1973 OPEL GT-R oil level

66.321973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
COOLING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Cooling System and Water Pump
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Checking and Filling Cooling System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Draining
andFlushingCoolingSystem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Conditioning the Cooling System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Using and Testing Anti-Freeze Solutions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fan Belt Adjustment or Replacement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Radiator Thermostat Inspection and Test
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Water Pump Removal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Radiator
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Cooling System Capacities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No.
68-32
6B-32
68-32
68-33
68-33
68-33
68-33
68-34
68-34
6B-35
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
COOLING SYSTEM AND WATER PUMPThe coiling system is of the conventional pressurized
type. A centrifugal pump arranged in timing case
serves to circulate the coolant.
When the thermostat is closed, the coolant will re-
turn to the pump via a by-pass for swift and uniform
warming up of the engine the coolant circulates
through the radiator, only when the engine has
reached normal operating temperature.
The heater system branches off the cooling system
ahead of thermostat in flow direction so that the
heater is in operation before engine has reached full
operating temperature.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Checking and Filling Cooling SystemThe coolant level should be checked only when the
engine is cold and only enough coolant should be
added to bring the level halfway between core andtank top. It is unnecessary and undesirable to remove
the radiator cap and check the coolant level each
time the car stops at a filling station for gasoline or
oil, since the engine is usually hot at such times.
WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap quickly
when engine is HOT Sudden release of cooling
sys-
tern pressure may cause the coolant to boil and some
of it may be ejected from the radiator
filler neck,
resulting in
inl’ury to persons or damage to the car
finish.If it is necessary at any time to remove the radiator
cap when engine is hot, rotate the cap counterclock-
wise until first stop is reached. Leave cap in this
position until all pressure in cooling system has been
released, then turn cap past the first stop and remove
it.
Draining and Flushing
Cooling SystemThe cooling system should be completely drained
and the recommended coolant installed every two (2)
years.To drain the cooling system, remove radiator cap,
remove lower radiator hose from the lower tank and

6C- 381973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALCAUTION:Because the fuel pump is below fuel tank
level, fuel
will drain from the tank. when the supply
hne is disconnected from the fuel pump.1. Pull fuel supply line and rubber connector from
fuel pump. Plug rubber connector to prevent fuel
loss.2. Remove fuel pump cap, gasket and plastic
strainer.
3. Cover center opening in sediment bowl with finger
and blow out sediment bowl with compressed air.
4. Wash plastic strainer in solvent; if strainer does
not clean-up or is damaged, replace strainer.
5. Install clean parts, noting the following:
(a) Strainer must be properly seated with projections
facing upward.(b) A new cap gasket must be positioned over
strainer.
(c) Sealing ring must be in place on cap retaining
screw.6. Reconnect fuel supply line. Start engine and check
for leaks.
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEMProper performance of the system requires the use of
a non-vented fuel tank cap, hose connections be leak-
free, and all hoses routed correctly to avoid a
pinched or blocked line.
Maintenance requirements demand only that the ac-
cumulator purge air tilter, an oiled foam filter assem-
bled in the bottom of the canister, be replaced at
12,CKO mile intervals. Under extremely dusty condi-
tions, more frequent attention may be required.
Figure
W-4 Exploded View of Opel 1900 and Manta Fuel Tank

2. If inspection of contact points indicates excessive
burning, pitting or wear, check condenser and re-
place if necessary.
3. Inspect all connections and wires in the primary
ignition circuit. Correct any abnormal conditions
found.Carburetor1. Clean fuel strainer in fuel pump. To prevent fuel
leakage in pump, disconnect “IN” line from pump
and raise end above fuel level. The in-line fuel filter
should be replaced every 12,000 miles or every 12
months.
2. Check for freedom of choke valve operation and
clean shaft if necessary, with suitable solvent.
3. Inspect throttle cable or linkage bracket and re-
turn spring for wear. With helper depressing acceler-
ator pedal to floor, check for wide open throttle.
Adjust accelerator pedal height so wide open throttle
is obtained when pedal is within
l/2 inch from floor.
Lubricate linkage pivot points with engine oil.
Air CleanerCheck paper element every 6,000 miles and replace
every
24,ooO miles. If a vehicle is operated in dusty
territory, check condition of air cleaner element
more frequently and replace if necessary.
Fan Belt1. Inspect belt for wear, cracks or frayed points.
Replace and/or adjust as necessary. Specified ten-
sion for belt using Gauge J-23600 is 45 lbs.
Cooling System1. Inspect the radiator, water pump, cylinder head
areas and all radiator and heater hose connections
for evidence of engine coolant leaks.
2. Inspect all hoses for deterioration from gas and oil
contact. Correct as required.
Inspection should be made with engine operating at
normal temperature, cooling system completely
filled, temperature control lever fully open and nor-
mal pressure in the system. Normal pressure should
be 13.2 to 15.2 psi.
Engine Lubrication SystemInspect engine for evidence of oil leakage. Correctany abnormal condition with sealastic or new seals
and gaskets.
Battery
1. Inspect battery, battery mount and cables and
check electrolyte level. Proper level should be just
above the cell plates.
CAUTION:Do not over fill.
2. Determine the serviceability of the battery by ap-
plying the 421 Battery Test.
Positive Crankcase VentilationClean crankcase ventilator metered orifice in the in-
take manifold fitting every 6,000 miles. Also all hoses
and fittings should be inspected, cleaned and re-
placed, if necessary.
To clean, remove rubber hose from metered orifice
and apply air pressure to orifice to remove any for-
eign particles that may be trapped.
Valve Lifter AdjustmentRefer to Engine Mechanical and Mounts section for
valve lifter adjustment procedure.
Engine Tune-Up Instrument ChecksThe following instrument checks and adjustments
serve as a final check on engine condition. These
checks may discover some new problems that may
not have been obvious before. The engine is also
given its final adjustments that will assure maximum
performance, reliability, and proper emission con-
trol.
Refer to Electrical Group for checking procedures of
the following:
Cranking Voltage Check
Ignition Timing
Distributor Advance
Ignition Output
Secondary Resistance
Current Output and Voltage Setting
Idle Speed and Mixture AdjustmentsRefer to carburetor section.

DIAGNOSIS
SEQUENCE
1. Check and correct oil level. Refer to Specifications
for checking and refill procedures.
2. Check and correct vacuum line and fittings.
3. Check and correct manual linkage.
4. Road test car using all selective ranges, noting
when discrepancies in operation occur.
5. If engine performances indicates an engine tuneup
is required, this should be performed before road
testing is completed or transmission correction at-
tempted. Poor engine performance can result in
rough shifting or other malfunctions.
CHECKING PROCEDURESBefore diagnosis of any transmission complaint is
attempted, there must be an understanding of oil
checking procedure and what appearance the oil
should have. Many times a transmission malfunction
can be traced to low oil level, improper reading of
dipstick, or oil appearances; therefore, a careful anal-
ysis of the condition of oil and the level may elimi-
nate needless repairs.
When checking oil level in the Opel Three Speed
Automatic Transmission, the procedure outlined in
Specifications should be followed to obtain the most
accurate reading.
Also when the dipstick is removed, it should be noted
whether the oil is devoid of air bubbles or not. Oil
with air bubbles gives an indication of an air leak in
the suction lines, which can cause erractic operation
and slippage. Water in the oil imparts a milky, pink
cast to the oil and can cause spewing.
EXTERNAL OIL LEAKS
Determining source of oil leakBefore attempting to correct an oil leak, the actual
source of the leak must be determined. In many
cases, the source of the leak can be deceiving due to
“wind flow” around the engine and transmission.
The suspected area should be wiped clear of all oil
before inspecting for the source of the leak. Red dyeAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7C- 81
is used in the transmission oil at the assembly plant
and will indicate if the oil leak is from the transmis-
sion.The use of a “Black Light” to locate the point at
which the oil is leaking is helpful. Comparing the oil
from the leak to that on the engine or transmission
dipstick, when viewed by Black Light, will determine
the source of the leak-engine or transmission.
Oil leaks around the engine and transmission are
generally carried toward the rear of the car by air
stream. For example, a transmission oil filler tube to
case leak will sometimes appear as a leak at the rear
of the transmission. In determining the source of a
leak, proceed as follows:
1. Degrease underside of transmission.
2. Road test to get unit at operating temperature.
3. Inspect for leak with engine running.
4. With engine off, check for oil leaks due to the
raised oil level caused by drain back.
Case Porosity RepairOpel Three-Speed Automatic Transmission external
oil leaks caused by case porosity can be successfully
repaired with the transmission in the car by using the
following recommended procedures:
1. Road test and bring the transmission to operating
temperature, approximately 180 degrees F.
2. Raise car on a hoist or jack stand, engine running,
and locate source of oil leak. Check for oil leaks in
low, drive, and reverse.
3. Shut engine off and thoroughly clean area to be
repaired with a suitable cleaning solvent and a
brush- air dry. A clean, dry soldering acid brush can
be used to clean the area and also to apply the epoxy
cement.
4. Using instructions of the manufacturer, mix a suf-
ficient amount of epoxy, BUICK Group 0.423, Part
No. 1360016, or equivalent, to make the repair. Ob-
serve cautions of manufacturer in handling.
5. While the transmission case is still HOT, apply the
epoxy to the area to be repaired. Make certain the
area to be repaired is fully covered.
6. Allow cement to cure for 3 hours before starting
engine.
7. Road test and check for leaks.

7C- 821973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TROUBLE
DIAGNOSIS CHART
Condition
CEllE.e
Concerns Transmission Oil1. Low oil level.a) Oil coming out of oil tiller tube.
b) External oil leak.
c) Failed vacuum modulator.
2. Oil coming out of oil filler
tube.a) Oil level too high.
b) Coolant in transmission oil.
c) External vent clogged with mud.
d) Leak in oil pump suction circuit.
3. External oil leaks in the area
of the torque converter housing.a) Leaking torque converter.
b) Converter housing seal.
c) Sealing washers under converter
housing to case bolts.
d) Sealing washers under converter
housing to pump bolts.
e) Converter housing to case seal.
fj Loose attaching bolts on front of
transmission.
4. External oil leaks in the area
of transmission case and extension.a) Shifter shaft seal.
b) Extension seal.
c) Oil pan gasket.
d) Extension to case gasket.
e) Vacuum modulator gasket.
f) Drain plug gasket.
g) Cooler line fittings.
h) Oil tiller tube seal ring.
i) Detent cable seal ring.
j) Line pressure gauge connection.
5. Low oil pressure.a) Low oil level.
b) Clogged suction screen.
c) Leak in oil pump suction circuit.
d) Leak in oil pressure circuit.
e) Priming valve stuck.
t) Pressure regulator valve malfunction.
g) Sealing ball in valve body dropped out.
6. High oil pressure.a) Modulator vacuum line leaky orinteruupted.
b) Failed vacuum modulator.
c) Leak in any part of engine or
accessory vacuum system.
d) Pressure regulator valve malfunction.
7. Excessrive smoke coming from
exhaust.a) Failed vacuum modulator.
b) Oil from vent valve or leak on hot
exhaust pipe.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7C- 83
ConditionCause
Starting
1. No starting in any driverange.a) Low oil level.
b) Clogged suction screen.
c) Manual valve linkage or inner trans-
mission selector lever disconnected.
d) Input shaft broken.e) Pressure regulator valve stuck in open
position. -0 Failed oil pump.
2. No starting in any drive range
for a time. Driving possible only
after repeatedly moving selector
lever to and fro.Manual valve position does not coincide
with valve body channels:
a) Selector lever shaft retaining
pin dropped out.
b) Connecting rod to manual valve
shifting.
c) Selector lever shaft nut loose.
3. No starting after shifting
lever from “P” to “D”, “S”, or “L”
(inadequate engine acceleration).a) Parking
paw1 does not disengage.
4. Sudden starting only after
increase of engine RPM.a) Band servo piston jamming.
b) Low oil level.
c) Oil pump defective.
d) Oil screen missing.
e) Sealing ball in valve body dropped out
5. Heavy jerking when starting.a) Low oil pressure.
b) Wrong modulator valve.
c) Pressure regulator valve stuck.
d) Sealing ball in valve body dropped out.
6. No starting in “D” or “S”
range, but in “L” and “R” range.a) Input sprag installed backwards.
b) Input sprag failure.
7. No starting in “D” or “S” and
“L” (proper driving in “R”; see
also point 9).a) Band worn, does not grip.
b) Band servo piston jamming.
c) Excessive leak in band servo.
d) Parking
paw1 does not disengage.

7C-1341973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 7C-232
Torque Converter4. Rotate converter to check for free movement.
1. Place transmission on portable jack
2. Slide torque converter over stator shaft and input
shaft.3. Be sure that converter pump hub keyway is seated
into oil pump drive lugs and the distance “A” is
.20”to
.28”. See Figure 7C-232.
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Opel Three-Speed Automatic Transmission Fluid
RecommendationsUse DEXRON Automatic Transmission Fluid on/y
in all 1972 model Opel Automatic Transmissions
(GM part No. 1050568-69-70 or any other fluid hav-
ing DEXRON identifications).DEXIRON is an especially formulated automatic
transmission fluid designed to improve transmission
operation.
The oil pan should be drained and the strainer re-
placed every
24,ooO miles and fresh fluid added to
obtain the proper level on the dipstick. See subpara-
graph 2 for proper refill procedures. For cars sub-
jected to heavy city
traff%z during hot weather, or in
commercial use, when the engine is regularly idled
for long periods, the oil pan should be drained and
the strainer replaced every
12,ooO miles.
.
1.Checking and Adding FluidThe Opel three-speed automatic is designed to oper-
ate at the full mark on the dipstick at normal operat-
ing temperature (180 degrees F.) and should be
checked under these conditions. The normal operat-
ing temperature is obtained only after at least 15
miles of highway type driving or the equivalent of
city driving.
Fluid level should be checked at every engine oil
change.
The “FuIl” and “Add” marks on the trans-
mission dipstick indicate one (1)pint
difference. Todetermine proper fluid level, proceed as follows:
To determine proper level, proceed as follows:
1. With manual control lever in Park position start
engine. DO NOT RACE ENGINE. Move manual
control lever through each range.
2. Immediately check fluid level with selector lever
in Park, engine running, and vehicle on LEVEL
surface.At
t,his point, when a reading is made, fluid level on
the dipstick should be at the “FULL” mark.
3. If additional fluid is required, add fluid to the
“FULL” mark on the dipstick.
If the vehicle cannot be driven sufficiently to bring
the transmission to operating temperature and it

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7C-135
becomes necessary to check the fluid level, the trans-
mission may be checked at room temperature (70
degrees F.) as follows:
1. With manual control lever in Park position start
engine. DO NOT RACE ENGINE. Move manual
control lever through each range.
2. lmmediately check fluid level with selector lever
in Park, engine running, and vehicle on LEVEL sur-
face.At this point, when a reading is made, fluid level on
the dipstick should be I/4” below the “ADD” mark.
3. If additional fluid is required add fluid to bring
level to
l/4” below the “ADD” mark on the dip-
stick.If transmission fluid level is correctly established at
70 degrees F. it will appear at the “FULL” mark on
the dipstick when the transmission reaches normal
operating temperature (180 degrees F.) The fluid
level is set
l/4” below the “ADD” mark on the
dipstick to allow for expansion of the fluid which
occurs as transmission temperatures rise to normal
operating temperature of 180 degrees F.
Do not overfill, as foaming and loss of fluid through
the vent pipe might occur as fluid heats up. If fluid
is too low especially when cold, complete loss
of’drive may result which can cause transmission fail-
ure.
2.Draining oilpan and rep/a&g strainer assembly.
(a) Raise car on hoist or p/ace OnJxk stands, and
provide container to collect draining fluid.
(b) Remove oil pan and gasket. Discard gasket.
(c) Drain fluid from oil pan. Clean pan with solvent
and dry thoroughly with clean compressed air.
(d) Remove strainer assembly, strainer gasket and
discard.
(e) Install new oil strainer gasket. Install new strainer
assembly.
(f) Install new gasket on oil pan and install pan.
Tighten attaching bolts to 7-10 lb. ft.
(g) Lower car and add approximately three (3) pints
of transmission fluid through filler tube.
(h) With manual control lever in Park position, start
engine. DO NOT RACE ENGINE. Move manual
control lever through each range.
(i) Immediately check fluid level with selector leverin Park, engine running, and vehicle on LEVEL
sur-
face.(i) Add additional fluid to bring level to
l/4” below
the “ADD” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
3.Adding Fluid to Fill Dry Transmission and Con-
verter Assembly
The fluid capacity of the Opel Three Speed Auto-
matic transmission and converter assembly is ap-
proximately IO-l/2 pints, but correct level is
determined by the mark on the dipstick rather than
by amount added. In cases of transmission overhaul,
when a complete fill is required, including a new
converter proceed as follows:
(a) Add approximately 10-l/2 pints of transmission
fluid through tiller tube.
The converter should be replaced on any major fail-
ure, such as a clutch or gearset, and an excessive
amount of foreign material is indicated in the pan. If
installation of a new converter is not required add
approximately five (5) pints of transmission fluid.
(b) With manual control lever in Park position start
engine and run at 1000 RPM. DO NOT RACE EN-
GINE. Move manual control lever through each
range.
(c) Immediately check fluid level with selector lever
in Park, engine running, and vehicle on LEVEL
sur-
face.(d) Add additional fluid to bring level to
l/4” below
the “ADD” mark on the dipstick. Do not overfill.
Opel Three Speed Automatic Transmission Towing
Instructions
If an Opel equipped with an automatic transmission
must be towed, the following precautions must be
observed:
The car may be towed safely on its rear wheels with
the shift lever in neutral position at speeds of 35 miles
per hour or less under most conditions.
However, the drive shaft must be disconnected or the
car towed on its front wheels if:
a. Tow speeds in excess of 35 mph are necessary.
b. Car must be towed for extended distances (over 50
miles).
c. Transmission is not operating properly.
If car is towed on its front wheels, the steering wheel