1973 CHEVROLET CAMARO checking oil

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine engine is based on the use of SE oils
and quality oil filters.
Oil change in­
tervals longer than those listed
above will seriously reduce engine
life and may affect Chevrolet obli­
gation under the provisions of the
New Vehicle Warranty.
A high quality
SE oil was in­
stalled in your engine at the fac­
tory.
It is not necessary to change
this factory-installed oil prior to the
recommended normal change pe­
riod. However, check the oil level
more frequently during the break­
in period since higher oil consump­
tion
is normal until the piston rings
become seated.
NOTE: Non-detergent and other
low quality oils are specifically
not recommended.
Only the use
of
SE engine oils and proper oil
and filter change intervals assure
you of continued proper lubrica­
tion of your Camaro engine.
Recommended Viscosity
Select the proper oil viscosity from the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY NUMBER
I I _111'1.11 11II'laU.III'11 .. 1_111'.'l!! :1. 11'1&'1_
I I
. I
I r I
-30 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE, OF.
NOTE: SAE 5W-20 oils are not recommended for sustained high-speed
driving.
SAE 30 oils may be used at temperatures above 40oP. SAE 5W-30 vis­
cosity oil is recommended for all seasons in vehicles normally operated in
Canada.
The proper oil viscosity helps assure good cold and hot starting.
Checking Oil Level
The engine oil should be main­
tained at proper level. The best
time to check it
is before operating
the engine
or as the last step in a
47
fuel stop. This will allow the oil ac­
cumulation in the engine to drain
back in the crankcase. To check
the
eve!, remove the oil gauge rod
(dip stick), wipe it clean and rein-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Transmission Fluid) as necessary
to bring level into proper range on
filler cap indicator depending
upon fluid temperature .
"HOT" MARK
"COLD" MARK
t-"f. __ -"AOO"
If at operating temperature (ap­
proximately
150 ° F-hot to the
touch), fluid should be between
"HOT" and "COLD" marks. If at
room temperature (approximately
70° F), fluid should be between
"ADD" and "COLD" marks . Fluid
does not require periodic changing.
Hood Latches
Every 4 months or 6,000 miles,
whichever occurs first, lubricate
hood latch assembly and hood
hinge assembly
as follows:
1. Wipe off any accumulation of
dirt
or contamination on latch
parts.
2. Apply Lubriplate or equivalent
to latch pilot bolts and latch
locking plate.
3. Apply light engine oil to all
pivot points in release mecha­
nism,
as well as primary and
secondary latch mechanisms.
4. Lubricate hood hinges.
5. Make hood hinge and latch
mechanism functional check to
assure the assembly
is working
correctly.
Air Conditioning
Have your Chevrolet Dealer
check your Air Conditioning
sys­
tem at some time during the winter
52
months to be sure there has been
no loss
in cooling output. During
the summer,
see your Chevrolet
Dealer immediately if you suspect
the system
is not performing as it
should.
NOTE: On vehicles equipped
with a Four
Season Air Condi­
tioning
System, the system will not
operate below ambient tempera­
tures of
30°F. regardless of con­
trol position.
Cooling System Care
Checking the coolant level at
each engine oil change. Level
should be
3" below bottom of filler
neck when cold.
Engine Cooling System
The standard and recovery type
cooling systems are designed
to
maintain the engine at proper op­
erating temperatures. The recovery
•

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 mal­functions 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 0 below.
NOTE: If continual ··f1ooding··, of the carburetor is evidenced by a
carburetor 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 starting your 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 not empty,
you may check further to see
Checking Fuel Flow
63
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 "crank" 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 recorinect the fuel line. Re­
place the filter if it appears to be
plugged.
(D) If the fuel seems to be
reaching the carburetor properly, Fuel Filter
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.
I

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 V" inch space, indicating ample current supply. If no spark
jumps, the difficulty is probably caused by a defective ignition port
and should be corrected by your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
COOLING SYSTEM
When the cor 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, couse engine over­heating. 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.
65
(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 ten­sioned properly, then retighten
the generator bolts.
(PI Another couse of engine ove rheating may be on inopera­
tive COOLING SYSTEM THERMO­STAT. If the thermostat should foil in the closed position, it will not
perm it coolant to circulate through
the system . In such on emergency the thermostat may be removed
but should be replaced with a properly functioning thermostat as soon as possible.
Fan 8.11 Tension
Thermoslal Inslollo/ion

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Glove Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 Harness, Safety (See Seat Belts)
Hazard VVarning Flasher .............. , 36 Headlamp High Beam Dimmer Switch .......... 21 High Beam Indicator.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 Light and Instrument Panel Switch ........................... 25 Heater Operation ..................... 22 High Speed Operation
During Break-In. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Tires .............................. 55 Hitches, Trailer. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Hood Latch Maintenance .................. 52 Release ....................... .... IBC
Horn .... " .......................... 19 "HOT" Light (See Engine
Temperature Light)
Hub Caps, Replacing .................. 39 Hydroplaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 59 Identificat ion Numbers
~~J~~: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :: ~~ Vehicle .......... .................. 66 Ignition
Keys ............................. 3,13 Lock ... ........................... 13 In Case Of Emergency ................ , 36 Indicator Lights
Brake ............................. 24 Electrical Charging (Generator) ...... , 24 Engine Temperature ............. .. .. 24 Oil Pressure ....................... , 23 Infant Restraining Methods. . . . . . . . . . .. 9 Infant Safety Carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Intlation Pressure, Tires ................ 56 Inlets, Ventilation System .............. 28
Inside Rearview Mirror .......... , . .. .. 5 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 Interior Appearance Care .............. 41 Jack
Operation .......................... 40 Storage ...... ......... ......... .... 40 Jump Starting VVith Booster Battery. . . .. 3 7 Key Buzzer System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Keys ....... '.............. ..... ...... 3 Knocking Engine (See Fuel)
Recommendations)
Lacquer, Acrylic Care
................. 43 Lan e Changer and Turn Signal. . . . . . . .. 17 Lap and Shoulder Belts ............... . 5 , 7 Latches Door.................. ............ 4 Folding Seat Ba ck ...... . ; . . . . . . . . .. 4 Hood . ........................... . IBC
Lighter, Cigarette ................. .... 27 Lights ............................. 22, 69 Backup .. ...... .................... 69 Brake VVarning ... .................. 24 Bright Beam Indicator. .............. 25 Bright Beam Switch ................. 21 Bulb Chart ....... ............ ...... 69 Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 69 Engine Temperature Indicator ........ 24 Generator Indicator.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24 Hazard Flasher .............. ; . . . . .. 36 H eadlamp Circuit Breaker. . . . . . . . . . . 69 Headlamps .......... ............... 69 Oil Pressure Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Sidemarker ... .............. ...... , 69 Switch ............................ . 25
Tail and Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 69 Turn Signal Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
76
Lining, Brake ........................ 21 Liquid Tire Chain ............ ...... " 60
Load , Full Rated (See Tires)
Locks
Door.............................. 4 Glove Box ....................... " 22 Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Steering Column. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 "Low" (L) Transmission Range ........ 16 Lubrication Oils ....................... ........ 46
Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40 Luggage Compartment , Driving VVhile Open ......... ............. " 12 Luggage Or Cargo Caution . . . . . . . . . . .. 12 Maintenance
Appearance Care ................. " 41 Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 45 Manual Transmission ............... " 17 Master Cylinder , Brake .... , . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Metal Cleaners ... .. .... ............ " 43 Methods Of Re straining Children ..... .. 9 Mirrors, Rear View Inside, Adjustment Up or Down .... " 5 Inside, Day/Night.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Mountainous Terrain
Driving Down Grades ...... ... .... " 17 Transmission Fluid Change IntervaL.. 49 "Neutral" (N) Transmi ssion Range ..... 16 New Car Break-In .................. " 2 Oil Additives ........................ " 48 Change Interval, Engine ........... " 46 Checking Engine Oil Level. ........ " 47 Engine .......................... .. 46
Filter .................... .......... 46
Pressure Indicator Light/Gauge ..... " 23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Steering Column Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Column Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Gear Lubricant. .................... 51 Linkage Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 48 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 48 Power ....................... ...... 18 Wheel, Tilt ......................... 19 Straps, Safety (See Seat Belts) Storage Of Items..... . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 Suspension Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Tape System, Stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34 Temperature ........... ............ " 29 Control , Cooling.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29 Control, Heating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29 Indicator Light/Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 26 Thermostat ....... ................... 55 Tilt Steering Wheel.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19 Tire
Belted .. ........................... 55 Care ........................ ...... 55 Changing ........................ " 39 Full Rated Load ............ ....... . 57 High Speed Operation ............... 56 Hydroplaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. 58 Inflation Pressure ............. ... , .. 56 Inspection ............ ... ........ " 57 Load Limit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56 Rotation ..... ............ .......... 58 Space Saver ........................ 60 Traction ............. .............. 59 Tread Wear Indicators .... ... ....... 57 Usage and Options... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 55 Towing
Caution ........... ................ . 36
Disabled Vehicle .................... 36 To Start. .... ........ .............. 36 Toxic
Cleaning Solvents ................... 41 Exhaust Fumes ..................... 12 Traction, Wet Roads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Traffic Hazard Flasher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36 Trailer Hauling.. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. .. 10 Break-In Period .................... 11 Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11 Equipment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Special Maintenance ............. .... 10 Tire Inflation ......... .............. 10 Trailer Tongue Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 Transmission 3-Speed Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17 Automatic .................. ....... 15 Braking Effect On Hills .............. 16 Checking Fluid Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Fluid And Strainer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Fluid Change Interval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Shift Controls.. . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . ... 50 Shift Indicator
Turbo Hydramatic .................. 50 Tread Wear Indicators ................ 57 Trim Care, Interior .................. , 41 Trunk
Driving With Trunk Open ........... 12 Turbo-Hydramatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Turn Signals and Lane Change
Feature ................. ........... 17 Underbody Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
78
Upholstery And Carpet Care ........... 41 Vehicle Identification Number .......... 66 Vehicle Loading ................... '" 57 Ventilating Blower .................... 26 Ventilating Grilles .................... 26 Vents Outside Air ..................... 26 Vinyl Fabric Care Interior ........... .. .... 41 Roof Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 43 Volatile Cleaning Solvents. . . . . . . . . . . .. 41 Caution ........................... 41 Volume Control, Radio ................ 33 Warning Flasher, Hazard .............. 36 Warning Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Brake ............................. 24 Engine Temperature ....... .......... 24 Generator .......................... 24 Oil Pressure.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Warranty (See Warranty Folder)
Washers
Windshield
...................... '" 27 Washing ............................. 43 Waxing And Polishing.. .. . . . .. . . . . .. .. 43 Wheel Bearings , Front .... . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51 Wheel Changing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Wheel Discs, Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Wheel, Tilt Steering ................... 19 Windshield
Defrosting and
Defogging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. 29 Washer Use In Cold Weather ........ 27 Washer Solution ............ .......• 27 Wipers And Washers.. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 27 Wrecker, Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36 Zone Offices ......... ............ .. 72, 73