1973 OPEL 1900 crank

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE OC-7SERVICESLUBE AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Vehicle operation under conditions such as heavy
dust, continuous short trips, use of other than un-
leaded or low lead fuels or pulling trailers, is not
considered normal use and therefore more frequent
maintenance will be required. Such additional
maintenance requirements are included where appli-
cable.
Engine OilChange each 4 months or
3,COO miles, whichever
occurs first, or each 2 months or
3,ooO miles when
the vehicle is operated under the following condi-
tions: (a) driving in dusty conditions, (b) trailer pull-
ing, (c) extensive idling or (d) short-trip operation at
freezing temperatures (with engine not thoroughly
warmed-up).Engine oils have a definite effect on ease of starting,
oil economy, combustion chamber deposits and en-
gine wear. It is recommended that a” oil which,
according to the label on the can is; (1) intended for
service SE and (2) passes car makers’ tests be used.
Oils confotming to these types contain detergent ad-
ditives. -
Select the proper oil viscosity from Figure OC-3.
Engine Oil FilterReplace at the first oil change and every other oil
change thereafter using Part No. 7965051 or equiva-
lent.
ChassisLubricate transmission shift linkage, hood latch and
parking brake cable guides and linkage.
Fluid LevelsCheck level of fluid in brake master cylinder, battery,
engine, axle, transmission and windshield washer.
Engine coolant also should be checked for proper
level and for corrosion and freeze protection to at
least -20°F or to the lowest temperature expected
during the period of vehicle operation. Proper engine
coolant also provides corrosion protection.
Any significant fluid loss in any of these systems or
units could mea” that a malfunction is developing
and corrective action should be taken immediately.
A low fluid level in the brake master cylinder front
reservoir could also be a” indtcator that the disc
brake pads need replacing.
The engine oil should be maintained at proper level.
The best time to check it is before operating the
engine or as the last step in a fuel stop. THIS WILL
ALLOW THE NORMAL OIL ACCUMULA-
TION IN THE ENGINE TO DRAIN BACK IN
the crankcase. To check the level, remove the oil
gauge rod (dipstick), wipe it clean, and reinsert it for
a” accurate reading. The oil level should be main-
tained in the safety margin, neither going above the
“FULL” mark “or below the “ADD OIL” mark.
See Figure OC-4.
DIP STICK MUST BE
INSERTED TO STOP
---L- -FULL+, 1 OT. ,-ADD
OIL
Figure OC-4 Engine Oil Dipstick
All models are equipped with tandem brake cylin-
ders. Maintain fluid level between MIN and MAX
marks on reservoir. See Figure OC-5. When adding
fluid use Delco Supreme No. 11 or equivalent.
TiresTo equalize wear, rotate tires as illustrated in Figure
OC-6.Adjust clutch when necessary as indicated by the
clutch warning lamp on Opel 1900 and Manta or

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE OC-11
Throttle Linkage
Check for damaged or missing parts, interference or
binding. Any deficiencies should be corrected with-
out delay.
Headlights
Check for proper aim. Correct as necessary. More
frequent checks should be made if oncoming motor-
ists signal when you are already using your low
beams, or if illumination of the area ‘ahead seems
inadequate.
Underbody
In geographic areas using a heavy concentration of
road salt or other corrosive materials for snow re-
moval or road dust control, flush and inspect the
complete under side of the car at least once each
year, preferably after a winter’s exposure. Particular
attention should be given to cleaning out underbody
members where dirt and other foreign materials may
have collected.
EMISSION CONTROL MAINTENANCE
Thermostatically Controlled Air Cleaner
Inspect installation to make certain that all hoses and
ducts are connected and correctly installed. Also,
check valve for proper operation.
Carburetor Choke
Check choke mechanism for free operation. A bind-
ing condition may have developed from petroleum
gum formation on the choke shaft or from overtight-
ening of air cleaner clamp. Also check electric choke
terminal connections and fuse.
Timing, Dwell and Distributor
Adjust timing and dwell accurately as outlined under
Tune-Up in Group 6 at the first 4 months or 6,ooOmiles of operation, then at 12 month or
12,OQO mile
intervals. Adjustments must be made with test equip-
ment known to be accurate.
Replace distributor points every 12 months or 12,000
miles and carefully clean and inspect the complete
distributor cap to prevent misfiring and deteriora-
tion.
Carburetor and Idle
SpeedTorque carburetor attaching bolts and/or nuts to 12
ft.lbs. to compensate for compression of gasket atiirst 4 months or 6,000 miles of vehicle operation.Adjust idle speed to specifications with known accu-
rate equipment.
Proper functioning of the carburetor is particularly
essential to control of emissions. Correct mixtures
for emission compliance and idle quality have been
preset by Opel. Plastic idle mixture limiters have
been installed on the idle mixture screw, idle air
screw, and throttle stop screw to preclude unauthor-
ized adjustment. The plastic caps on the idle mixture
screw and the idle adjustment screw must be
removed to perform an idle speed adjustment. The
plastic cap on the throttle stop screw is not to be
removed unless some major carburetor repair or re-
placement which affects the throttle stop screw ad-
justment has been necessary.
Carburetor Fuel Inlet Filter
Replace filter at 12 month or
12,OCO mile intervals
or more often if clogged.
Spark Plugs
Replace at
6,ooO mile intervals when operating with
leaded fuels or at 12,000 mile intervals when using
unleaded fuels. Use of leaded fuels results in lead
deposits on spark plugs and can cause misfiring at
mileages less than
12,OilO miles. Where misfiring oc-
curs prior to
6,ooO miles, spark plugs in good condi-
tion can often be cleaned, tested and reinstalled in an
engine with acceptable results.
Spark Plug Wires
Inspect spark plug wires for evidence of checking or
cracking of exterior insulation and tight fit in the
distributor cap and at the spark plugs. Exterior of
wires should be cleaned, any evidence of corrosion
on ends removed and wire replace if deteriorated.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation System
The PCV metered orifice should be cleaned at 12,000
mile intervals under normal use, and at 6,000 mile
intervals when the vehicle is used under the follow-
ing conditions: driving in dusty conditions, extensive
idling, trailer pulling and short trip operation at
freezing temperatures (engine not thoroughly
warmed-up).
Evaporation Control System
Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
connections and correct routing as well as condition.
Remove canister and check for cracks or damage.
Replace damaged or deteriorated parts as necessary.
Replace filter in open end of canister at 24month/24,000 mile intervals.

!
OC-12 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL iExhaust Gas Recirculation Systep
Check system operation at 12 &onth/12,000 mile
intervals. Clean valve and EGR &usages if required;
A valve with a damaged diaphragm must be re-
placed.I
Engine CompressionTest engine cranking compressi& If a problem
exists, correct it Minimum compression recorded;
many one cylinder should not be less that 70% ‘of
highest cylinder. For example, if fhe highest presstire
in any one cylinder is 150 pounds, the lowest
alloka-ble pressure for any other cylinder would be
l-05pounds (150
x 70% = 105).~
Fuel Cap, Fuel Lines and Fuel TankInspect the fuel tank, cap and lines for damage which
could cause leakage. Inspect fuel cap for correct seal-
ing ability and indications of physical damage. Re-
place any damaged or malfunctionining parts.
Air Cleaner ElementReplace the engine air cleaner element under normal
operating conditions every 24,000 miles. Operation
of vehicle in dusty areas will necessitate more fre-
quent element replacement.
CAUTION: Do not operate the engine with-
out the air cleaner unless temporary re-
moval is necessary during repair or
maintenance of the vehicle. When the aircIeaner is removed, backfiring can cause
fire in the engine compartment.

BATTERY AND CABLES - ALL MODELSlA- 3
lost as the result of charging and discharging, and it
must be replaced before the electrolyte level falls to
the tops:of the separators. If the water is not replacedand the plates become exposed, they may become
permanently sulphated, which would impair the
per-forma”& of the plates. Also, the plates cannot take
full
par! in the battery action unless they are com-
pletely covered by the electrolyte.
Importance of Keeping Battery Properly Charged
The battery has three major functions: (1) It provides
a source of energy for cranking the engine. (2) It actsas a stabilizer to the voltage in the electrical system.
(3) It
c+n for a limited time furnish energy when the
demand: of the electrical units in operation exceed
the output of the generator.
In
ordei for the battery to continue to function, it is
necessaiy that current withdrawal from the battery
be balanced by current input from the generator so
that the battery is maintained in a properly chargedconditidn. If the outgo exceeds the input, the battery
will be&me discharged so that it cannot.supply suffi-cient energy.
The state of charge of the battery as well as the
temperature of the electrolyte has an important bear-ing on its capacity for supplying energy. Battery effi-
ciency is greatly reduced by decreased electrolyte
temper&e as it has a decided numbing effect on its
electrodhemical action. Under high discharge such
as cranking, battery voltage drops to lower values incold temperatures than in warm temperatures.
In
extrkmely cold climates it is important to keepbatter& in a nearly full charged condition to avoid
the possibility of freezing, which will damage any
battery!
The following table shows the temperatures at whichfreezing will occur in electrolytes of
differennt densi-
ties, wifh specific gravity corrected to 80 degrees l?
Specific Gravity Freezing Point
1.220 -35 degrees F.
1.200
-35 degrees F.
1.160
d degrees F.
Care of Dry Batteries in StorageA “dry charge” battery contains fully charged posi-
tive
a$ negative plates but no electrolyte.
Dry charged batteries should be stored in a dry placeaway from excessive heat. A dry charged battery
should
p kept in its original carton until ready to beput into service. This type of battery will retain its
“charged” condition indefinitely if protected from
moisture. Dry batteries may be stacked in vertical
columns provided they are not stacked more than
four high.
Preparing Dry Charged Batteries For ServiceTo prepare “dry charge” batteries for service use
approved battery-grade acid electrolyte (1.265 sp. gr.
at 80 degrees F). Care should be exercised in its useto prevent bodily injury or damage to clothing or
other material resulting from actual contact with the
electrolyte.
Electrolyte should be added to dry charged batteriesin an area where water is readily available for flush-
ing in case the electrolyte comes into contact with the
body. Refer to instructions on side of electrolyte con-tainer for antidotes to use if electrolyte comes into
contact with the body.
It is strongly recommended that a person filling bat-
teries with electrolyte wear glasses (preferably safetyglasses) to prevent possible damage to the eyes
should any spattering of the electrolyte occur.
1, Remove dry charged battery from its original car-
ton.2. Remove the vent plugs.
3. Using a glass or acid-proof plastic funnel, till eachbattery cell with electrolyte. Do not use a metal
funnel for filling the battery. The cell is properlytilled when the electrolyte level rises to the split ring
at the bottom of the vent well. Do not overfill orundertill. Overfilling will cause acid corrosion in the
,battery area; undertilling will cause early battery fail-
UR.4. After tilling cells, wait five to ten minutes and add
additional electrolyte, if necessary, to bring the elec-
trolyte to the proper level.
5. Never finish tilling a dry charge battery with wa-
ter. If electrolyte is spilled, more electrolyte must be
obtained.
Test After Batteries
ere Prepared For ServiceThe Delco Dry Charge Battery may be put into ser-
vice immediately after activation. However, to insuregood battery performance, the following activation
tests are recommended:1. After adding electrolyte,, check the open circuit
voltage. Less than 10 volts mdicates a reverse cell oran open circuit and the battery should be replaced.
2. Check the specific gravity of all cells. If the specific

1A. 4 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
gravity corrected to 80 degrees F.’ shows more than
a thirty point
(.030) drop from the initial tilling with
electrolyte, or if one or more cells’gas violently after
addition of electrolyte, the batteiy should be fulty
charged before use.
3. For best performance in cold weather (32 degrees
F. or less), or if the battery and the electrolyte are not
at 60 degrees F., or above at time of activation, warm
the battery by boost charging.
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS
BATTERY AND CABLES. TRDUBLE DIAGNOSIS
Quick Check of Battery and Cables
Whenever electrical trouble developes, it is desirable
to make a quick check of the battery and cables to
make certain that this source of current is in good
condition, securely connected, and is functioning
properly. This check will also give a good check on
the cranking system.
1. Turn on the lights. They should’burn steadily and
with normal brilliance.
2. With lights burnings, operate the cranking motor.
Either have the headlights shining on a wall so their
brilliance can be noted, or have someone watching
the headlights.
3. When cranking motor solenoid switch is
closeh,one of the following conditions will occur; (1) Lights
will stay bright or will dim slightly if temperature is
cold, and engine will be cranked at normal speed; (P
Lights will
gb out; (3) Lights will dim considerably;
(4) Lights will stay bright but no cranking action will
take place. The first named condition indicates that
nothing is wrong with the battery, cables, and crank-
ing system. The other conditions indicate trouble
aSfollows:
4. If fightsgo
out as cranking motor solenoid switch
is closed, it indicates a poor connection in the circuit
between battery and cranking motor. Check battery
cables and clean and tighten loose or corroded termi-
nals.
5. If
lights dim considerably as cranking motor
solenoid switch is closed, it indicates that the battery
is run down, or there is a condition in cranking
mb-tor or engine which causes an excessive current drain
on the battery. A low battery will be indicated by ,a
clattering noise in cranking motor solenoid because
the battery cannot sustain the voltage required to
hold solenoid plunger “in” after switch contacts
close and the “pull in” winding is shorted out.
Test battery with a 421 Battery Test. If battery is
found to be in good condition check cranking motor.
6.Iflights stay bright but no cranking action occurswhen cranking motor solenoid switch is closed, it
indicates an open circuit in cranking motor, switch,
or control circuit.
Testing Resistance of Cables and Terminal
Connections
Battery cables and terminal connections may be
tested with equipment comprising of a voltmeter (5
volts maximum), ammeter of 300 or more amperes
capacity, and carbonpile rheostat having a minimum
capacity of 300 amperes connected in series with the
ammeter.
I. Adjust rheostat to provide maximum resistance
(“OFF” position).
2. Connect ammeter positive lead to post on starting
motor. Connect ammeter negative lead to one side of
rheostat and connect other side of rheostat to ground
on engine, preferably at point where battery ground
strap is attached. In the instrument shown in FigurelA-1, the ammeter and rheostat are connected in
series inside the case.
3. Connect voltmeter negative lead to post on start-
ing motor. Use prod with voltmeter lead, if neces-
sary, to insure direct contact with the terminal stud.
Do not connect to the ammeter lead clip.Attach a
prod to voltmeter position lead and apply the prod
to center of battery positive post (Figure lA-1.)
Make sure that clips of voltmeter leads have clean
metal contact with prods.
Figure l A-l Battery Cable Test Connections
4. Adjust rheostat until ammeter reads 200 amperes,
immediately read voltmeter, then turn rheostat to
starting (“OFF”) position to avoid excessive drain on
battery. Voltage drop across battery positive cable

BATTERY AND CABLES - ALL MODELSlA- 5
and terminal connections should not exceed 2/10
volt.
5. Connedt voltmeter positive lead to ground on en-
gine.
At&h prod to voltmeter negative lead and
apply prod to center of battery negative post. Volt-
age drop across the battery ground cable and termi-
nal conne$tions should not exceed 2/10 volt at
200amps.
6. A reading in excess of 2/10 volt when testing
either battery cable indicates excessive resistance in
cable or cpnnections. Clean and tighten cable or con-
nections. Clean and tighten cable terminals
(sub-para. c, below) and recheck for voltage drop. If volt-
age drop Still exceeds 2/10 volt, replace cable with a
genuine Buick-Opel cable to insure ample capacity.
Undercharge Failure of BatteryThe most frequent trouble experienced with storage
batteries is failure to maintain a state of charge suffi-
cient to crank the engine and also furnish current to
the ignitibn system, lights and accessories. Failure to
maintain a proper state of charge may be due to one
or more of the following conditions:
1.
Opertiting Conditions. When determining cause
of premature failure of a battery, consideration must
be given /to the conditions under which the car is
operated.,
In very low temperatures the capacity of a storage
battery
ii considerably reduced and the energy re-
quired f& cranking the. engine is considerably in-
creased. :
Frequent starting, particularly in cold weather,
ac-compani the batteqy for cranking than the generator can re-
place in the limited running time. This condition is
aggravated by night driving when lights are turned
on, or by operation of an air conditioner in heavy
traffic.
When thk car is operated under these conditions,adjusting,the voltage regulator to the high limit may
allow enough increase to keep the battery at a safe
state of charge. If the high limit setting does not
maintain a safe state of charge, an occasional booster
charge should be given to the battery.
2. Low charging Rate. In case of premature battery
failure, tbe charging rate of alternator should always
be checked and adjusted if below specifications.
3.
Zntemd Condition The internal condition of the
battery niay be such that it cannot hold a chargesatisfactoiily. Check electrolyte level and test the
battery using the 421 Battery Test.
Overcharge Failure of BatteryA common cause of battery failure is overcharging,
that is, continued input of excessive charging current
after the battery has reached a fully charged condi-
tion.
One evidence that battery is being overcharged is the
need for frequent addition of water to the battery in
order to maintain the electrolyte level above the tops
of the battery separators, since overcharging causes
rapid water loss. When this becomes evident, the
charging rate of alternator should be immediately
checked, as well as the voltage regulator, and ad-
justed to avoid internal damage to battery.
ADJUSTMENTS AND MINOR SERVICEPERIODIC BATTERY INSPECTION AND SERVICE
The battery requires very little attention, but peri-
odic inspection is essential to secure the maximum
efficiency and life. The following services are essen-
tial to maintain the battery at maximum efficiency.
WARNING: Never expose battery to open flame or
electric spark
- battery action generates hydrogen gas
which is flammable and explosive. Do not allow bat-
tery fluid to contact skin, eyes, fabrics or painted
surfaces
- fluidis a sulfuric acid solution which could
cause serious personal injury or property damage.
Wear eye protection when working with battery.
Maintain Electrolyte LevelAdd distilled water as required to maintain the elec-
trolyte level at the split ring at bottom of tiller well.
See Figure IA-2.
Figure lA-2
Battery Filler Well

1 B- 101973 OPEL SERVICE #MANUAL
STARTlhG SYSTEM
/
ALL
MODEILS
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Starting SystemDescription
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
DIAGNOSIS:
Starting System Diagnosis,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . .
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:Starting System
Checks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MAJOR REPAIR:
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disassembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
CleaningandInspecting Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
Replacing Field Coils. . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and Replacing Brushes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Bushings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . .
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . .
SPECIFICATIONS:
Starter Specifications
. . . . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page No.
lB-10
16-10
18-12
18-13
18-13
18-14
18-14
16-15
18-16
lB-16
18-17
18-17
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STARTING SYSTEM DESCRlPTlqN
The new Delco Remy starter for 1973 is a brush-
type series wound electric motor equipped with an
overrunning clutch and operated by a
soienoid. The
field frame is enclosed by the commutator end frame
and the drive housing and carries the pole shoes and
the
field coils. The armature has a spline on the drive
end which carries the over-running clutch and pinion
assembly. The armature shaft is supported in
sin-
tered bronze bushings in the commtitator end frame
and the drive end housing. These bushings are
packed with lubricant during initial assembly
and
TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS ’
STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS/
require no additional lubrication between overhaul
periods.
As the starter is operated by turning the ignition
switch on the instrument panel, the shift lever is
moved against spring tension. By means of the guide
ring, the shift lever moves the pinion into mesh with
the flywheel ring gear.
After the pinion meshes with the flywheel ring gear
teeth, the solenoid contact disc closes the circuit and
the engine is cranked. When the engine starts, the
speed of the rotating flywheel causes the pinion to
over-run the clutch and armature. The pinion con-
tinues to be engaged as long as the shift lever is kept
in the cranking position.
In case of cranking motor breakdown, it should be kept in mind that the
relevant cause(s) for the trouble may not only lie in the cranking mot\
or itself

I
STARTING SYSTEMlB- 11
but also in the condition of related units, such as battery, switches, electrical
wiring and wiring connections.
ConditionPossible Cause
Correction
When ignition switch is1. Battery discharged.1. Charge battery.
on, cranking motor locks
up or
dra’gs.2. Battery defective.1. Test and replace as required.
Battery terminals loose,Retighten terminals, clean battery
corroded or improperlyposts and terminals and coat them
grounded.with acid-proof grease.
3. Cranking motor or brush1. Eliminate grounds.
terminals grounded.
I
4. Cranking motor brushes do
,
1. Check brushes
- clean or replace
not rest on commutator, or
arcas required. Clean guides on brush-
jammed in their guides, wornholders.
out, oily or clogged.
5. Ignition switch damaged1. Replace ignition switch.
(loose parts preventing switch
I
from closing or burnt parts).
6. Solenoid switch damaged.
1. Repair or replace as required.
7. Excessive voltage drop in1. Check wiring and connections.
wiring switches damaged,Repair or replace switches.
connections loose.
The armature revolves but
1. Drive pinion clogged.1. Clean drive pinion.
the drive binion does not
come into; mesh.
2. Drive pinion or ring gear1. Replace ring gear and
,
teeth flattened or burred.overrunning clutch.
I
3. Poor condition of shaft1. Replace armature and overrunningsplines.clutch.
4. Voltage drop.1. Replace shift lever.
When ignjtion switch is
1. Battery discharged.1. Charge battery.
on, armature revolves
until drive pinion engages
and then
Btops.2. Brush spring tension too1. Check brushes - clean or replace
weak.as required.
3. Cranking motor solenoid or
1. Replace or repair solenoid or
switch defective.
switch.