1973 OPEL GT-R cooling

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

IoC-91973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure OC-5 Brake Master Cylinder
I
Figure OC-6 Tire Rotation Methods
when the clutch pedal has in excess of 1
l/4 inch fr&
travel. See Figure OC-7.
Rear Axle
Change lubricant every
12,ooO miies when vehicle is
used for pulling a trailer.
Cooling SystemCheck at 12-month or
12,000~mile intervals, wash
radiator cap and filler neck with clean water, pres-
sure test system and radiator cap for proper pressure
holding capacity (tighten hose clamps and inspect
condition of all cooling and heater hoses). Replace
hoses every 24 months or 24,000 ,miles or earlier :if
checked, swollen or otherwise deteriorated.
Also each 12 months or
12,ooO miles, clean exteribr
of radiator core. Every 24 months or
24,OCO miles,Floor-Pan
-Clutch Pedal
Figure OC-7 GT Clutch Lash
drain, flush, and refill the cooline svstem with a new
coolant so&ion of permanent
6~; anti-freeze and
water for protection-of -20°F.
D-6 NOT REMOVE
RADIATOR CAP WHEN SOLUTION IS HOT
AND UNDER PRESSURE.
Wheel BearingsClean and repack front wheel bearings with a lubri-
cant as specified on the lubrication chart, Figure
oc-1.
Automatic Transmission FluidUnder normal driving conditions, change the trans-
mission fluid every 24,000 miles. Under unusual con-
ditions such as constant driving in heavy city traffic
during hot weather, trailer pulling, etc., this service
should be performed at
12,COO mile intervals.
General Motors DEXRON Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid, which has been especially formulated and
tested for use in your automatic transmission, is
recommended. Other automatic transmission fluids
identified with the mark DEXRON are also recom-
mended.
Check the fluid level at each engine oil change
period. To make an accurate fluid level check:
1. Drive car several miles, making frequent starts and
stops, to bring transmission up to normal operating
temperature (approximately
180-190’F.)2. Park car on a level surface.
3. Place selector lever in “Park” and leave engine
running.

GROUP 6
ENGINESection6A
6B
6C
6D
-
6E
6F6GTitle
‘age No.
EngineMechanical and Mounts
AllModels
Cooling System
AllModels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel SystemAll
Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Systems
AllModels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carburetor
And
ThrottleLinkage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emission Control
Systems
- All Models . . . . .6A- 2
6B-326C-366D-42
6E-446F-60
Tune-Up
AllModels
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..__....66-65

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 29
Cooling System - Type ,._...___..___..___........................... Liquid Cooling With Circulating Pump
Filler Cap Type
- Pressure _,._.,,._.,,...,,.........,..,.....,.,.................,,......................... 13.2-15.2 PSI
Water Temperature Control
._,..__,,._.,,__.,,...,.,.,,.,,.,,.,...............,,...,,,... Thermostat and Bypass
Thermostat Open At
._,,.,,.......,__.,.........,,...,...,,..,.,,.,,...................................................... 189 F.
Cooling System Capacity
. . . . . . . . . . . . .._...__..............,,.,,.,,..,...................................,,................6 Qts.
Fan Drive
.,,...,,,....,,.,..,..,,........,..,,..,,,.............,..,,.,..,,.................,,............... Water Pump Shaft
ENGINE DIMENSIONS AND FITS
Cylinder, Crankcase, Pistons, Cylinder Head, Valves
Cyg;te; Bore Limits for Standard Size Pistons:3.659-3.660 In.
Size 23.661-3.663 In.Size 3
3.664-3.668 In.Cylindey Bore Limits for Oversize Pistons,
.02 In.Oversm
. .._............,..,,...,................................,,.,,.,,.........................................3.679-3.681 In.
Max.PermissibleCylinderBoreOut-of-Roundness
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..~.OOO5In.Max.Permissible Cylinder Bore Taper
,.., ,.,, ,.,._,__. ,_, ,.. .__... ..__. ,__. .____. ..__. .._..0005In.Piston Clearance, Nominal (on skirt bottom)
_..__,,_.,.___.__.._...........,.......................... .0014 In.No. 1 Compression Ring Side Clearance in
Piston Groove
,...,,,.,,,.,,...,__..........,,..,,...,,...,..,.,,.,,..,,..,,..,,..................,,,..,,,..., .0024-.0034 In.
No. 2 Compression Ring Side Clearance in
Piston Groove
_..,,..,,,..,,..,,..,,....,.......,...,,,.,.,,,..,..,..,,..,,..,,,..,,,.,,,..,,,...,,,..,,,,..., .0013-.OO24 In.
Oil Control Ring Side Clearance in Piston
Groove
__..__..._..,,,..,...,,,..,....,..,,..,.........,..,,...,,.,,.,,..,..,,..,,...,,...,,,..,,,..,,,...,,..... .0013-X024 In.
Piston Ring Gap:
No. 1 Compression Ring
..,,.,,,..,,,..,,..,,,.,,.,,,..,......,,.,..............,......................... .014-,022 In.
No. 2 Compression Ring
_..___..__.,,..,,..,,,..,.,,,..,,.,,....................,......................... .014-,022 In.
Oil Control Ring
,...,,...,___.___.._..................,,,..,..,,..,,.,,,..,,,.,,..,,,..,,,...,,,,..,,,...,.... ,015.,055 In.
Piston Pin in Connecting Rod
..____.___..._,,__.,,,,,..,,.,,..,.................,,............................... Press Fit
IntakeExhaust
Valve Spring Pressure
Valve Closed
_______........___..,,,,,,............1.57 In. at 93 Lbs.1.36 In. at 97
Lbs.
ValveOpen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.18 In. at 182 Lbs..96 In. at 180
Lbs.
Valve Stem Diameters
Standard
Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3538-.3543 In..3524-.3528 In.,003 In. Oversize
____.....__.._..,,,,,,.........3567-.3572 In..3553-.3559 In..0059 In.
Oversze .__......_______...............3597-.3602 In..3583-.3588 In.
.O 1 18 In. Oversize
_._...._._____...............3656-.3661 In..3642-.3647 In.
Valve Length, Nominal
..___.............4.843 In.4.92 In.
Valve Head Diameter
___.......____...,,,........1.574 In.1.34 In.Valve Guide Bores in Cylinder Head (Intake and Exhaust)
Standard Size
,,...,,...,,..,,..,,,..,,....................................,..,,...,,.,,,,..,,,,..,,...,,,,.., .3553-.3562 In.003 in Oversjze
.,..__,,._.,__..___....,,...,,..,,...,,,,,,.,,.,,..,................,.....,................. .3582-.3592 In.
,006 in Overslze
..,...,,..,,.......................................,.........................................3615-.3622 In.
.0118 in Oversize ,._.,,..,............,,...,,........................................,,.................... .3671-.3681 In.
Valve Stem Clearance
Intake .
.._........___..___.....,............,...,,..........................................,,...................... .OOl-.0029 In.
Exhaust
._.,,........,,...,,..,,...........,,...,................,..,,..,,................,,.....,.,........................ 0039 In.
Max. Permissible Head to Stem Runout
Intake
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..OO16In.Exhaust
.,...........,,...,...,.,,...........,,...,....,....,.,,,..,,.,,,........................................,.......... .0019 In.

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

6B- 341973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
test by partially draining the cooling system and dis-
connecting the water outlet housing from the ther-
mostat housing which is mounted on the right front
side of cylinder head.
The standard thermostat valve should start to open
at 189 degrees F and fully open at approximately 212
degrees F. If thermostat does not operate at specified
temperatures, it should be replaced as it cannot be
repaired.MAJOR REPAIR
WATER PUMP REPAIRSThe water pump bearing outer race is shrunk fit into
the water pump cover. For this reason the cover,
shaft bearing, and hub are not repairable.
Water Pump RemovalOpel radiators do not have a drain plug. Drain radia-
tor by first, loosening radiator cap, then remove
lower hose from lower radiator tank.
1. Drain coolant into a clean container. Remove
radiator and shroud.
2. Remove fan belt.
3. Remove fan blade and pulley on water pump shaft.
4. Disconnect inlet hose and heater hose from water
pump. Remove bolts, pump assembly and gasket
from timing chain cover.
5. Check pump shaft bearing for end play or rough-
ness in operation. If bearings are not in serviceable
condition, the assembly must be replaced.
Water Pump Installation1. Make sure the gasket surfaces on pump and timing
chain covers are clean. Install pump assembly with
new gasket. Bolts must be tightened uniformly.
Torque to 11 lb. ft.
2. Install radiator and shroud. Connect radiator hose
to pump inlet and heater hose to nipple.
3. Install fan pulley and fan blade, tighten attaching
bolts securely. Install belts and adjust for proper
tension.4. Fill cooling system and check
,for leaks at pump
and hose joints.
RADIATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
RemovalI. Loosen radiator cap, then remove lower radiator
hose and drain radiator coolant into suitable con-
tainer.
2. On vehicles with automatic transmission, unscrew
oil lines from connectors on lower radiator tank and
plug lines. On GT models with automatic transmis-
sion the lines have to be disconnected at the coupling
before removing from the tank. It is essential that no
dirt enters the oil lines. When unscrewing oil lines,
hold connectors on lower radiator tank with pliers to
avoid leakages. Ensure that no dirt enters oil cooler.
3. Remove lower attaching nut and slide radiator
upward and out of engine compartment.
Installation1. Install radiat,or into engine compartment and se-
cure lower attaching nut.
2. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, fasten
oil cooler lines to lower radiator tank. It is essential
that no dirt enters the oil lines. When tightening oil
lines, hold connectors on lower radiator tank with
pliers to avoid leakages. Ensure that no dirt enters oil
cooler. Torque to 1 I-15
lbs.ft.3. Install lower radiator hose and add collected coo-
lant.
All Opels are provided with a radiator initial fill of
an antifreeze solution containing corrosion inhibitor.
The antifreeze has either a glycol or glycerin base
and protects the engine against freezing, down to
minus 22 degrees F. (minus 30 degrees C.). Before
the start of the cold season, coolant must be checked
with a hydrometer and if necessary, brought to the
necessary specific gravity by adding anti-freeze with
a glycol or glycerin base. As the specific gravities of
all anti- freeze solutions having a glycol or glycerin
base are practically the same, the hydrometer can be
used for all these types. Because of the tolerances of
the hydrometer, or slight differences in specific
gravity, variations of plus or minus 5 degrees can be
expected. Coolant must be checked at a temperature
of plus 68 degrees F. (plus 20 degrees C.)

COOLING SYSTEM6B- 35SPECIFICATIONS
1973 COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIESCooling
System-Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liquid
Filler Cap Type
- Pressure _.._..__........_.._.,,.,,..,,.,,..,.,,..,,,.,,,..,WaterTemperatureControl
Thermostat Open At
__..__.,_..,.,,,__,,..,,,..,,..,,.,,..,,.,.,,,.,,,..,,,.,,,..Cooling
SystemCapacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .FanDrive
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cooling With Circulating Pump
...............................13.2-15.2 PSI
.............Thermostat and Bypass
.........................................189 F.
...........................................6 Qts.
.....................Water Pump Shaft