authorized Chevrolet Dealer inspect the vehicle and
make whatever repairs
or adjustments are necessary.
FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE
If the ignition switch will cause the engine to "turn over" or
"crank" but the car will not start, check Steps A through D below.
NOTE:
If continual "Rooding" of the carburetor is evidenced by a
carbur.tor wet with
fuel or black exhaust smoke, perform the
operation suggested in paragraph D only.
(A) The first and most obvious,
and one of the most frequently overlooked, items to check when
you have difficulty in sta rting you r car is the amount . of fuel in the
tank. Make it a habit to check the FUEL GAUGE regularly and most especially at a time when the engine will "turn over" but will not
start.
(8)
If the fuel tank is noi empty,
you may cheek further to see Checking Fllel Flow
69
whether the fuel is reaching the carburetor. Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and remove the center wire (ground the secondary coil terminal or disconnect the primary wire from the coil to the distributor at the coil) from the coil tower. Place a jar or cup under
the open line and briefly "cronk" the engine by means of the
starter. If fuel spurts from the fitting, you may assume that the FUEL LINES are clear and the FUEL PUMP is operating properly. If no fuel leaves the line, either the fuel
lines
or fuel pump are at fault.
See. your Authorized Chevrolet
Dealer.
(C) Before reconnecting the fuel
line
to the carburetor, remove the
FUEL FILTER from the carburetor
inlet and check its condition. If it
appears to be clean, replace it
and reconnect the fuel line. Re
place the filter if it appears to be
plugged.
(D) If the fuel seems to be
reaching the
carburetor properly, File' Fllt.r
the problem may be: an EMPTY CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a "stuck shut" carburetor; a FLOODED CARBURETOR caused by a "stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline seeping around
and down the outside of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve. Remove the air cleaner from the carburetor. Check that the choke valve moves freely and is not stuck. (Don't mistake normal spring
tension for a stuck valve.) Tap the side of the carburetor sharply
several times with a light tool such as a screwdriver handle or pliers. Replace the air cleaner and attempt to start the engine in
the
normal manner.