GENERAL INt=ORMATION OA-1
GENERAL INFORMATIONKEYS AND LOCKSEvery key has a number engraved on one side which
identities the key blank manufacturer. On the oppo-
site side of GT keys, is a removable adhesive foil on
which, the profile and cutting code letters and num-
bers are imprinted. Attached to the protective key
cover of Opel
1900 and Manta keys, is a tab on which
the profile and cutting code letters and numbers are
imprinted. Record the key cutting code letters and
numbers before the adhesive foil or plastic tabs are
discarded as this information is necessary to obtain
replacement keys.
In the event of lost keys and code records, one or
more locks may be removed to obtain the code num-
bers. The codes are stamped on the trunk and igni-
tion lock cylinders and on the door lock plunger
shaft. If a lock cylinder is damaged, it must be re-
placed. This then means that the owner will have an
additional key.REMOVE ANDDOOR &
IGNIKEY CODELOCK. OPELIGNITION
LOCKGAS CAP LOCKGTGT
Figure OA-1 1973 Keys
FEDERAL CERTIFICATION LABELIn accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Regula-
tions, a certification label is
affIxed to all 1973 mod-
els.The label has a certification statement, vehicle iden-
tification number, and month and year that the vehi-
cle was built. The label is attached vertically to the
left front door inner panel lock facing. See Figure
OA-2.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Model Identification PlateThe model identification plate as illustrated in Fig-
ure OA-3 is attached to the inside right front inner
fender panel on Opel
1900 and Manta and on top of
the right side of the cowl on the GT. The information
embossed on this plate includes such things as; type
and model of vehicle, allowable front axle load, al-
lowable maximum vehicle weight, allowable rear
axle load, paint color code and chassis serial number.
The key to identification is that the first two digitsFigure OA-2 Federal Certification Label Location
of the serial number represents the vehicle model.
The remaining digits are the actual serial number.
Figure OA-3 Model Identification Plate
Engine Number
The engine number is stamped in a machined boss on
the upper left center of the engine block. The number
starts with 1.9US which denotes the displacement in
Liters and also that the engine is equipped with the
Opel Emission Control System.
Vehicle Identification NumberA new thirteen digit vehicle identification number is
used on all Opel models imported for 1973. It is
embossed on a narrow strip of metal which is at-
tached to the left windshield post on Opel 1900 and
Manta models and to the top of the left end of the
instrument panel cover. In all cases the number isvisable when looking through the windshield from
outside the vehicle.
This new identification number includes; model
designation, engine code, model year, assembly plant
and the sequential number. See Figure OA-4.
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
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
IGNITION SYSTEMlC-214. Rota&distributor counterclockwise slightly until
contact pbints just start to open. This must be done
very carefully or engine will not start.
5. Install distributor cap. Make sure spark plug wires
are correctly installed in distributor cap, through clip
and on spark plugs.
Finish TimingIContact boint gap
(.016” at widest gap) or dwell 50
degrees plus or minus 3 degrees should always be
checked before adjusting ignition timing.
1. Connekt timing light to No. 1 spark plug.
2. Disconnect and plug vacuum advance unit and
retard u$it hoses.
3. Connect a tachometer from distributor side of coil
to
groun$l.4. Start dngine. Set idle speed to 900 RPM.
5. Rotate distributor as necessary to align timing
marks. T;ming mark is a steel ball embedded in the
flywheel and a pointer in a window in the right fly-
wheel housing. See Figure lC-4.:Figure lC-4 Ignition Timing Marks
6.
Tightq clamp bolt securely and recheck timing
mark ahgnment.
7. Reconnect vacuum hoses and adjust engine idle
speed
an: mixture.
IGNlTlOFj WIRE INSPECTION
1. The c$il and spark plug wires are of a specialresistance type. These secondary ignition wires
reduce television and radio interference.
2. Wipe ignition wires with a cloth moistened with
solvent and wipe dry. Bend wires to check for brittle,
cracked or swollen insulation. Defective insulation
will permit missing or cross-firing of spark plugs,
therefore any defective wires must be replaced.
3. If wire insulation is in good condition, clean any
terminals that are corroded and replace any termi-
nals that are broken or damaged. Terminals must tit
tight on spark plugs and in distributor cap.
4. Replace any hardened, cracked or loose cap nip-
ples or spark plug boots.
5. Check resistance of each wire from contact inside
distributor cap to spark plug or coil terminal. Re-
place any wire having over 10,000 ohms resistance
reading. See Figure lC-5.
Figure fC-5 Checking Ignition Wire Resistance
CHECK IGNITION OUTPUT
1. Disconnect secondary coil ivire so that engine will
not start. Connect a voltmeter from the battery side
of the coil primary to ground and check voltage
while engine is cranking. Reading should be 10 volts
or more. Low reading could be caused by a defective
battery, a discharged battery, high starter current
draw, a bad connection in the starter circuit or a bad
connection in the primary ignition circuit.
2. Connect an oscilloscope according to manufac-
turer’s instructions. Disconnect coil wire. Crank en-
gine and read coil output voltage. Reading should
exceed 20 KV (20,000 volts).
lC- 261973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL /
SPECIFICATIONSIGNITION COIL
Ignition Coil Number
.,.:.................................................................................................K12 V
Ignition Coil Current Draw, Amperes at 12.5 Volts
EngineStopped
...........:.........................._............................................................................3.8Engine Idling
....................................................................................................................2.3
DISTRIBUTORDistributor TypeNumber:
..................................................................................................JFU4
Total Advance (Centrifugal and Vacuum), Engine Degrees at 3600 R.P.M.
EngineRPM
..................................................................................................................29-37Centrifugal Advance, Engine Degrees and RPM
StartAdvance,atRPM
........................................................................................lOOO-1200MediumAdvance,DegreesatRPM
..............................................................7.5-15at1400Maximum Advance, Dkgrees at RPM
..........................................................28-32 at 3600
Vacuum Advance, Engine Degrees and
In. of Vacuum
Start Advance, at In. of Vacuum
................................................................-5 at 2.9-4.1 In.
Maximum Advance, Degrees at In. of Vacuum
........................................l-5 at 4.5-5.0 In.
VacuumRetard,EngineDegreesatClosedThrottle
............................................................-5CondenserCapacityinMicroFarads
...............................................................................15-.20Breaker Spring Tension in Ounces
..............................................................................14 to 19
Breaker Point Gap in Inches
..............................................................................................,016Dwell angle in Engine Degrees
....................................................................................50 + 3
Firing Order
....................................................................................................................l-32-2
SparkPlug or CoilCable,Max.Resistancti in Ohms
..................................................10,ooO
SPARK PLUGSMake and Model
-Production................I....................................................................AC42FS
Make and Model
- Replacement...................................................................................AC42FS
Ifcarbonfouling
occurs,use.....................................................................................AC43FS
SparkPlugTorqueinLb:Ft.
............................................................................................22-29Spark Plug Gap in Inches
...........................................................................................028-.03 1
1F. 46 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
’
/
Headlight High-Low Beam Control and Passing:
SignalI
When the headlights have been switched on, high
and low beam selection is made by raising the direc-
tional signal lever toward steering wheel. Each
ti&the lever is raised, beam position, will change.
When the headlights are not on, a flashing headlight
signal may be given by raising and lotiering the di-
rectional signal lever. With the headlights on and
inlow beam position, raising and lowering the direc-
tional signal lever will also cause the headlights to
flash.
Fog Light SwitchAll Rallye models are equipped with two white f?g
lights mounted below the front bumper.
The fog light toggle switch is located on the
insty-ment cluster to the left of the temperature and
fuelgauge cluster.
/
The fog lights can be turned off at any time by the
toggle switch, but can only be tyrned on when: :
1. The ignition switch on or the
?gine running.!
2. The fog light toggle switch lower half is pushed
in.3. The parking lights and/or low beam headlights
are
OKThe fog lights are automatically turned off if the
ignition switch is on and the headlights are switched
to high beam position.
Courtesy LightThe courtesy light illuminates the interior of the Car
when any door is opened. The courtesy light can also
be turned on with all doors closed by tilting the l&s.
GT Headlamp MechanismThe concealed headlamps are moved mechanically.
Pushing actuating lever on left side of console opens
headlamps and pulling lever closes headlamps. Two
(2) meshing gear segments convert the movement, of
the lever to a rotation of 180 degrees. The pivots of
the headlamps lie below the centerline so that with
headlamps in closed position, the headlamp housing
is flush with front sheet metal. Refer to Group 110,
Section “F”, for service procedures on the GT head-
lamp mechanism.
A white indicator lamp in the instrument panel lights
if the headlamps are not completely opened lorclosed The switches of the headlamp electrical sys-
tem are located behind the left headlamp operating,
mechanism.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSHEADLAMP AIMING
The headlamps must be properly aimed in order to
obtain maximum road illumination and safety that
has been built into the headlighting equipment. With
the Guide T-3 type sealed beam units, proper aiming
is even more important because the increased range
and power of this lamp make even slight variations
from recommended aiming hazardous to approach-
ing motorists. The headlamps must be checked for
proper aim whenever a sealed beam unit is replaced
and after an adjustment or repairs of the front end
sheet metal assembly.
Regardless of method used for checking headlamp
aim, car must be at normal weight, that is, with gas,
oil, water, and spare tire. Tires must be uniformly
inflated to specified pressure. If car will regularly
carry an unusual load in rear compartment, or a
trailer, these loads should be on car when headlamps
are checked. Some States have special requirements
for headlamp aiming adjustment, and these require-
ments should be known and observed.
Horizontal and vertical aiming of each seal beam
unit is provided by two adjusting screws which move
the mounting ring in the body against the tension of
the coil spring. There is no adjustment for focus,
since the sealed beam unit is set for proper focus
during manufacturing assembly.
MAJOR REPAIRHEADLIGHT SWITCH
- OPEL 1900. MANTA
Removal1. Remove instrument cluster cover panel. See Sec-
tion H.
2. Compress retaining springs and pull switch out.
See Figure 1 F-
1.3. Pull multiple socket off switch.
Installation
1: Plug multiple socket in switch and push switch in
panel until clips lock in place.
2. Replace instrument cover and secure with two (2)
screws.
I2A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
GENERAL INFORlVlATION
CONTENTS
SubjectPage No.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION: (Not Applicable)
DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
PaintMaintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
ChromeMaintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
StainRemoval
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-2
MAJOR REPAIR: (Not Applicable)
SPECIFICATIONS:
Bolt
TorqueSpecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-4
Special Body Tools
. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2A-5
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSPAINT MAINTENANCE
To remove heavy concentrations of road dirt and
grime, it is recommended that the car be washed
using an automotive shampoo or mild soap, and cold
to lukewarm water. Use of harsh soaps or detergents
is not advised. In areas where salt is used on the
roads during the winter months, more frequentwashing is recommended.
Use of cleaners and polishes are required if no high
luster is obtainable by waxing. To protect the paint
finish, sparingly apply several coats of wax. Each
coat should be thoroughly rubbed to remove any
surplus wax.
Once the car is properly waxed, road dirt may easily
be removed by use of cold to lukewarm water and a
sponge. Dry by use of a chamois.
CHROME MAINTENANCE
Chrome parts should be washed with water and a
mild detergent. If rust or salt corrosion should ap-
pear, they may be removed with Buick Rust Eraser
or equivalent. Do not use scouring powders or stiff
brushes.STAIN REMOVAL
Before attempting to remove spots or stains from
upholstery fabrics, determine as accurately as possi-
ble: (1) Nature and age of the spot or stain. (2) The
affect of stain removing agents on the color, struc-
ture and general appearance of the fabric.
For best results, stains should be removed from
upholstery as soon as possible after they have been
made. If they are allowed to stand for some time,
they often become set, and removal becomes more
diffxult and frequently impossible.
There are three basic types of acceptable’ cleaners
available to car owners: (1) Volatile cleaners, (2) Syn-
thetic detergents, (3) Neutral soap (non-alkaline).
The volatile cleaners are recommended since they
have great solvent powers for grease, oils and general
road grime. Synthetic detergents generally loosen
stains satisfactorily, however, the use of improper
type detergents (containing bleach) involves risk of
damage to the color or finish of fabrics.
Precautions For Cleaning FabricsDo not use laundry soap or detergents containing
bleaches. The use of these agents tends to weaken
fabric and to change its color. Do
not use too much
cleaning fluid. Some interior trim assemblies are pad-
GENERAL INFORMATIONZA- 3
ded with rubber, and volatile cleaners are generally
solvents for rubber. The application of too much
cleaner may destroy these rubber pads. Do not use
volatile cleaners on vinyl coated fabrics.
Procedure For Cleaning
Vinyl Fabrics With Synthetic Detergents
1. Make a solution of the synthetic detergent in luke-
warm water, working up a thick, frothy suds.
2. With a clean cloth or sponge, dampened with
lukewarm water, apply suds only to the surface of the
upholstery using light to medium pressure, repeating
several times, applying more suds with a clean por-
tion of the cloth or sponge.
3. With a second clean cloth, dampened with luke-
warm water, rub over the area with medium pressure
to remove excess detergent and loose material.
4. With a clean dry cloth, wipe off all excess mois-
ture. A vacuum cleaner may also be used.
5. Allow the upholstery to dry partially; then repeat
the above treatment if necessary to remove stain.
6. When the upholstery is satisfactorily cleaned, al-
low to dry completely before using.
Instructions for the Removal of
Specific Stains From Automotive
Upholstery Materials
Some types of stains and soilage, including blood,
ink, chewing gum, etc., require special consideration
for satisfactory results. For thkse, and other stains,
specific instructions are outlined in succeeding para-
graphs. It must be expected, particularly where wa-
ter treatment is specified, that discoloration and
finish disturbance may occur. In some cases fabric
disturbance may be considered preferable to the stain
itself. By following the procedures outlined below,
reasonably satisfactory results can be expected.
1. Bafrery Acids. Apply ordinary household am-
monia water with a brush or cloth to the affected
‘area, saturating it thoroughly. Permit the ammonia
water to remain on the spot about a minute, so that
it will have ample time to neutralize the acid. Then
rinse the spot by rubbing with a clean cloth saturated
with cold water.
This treatment will suffice for both old and new
stains. However, no type of treatment will repairdamage.to fibers resulting from the actidn of the
acids on the fibers particularly after the spot has
dried.
2.
Blood. Do not use hot water or soap and wateron blood stains since they will set the stain, thereby
making its removal practically impossible.
Rub the stain with a clean cloth saturated with cold
water until no more of the stain will come out. Care
must be taken so that clean portions ofcloth are used
for rubbing the stain.
This treatment should remove all of the stain. If it
does not, apply a small amount of household am-
monia water to the stain with a cloth or brush. After
a lapse of about one minute, continue to rub the stain
with a clean cloth dipped in clear cold water.
If the stain remains after the use of water and am-
monia, a thick paste of corn starch and cold water
may be applied to the stained area. Allow the paste
to remain until it has dried and absorbed the stain.
Then pick off the dry starch. Brush the surface to
remove starch particles that remain. For heavy
stains, several applications of starch paste may be
necessary.3. Candy. Candy stains, other than candy contain-
ing chocolate, can be removed by rubbing the af-
fected area with a cloth soaked with very hot water.
If the stain is not completely removed, rub area
lightly (after drying) with a cloth wet with a volatile
cleaner. This will usually remove the stain.
Candy stains resulting from cream and fruit-filled
chocolates can be removed more easily by rubbing
with a cloth soaked in lukewarm soap-suds (mild
neutral soap) and scraping, while wet, with a dull
knife. This treatment is followed with a rinsing by
rubbing the spot with a cloth dipped in cold water.
Stains resulting from chocolate or milk chocolate can
be removed by rubbing the stain with a cloth wet
with lukewarm water. After the spot is dry, rub it
lightly with a cloth dipped in a volatile cleaner.
4. Chewing Gum. Harden the gum with an ice cube,
and scrape off particles with a dull knife. If gum
cannot be removed completely by this method, mois-
ten it with a volatile cleaner and work it from the
fabric with a dull knife, while gum is still moist.
5. Fruit, Fruit Stains, Liquor and Wine. Practicallyall fruit stains can be removed by treatment with very
hot water. Wet the stain well by applying hot water
to the spot with a clean cloth. Scrape all excess pulp,
if present, off the fabric with a dull knife; then rub
vigorously with a cloth wet with very hot water. If
the stain is very old or deep, it may be necessary to
pour very hot water directly on the spot, following
this treatment with the scraping and rubbing. Direct
application of hot water to fabrics is not recom-
mended for general use since discoloration usually
results.
If the above treatments do not remove stain, allow