The 1973 Opel Chassis Service MayI has been completely revised with respect to layout, format and information content
in a” attempt
to provide you “The Technician” with a tiore logical and usable publication. An example of the new grouping
layout 6 exhibited on the preceding
page. Each wow is rubdivided as follows:
Grouo 1
_. _
Subiect IIContents.
0
General InformationIGeneral InformationLifting
Maintenance and Lubrication
1ElectricalBattery
Starting System
lgriition System
Charging System
Washers and Wipers
Lighting Systems
Signal SystemI
Instrument Panel
Gauges
Wiring Diagrams
2
Body and Bumpers:General Body InformationI
Frame & Body Mountings
Windows
& Window Moldings
DONS
Rear Compartment LidRoof &Sun Roof
Seat?., Interior Trim & Headlining
Bumpers.
3Suspension and Steering
Front Suspension
Steering Linkages1Front End Alignment
Steering Gear
Steering Column
Rear Suspension
Wheels and Tires
4
Propelley Shaft & Rear AxlePropeller Shaft & Central Joint
Differential
5Brakes ~Power Booster and Master Cylinder
Front Disc BrakeI
Rear Drum Brake
6EngineEngine Mechanical and Mounts
Cooling System
Fuel System
Exhaust Systems
Carburetor and Throttle Linkage
Emission Control Systems
Tune-up
7TransmissionClutch
Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission
BChassis Sheet MetalHood, Fenders and Grille
9
Accessol;iesHeaterAirConditioning
Radio
:lG- 56 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
I
FUSEqOSlTlON
1
2
3
4
5
6AMPS.
5
5
8
15
15
8ClRClJlT$ PROTECTED
OPEL 1900
& ‘MANTA (51,53,54,57,57R)
LEFT PARkING LIGHT,
LEFTTAIL LIGHT, LEFTSIDE
MARKER LIGHTS
RIGHT PApKING LIGHT, RIGH TAIL LIGHT, RIGHT
SIDE MARKER LIGHTS, INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS,
SHIFT GUADRANT LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT,
FOG LIGHTS (RALLYE ONLY)
IGNITION IKEY
WARNIN BUZZER, TRUNK LIGHT,
HAZARD WARNING FLA,SHER, COURTESY LIGHT, CLOCK
BACKUP L’IGHTS, BLOWER MOTOR, CIGAR LIGHTER; RADIO,
SAFETY BELT WARNING BUZZER AND LIGHT
WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WINDSHIELD WASHER (RALLYE
ONLY), HORN
STOP LIGtiTS,TURN
SlGsNAL AND INDICATOR LIGHT,
PARKING BRAKE WARNING AND BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT,
FUEL GAGE, TEMPERATURE GAGE, OIL PRESSUREINDICATGR LIGHT. CHARGING INDICATOR~LIGHT,
TACHOMETER AND OIL PRESSURE GAGE (RALLYE ONLY)
AIR CONDITIONING
- 20 AMP INLINE F:USE
8
5
16
5OPEL GT
(77)WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WINDSHIELD WASHER, HORN, BACKUP
LIGHT, SP;FETY BELT WARNING BUZZER AND LIGHT
STOP LIGHTS, TURN SIGNAL AND INDICATOR LIGHT,
PARKING BRAKE WARNING LIGHT (AUTOMATIC ONLY),
BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT, RADIO, TACHOMETER,
OIL PRESiURE GAGE
& INDICATOR LIGHT, FUEL GAGE,
TEMPERATURE GAGE, CHARGING INDICATOR LIGHT
CIGAR LIGHTER, BLOWER MOTORIGNITION~KEY WARNING BUZZER, COURTESY LIGHT, CLOCK,
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
LEFT PARKING LIGHTS, LEFT TAIL LIGHT, LEFT REAR
SIDE MAdKER LIGHT
RIGHT PA’RKING LIGHTS, RIGHT TAIL LIGHT, RIGHT REAR
SIDE MAdKER LIGHT
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT.
SHIFT QUADRANT LIGHT
AIR CON,DlTlONlNG
-A/C HAS A 20 AMP INLINE FUSE AND IS
CONNECTED TO THE HOTSIDE OF FUSE NO. 23OlG3
5C- 221973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
DRUM BRAKES
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Description of Brake Mechanism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OperationofHydraulicServiceBrake
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS:
BrakeTrouble
Diagnosis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
BrakeAdjustment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Filling, Bleeding and Flushing Brake
Hydraulic System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Replace or Reline Brake Shoes
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspecting and Reconditioning Brake Drums
. . . . . . . . . .Brake Wheel Cylinder Overhaul
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ReplacingBrakePipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Brake Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION - DRUM
BRAKES
DESCRIPTION OF BRAKE MECHANISM
Wheel Brake Assemblies
Each rear wheel brake assembly uses two brake shoeswhich are actuated by a single wheel brake cylinder.
The center of the brake shoes are held against the
backing plate by a hold down pin, spring and re-
tainer. The bottom of the shoes pivot in a support
plate, and the top of the shoes rest directly on the
wheel brake cylinder push rods. The brake shoes are
connected by upper and lower return springs which
pull the sh6es back to resting position after applica-
tion. See Figure
5C-40.Two adjusting eccentrics at each wheel provide in-
dividual adjustment for each brake shoe to obtain
clearance with. the brake drum. An arrow on the
brake backing.plate circumference,shows direction in
which eccentrics must be turned to make adjust-
ment.
A hydraulic wheel cylinder is mounted on the back-Page No.5C-225C-245C-26
5C-275C-275C-28
5c-30
5c-305c-315c-31
Figure 5C-40 Rear Wheel Brake
ing plate between the upper ends of the brake
shoeand forces the shoes against the drum when pressure
is applied on the brake pedal. A lever mounted on
each rear shoe is used for applying parking brakes.
Figure 5C-53 Rear Brake Assembly
10. Check all backing plate attaching bolts to make
sure they are tight. Using line emery cloth, clean all
rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on plate. See
Figure Z-53.
Relining Brake ShoesIf old brake shoes are to be relined, inspect shoes for
distortion and for looseness between the rim and
web; these are causes for discarding any shoe. If
shoes are serviceable, be governed by the following
points in installing new linings:
1. Remove old rivets by drilling them out. Punching
out rivets will cause distortion of shoe rim. Care5C- 301973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
must also be taken to support shoes properly while
drilling.
2. Thoroughly clean brake shoes and remove all
burrs around rivet holes.
3. Use Opel brake lining or equivalent. Install in
place and rivet in sequence shown in Figure
Z-54.Keep hands clean while handling brake lining. Do
not permit oil or grease to come in contact with
lining.
Installation and Adjustment
1. If any hydraulic conne&tions were disturbed, bleed
hydraulic system. If new parts were installed in
brake system, flushing of hydraulic system is recom-
mended.
2. Adjust rear wheel brakes.
3. Adjust parking brake.
4. Check fluid level in master cyliner and add fluid
if necessary.
5. Check brake pedal for proper feel and for proper
return.
6. Remove jacks and road test car for proper brake
action. Brakes must not be severely applied immedi-
ately after installation of new brake shoes or linings.
Severe application may perinanently injure new lin-
ings and may score brake drums. When linings are
new, they must be given moderate use for several
days until burnished.
INSPECTING AND RECONDITIONING
BRAKE DRUMSWhenever brake drums are removed, they should
bethoroughly cleaned and inspected for cracks, scores,
deep groves, and out-of-round. Any of these condi-
tions must be corrected since they can impair the
efficiency of brake operation and also can cause
premature failure of other parts.
Cracked, Scored or Grooved DrumA cracked drum is unsafe for further service and
must be replaced. Welding a cracked drum is not
recommended.
Smooth up any slight scores by polishing with tine
emery cloth. Heavy or extensive scoring will cause
excessive brake lining wear and it will be necessary
to rebore in order to true up the braking surface.
Figure 5C.54 Brake Lining Riveting
SequenceIf the brake linings are slightly worn and drum is
grooved, the drum should be rebored just enough to
ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 15New inlet valves must not be refaced or lapped with
grinding compound.The correct angle for the intake
and exhaust valve head is 44 degrees.10. Install cylinder head.
11. Adjust valve clearance. See MAINTENANCE
AND ADJUSTMENTS.
7. Inspect valve guides. Worn or pitted guides can be
reamed to accept valves with oversize stems. Over-
size valves are occasionally used in production.
Oversize valves are marked
’ 1 u “2” or “A” and are
stamped into the valve stem end and also stamped
near spark plug hole. See Figure 6A-22.
Replacing Rocker Arm Studs1. When replacing rocker arm studs become
neces-
sary, remove air cleaner, rocker arm cover and
rocker arm.
8. Reseat valve seats in cylinder head in the following
sequence:
Intake
NOTE:The rocker arm studs are screwed into the
cylinder head. A tapered part of the stem serves to
a void stud loosening.With 45 degrees cutter, remove burnt structure until
a metallic bright seat is obtained. Lightly coat valve
head with red lead, insert it into guide and turn it
under light pressure several times back and forth.
Thereby a contact pattern is obtained and the seat
width can be measured. If valve does not seat per-
fectly all around, lightly recut valve seat to the estab-
lished seat width of
,049” - .059” with 30 degrees
correction cutter.
ExhaustThe directions for reconditioning intake valve seats
apply in principle also to exhaust valve seat recondi-
tioning with the exception that the valve seat width
should be
.063-,073 in. and different cutters are em-
ployed.
NOTE:
: OTse new valve seals whenever
valves are reconditioned.9. Lube valves with engine oil and reinstall valves,
valve springs, caps and cap retainers using J-8062.
Install valve spring with closely wound coils toward
cylinder head. See Figure
6A-24.2. Attach vise grip pliers to stud being removed and
remove from cylinder head.
3. Screw in new stud. Seat tapered part of stud by
striking stud end with a rubber hammer.
4. Place two turned down rocker arm nuts on
threaded part of stud.
5. Torque stud into cylinder head to 29
lb.ft.
Valve Lifter ServiceThe valve lifters can be removed after removing
rocker arm cover and rocker arms.No oversize lifters have been released due to the
insignificant wear of the valve lifters and cylinder
head guides.
Amply oil respective parts and install in reverse se-
quence to removal.
Carry out hydraulic valve lifter adjustment as ou-
tlined in MAINTENANCE AND ADJUST-
MENTS.
VALVE
I SPRING
CLOSE
WOUND
COILS
TOWARD
HEAD6A-24
Figure 6A-24 Valve SpringCONNECTING ROD BEARINGSA connecting rod bearing consists of two halves or
shells which are alike and interchangeable in rod and
cap. When the shells are placed in rod and cap the
ends extend slightly beyond the parting surfaces so
that when rod bolts are tightened the shells will be
clamped tightly in place to insure positive seating
and to prevent turning. Theends of shells must never
be tiled flush with parting surface of rod or cap.
If a precision type connecting rod bearing becomes
noisy or is worn so that clearance on crankpin is
excessive, a new bearing of proper size must be se-
lected and installed since no provision is made for
adjustment. Under no circumstances should the con-necting rod or cap be filed to adjust the bearing
clearance.
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
COOLING SYSTEM6B- 33
remove drain plug on right.side of cylinder block. Set
heater temperature control valve at full heat posi-
tion. After the cooling system is drained, and plugs
reinstalled, fill the system with clean water. Run the
engine long enough to open the thermostat for com-
plete circulation through the system, then com-
pletely drain the cooling system before sediment has
a chance to settle.
Conditioning the Cooling System
“Rust Inhibitor and Stop Leak”, or equivalent listed
under Group 8.800 is recommended for use in the
cooling system, particularly when preparing for in-
stallation of anti-freeze solution. This material stops
small seepage leaks, has rust preventive properties
and its soluble oil is effective in eliminating a squeal-
ing noise which sometimes develops at the water
pump seal washer. Instructions for its application are
printed on the conditioner bottle.
It is very important to make certain that the cooling
system is properly prepared before an anti-freeze so-
lution is installed, otherwise loss of solution through
leakage may occur or seepage may result in damage
to the engine. The cooling system should be drained
and flushed as described under Draining and Flush-
ing Cooling System. All joints should be checked for
leakage and corrected, and the conditioner described
above should be added with the anti-freeze solution.
Inspect the water pump, radiator core, heater and
defroster cores, water jacket plugs, and edge of cylin-
der head gaskets for evidence of water leaks. Tighten
all hose clamps in the cooling and heating systems
and replace any deteriorated hoses.
Using and Testing Anti-Freeze
Solutions
Inhibited year around (ethylene glycol type) engine
coolant solution which is formulated to withstand
two full calendar years of normal operation without
draining or adding inhibitors should be used at all
times. Freeze protection should be provided to pro-
tect against corrosion. When adding solution due to
loss of coolant for any reason or in areas where tem-
peratures lower than minus 20 degrees F. may be
encountered, a sufficient amount of any of the sev-
eral brands of year around coolant (Ethylene Glycol
base) compatible to GM Specification 1899-M avail-
able on the market should be used. Water or alcohol
base coolants are not recommended for this vehicle
at any time.
If for any reason water only is used as a coolant in
an emergency, it is extremely important that Buick
Heavy Duty Cooling System Protector and Water
Pump Lubricant or equivalent be added to the cool-
ing system as soon as possible. If any other cooling
System protector is used, be certain it is labeled toindicate that it meets General Motors Specification
GM 1894-M. It should be recognized that this is only
a temporary measure. The manufacture intends that
permanent type coolant solution be used year around
in the cooling system.
The cooling system should be completely drained
and the recommended coolant installed every two (2)years.It is advisable to test the anti-freeze solution at inter-
vals during the winter to make certain that the solu-
tion has not been weakened. Use only hydrometers
which are calibrated to read both the specific gravity
and the temperature, and have a table or other means
of converting the freezing point at various tempera-
tures of solution. Disregarding the temperature of
the solution when making the test may cause an error
as large as 30 degrees F. Care must be exercised to
use the correct float or table for the particular type
of anti-freeze being tested.
Fan Belt Adjustment or Replacement
A tight fan belt will cause rapid wear of the alterna-
tor and water pump bearings. A loose belt will slip
and wear excessively and will cause noise, engine
over-heating, and unsteady alternator output. A fan
belt which is cracked or frayed, or which is worn so
that it bottoms in the pulleys should be replaced. The
fan belt may be replaced by loosening the alternator
brace at alternator, slightly loosening the alternator
mounting bolts and moving alternator inward to pro-
vide maximum slack in the belt.
The alternator must be moved outward to adjust the
fan belt. After the generator brace and mounting
bolts are securely tightened, the fan belt tension
should be 45 lb. using Tensioner J-23600.
WARNING: Zfa
fan blade is bent or damaged in any
way, no attempt should be made to repair and reuse
the damaged part. A bent or damaged fan assembly
should always be replaced with a new
fal. assembly.
It is essential that fan assemblies remain in proper
balance and proper balance cannot be assured once
a fan assembly has been bent or damaged. A fan
assembly that is not in proper balance could fail and
fly apart during subsequent
we creating an ex-
tremely dangerous condition.
Radiator Thermostat Inspection and Test
A sticking radiator thermostat will prevent the cool-
ing system from functioning properly. If the thermo-
stat sticks in the open position, the engine will warm
up very slowly. If the thermostat sticks in the closed
position, the engine will overheat.
The thermostat may be removed for inspection and
GROUP 9
ACCESSORIESSectionTitlePage No.HEATER
9AGT,9A-2Opel
1900-Manta. 9A- 10
AIR CONDITIONING
Refrigerant
Components9B- 179B
Air Conditioner System
Opel
1900~Manta.9B- 90
Air Conditioner System
GT.
OB- 97
RADIO
9cGT..............9c-105Opel
1900~Manta. PC-109