1986 CHEVROLET CORVAIR light

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR VENTS
Additional summer ventila­
tion is provided through vent
inlets in each side of the front
passenger compartment. The
vents
may be opened or
closed by means of the con­
trol knobs located in the
trim pad.
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND ASH TRAY
The ash tray and cover is an integral unit, which
pivots
outward and down for access.
To
remove tray for cleaning purposes, press the catch
at inside rear of tray and lift from panel.
Press on the optional cigarette lighter to heat. When
ready for use, it will "pop" out. '
IMPACT PROTECTION FOR THE DRIVER
. The Corvair steering control system, includil)g the
General Motors developed Energy Absorbing Steering
Column,
is designed to reduce injuries to the driver in
the event
of some front end collisions. The Energy Absorb­
ing Steering Column tends to decrease the forces acting
on the driver by compressing at a controlled energy
absorbing rate. In addition, in such collisions it limits
rearward movement of the steering column and wheel
into the passenger compartment.
22
TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN
The optionally available telescoping steering column
can be adjusted
within a range of 2-%". This is to give maximum comfort. On long trips the steering wheel posi­
tion can
be changed to minimize tension and fatigue. Repositioning of the steering wheel can be accom­
plished
at the driver's discretion. Turn the control lever
counterclockwise to unlock; position wheel as desired
and turn control lever clockwise to lock.
DOOR AND WINDOW GLASS
Both laminated and tempered safety glass are used
in the
car windows. The laminated glass used in the windshield is designed to be tough but resilient, and
remains transparent when fractured. The chance of an
occupant penetrating the windshield in the event of
certain collisions is reduced by the interlayer thus de­
creasing injury severity. Tempered glass used in the
side
and back windows does not incorporate an inter­
layer, but shatters into small pieces when broken. These
small pieces
are characteristically free of sharp edges,
greatly reducing laceration potential.
KEYS
The octagonal-end key operates the ignition switch
and the doors of your Corvair.
The round-end key operates the glove box, luggage
compartment and the optional spare tire lock.
As a
reminder to remove your ignition key whenever
your vehicle is attended, a buzzer will sound if the left
front door is opened and the key remains in the ignition
switch (off-or accessory position).

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine IGNITION, DOOR
LOCK
AND TAIL GATE
ALL OTHER
LOCKS
DOOR LATCHES AND HINGES
The Corvair door lock design contributes to passen­
ger safety and to the security of your car and its contents.
For
example: Strong door latches and sturdy hinges
reduce the possibility of the doors being forced open as
23
a result of certain accident situations, thus reducing the
probability
of a person being thrown from the vehicle.
Doors
can be locked from the inside by depressing
the small button located on the upper door panel. Doors
can be locked from the outside by simply depressing the
interior button, holding the outside door handle plunger
and closing the door. Once closed, release the plunger
and the door is locked.
The doors
can also be locked, in the usual manner,
by using
the octagonal shaped key.
All models have as a standard safety feature free
wheeling door locks. When the lock buttons are de­
pressed, the door handles become inoperative, prevent­
ing
inadvertent opening of the doors.
CAUTION: Do not close the vehicle door by applying
pressure
on the glass. Always lock the doors when driving
as well as when leaving the car unattended.
SEATS
Front Seat Adjustment
The one-piece front seat is easily adjusted forward
or rearward to provide maximum driving comfort.
To adjust the seat, move the control lever on the
driver's end of the seat forward. Then by exerting
slight
body pressure the seat may be moved forward' or
rearward. When the lever is released, the seat is auto­
matically locked
in position.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Axle Ratios :
Engine
95 hp Turbo -Air 164
110 hp Turbo-Air 164
140 hp Turbo -Air 164 Transm
ission
All
3-and4-Speed Powerglide
3-and 4-Speed
'
StandardRatio For Air Cond itioning
Equipped Vehicles 3.55:1 .
BULB SPECIFICATIONS
Headllamp Unit (Sealed Beam)
Standard Ratio'
3.27:1
3 .27:1
3.55:1
3.55 :1
Candle Power Number
Outer~High Beam . .....•...•...•........ 37% W 4002 Low Beam .......... _ ....... _ .. _ .. SSW Inner-High Beam Only •....... , •.•. •.•... 37%W 4001
Park ing Lamp-Directional Signal and Tail-Stop -Directianal Signal Lamps ........ . . 4-32 1157
Back-Up Lamps
............................ 32 1156 Instrument Lamps ........ _ ...•••.....•....• 3 1816
Temp . Press., Gen. Fan., Brake Warning and Glove
Compartment Lamps ...........•... ..•..• . 2 1895
Headlamp High Beam
Indicator , Directional Signal Indicator, and Heater Control Panel Lamps ................•......•.•.. 1445
Dome Lamp ........................... ..• 12 211
Courtesy Lamp ............... . ; ....•..••... 6 631
License Plate Lamp ..............• •......... 4 67
Radio Dial Lamp .....................•..• " 2 1893 Side marker-rear .......................... 2 194A Side marker-front ......................... 2 194
BATTERY RATING
12 valls; 54 plates; 44 amp. hr.
45
FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKER
The wiring circuits in your 1968 Corvair are pro­
tected from short ci~cuits by a combination of fuses,
circuit
breakers, and fuseable thermal links in the wiring
itself. This greatly reduces the hazard of electrically
caused fires in the automobile.
A circuit breaker in the light control switch protects
the headlamp circuit, thus eliminating one fuse. Where
current lo.ad is too heavy, the circuit breaker intermittently
opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the cause
is found and eliminated.
Fusible links are incorporated into the wiring system.
These
are wires of such a gauge that they will fuse (or
melt) before damage occurs to an entire wiring harness
in the event of an electrical overload. See your Chevrolet
Dealer if fusible link replacement becomes necssary.
Fuses,
located in the junction block beneath the
dash are:
1. Radio .
........ ...... .. , .3AG/AGC 10 amp
2. Heater and Air Conditioner ... 3AG/ AGC 25 amp
3. Wiper/Washer .............. SFE/SAE 20 amp
4 . Instrument lamps ......... . 3AG/ AGA 4 amp
5 . Tail lamps (Marker lamps) ... 3AG/ AGA 5 amp
6. Stop and Hazard Flasher ...... SFE/SAE 20 amp
7. Courtesy-Dome, lighter and Clock
(luggage) ................ SFE/SAE 20 amp
8. Back -up and Turn Signals ...... SFE/SAE 20 amp
9. Gauges, Tell Tale lamps ..... 3AG/ AGC 10 amp

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine MINOR TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCEDURES
The chart on the previous page, and the information on the pages
which follow, contains information designed to aid the average
driver to discover, and possibly correct, conditions resulting in minor
mechanical
difficulties in his car. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to
several of the most common automotive mal­
functions
and point out a logical checking sequence, will lead step
by step to the most likely causes and corrective procedures. If, after
making the checks and adjustments suggested, the source of the
trouble
has not been found and corrected, it is strongly recom­
mended
that an Authorized Chevrolet Dealer inspect the vehicle and
make whatever repairs or adjustments are necessary.
FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE
If the ignition switch will cause the engine to "turn over" or
"crank" but the car will not start, check Steps A through D below.
NOTE:
If continual "flooding" of the carburetor is evidenced by a
carburetor wet with fuel or black exhaust smoke, perform the
operation
suggested in paragraph 0 only .
(A) The first and most obvious,
and one of the most frequently
overlooked, items to check when
you
have- difficulty in starting your
car is the amount of fuel in the
tank.
Make it a habit to check the
FUEL GAUGE regularly and most
especially
at a time when the en­
gine will "turn over" but will not
start.
(8)
If the fuel tank is not empty, Checking Fuel Flow
47
you may check further to see whether the fuel is reaching the
engine. Disconnect the fuel lines
at the carburetor. Place a jar or cup
under open line and briefly "crank" the engine by means of the
starter. If fuel spurts from the line, you may assume that the FUEL
LINES are clear and the FUEL PUMP is operating properly. If no fuel
leaves the line, either the fuel lines
or fuel pump are at fault. See
your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
(C) Before reconnecting the fuel lines to the carburetor, remove
the
FUel FilTER from carburetor inlet and check its condition.
If it appears to be clean, replace it and reconnect the fuel lines. If
the filter appears to be plugged, clean it as well as possible by
scraping out the foreign material and cleaning in a solvent. Then
reinstall the filter
and repeat the procedure with the second carbu­
retor. Replace the filters with new ones as soon as possible .
(0) If the fuel seems to be reaching the carburetors properly, the
problem may
be: an EMPTY CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a
"stuck shut" float valve or a flOODED CARBURETOR caused by a
"stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline flowing down
the outside
of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve. Remove the
air cleaners from the carburetors. Check that the choke valves move
freely and are not stuck. Tap the side of the carburetors sharply
several times with a light tool such as a screwdriver handle or pliers.
Replace the
air deaners and attempt to start the engine in the
normal manner.
(E) If the car will start but stalls when hot or has a rough idle,
you
can suspect a faulty IDLE ADJUSTMENT, or extremely dirty

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine and blocked AIR CLEANER ELEMENTS. Replace the air cleaner ele­
ments
if necessary. Idle adjustment should be performed by your
Chevrolet Dealer.
If the above Fuel System checks and the checks suggested under
the Electrical System following do not correct the malfunction, it is
recommended that you turn to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer
for further checks, adjustments
or repairs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If, when the ignition key is turned to START, the engine will not
turn over, you have
good reason to suspect electrical trouble.
(F) When there is no response at all to attempts to start the car,
check the obvious-your AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR
LEVER must be in neutral position before the engine can be started.
Turning the IGNITION SWITCH rapidly back and forth several
times
will sometimes correct a poor internal switch contact.
(G) The BATTERY may be discharged. If so, lights will be dim and
the horn will have a poor tone if it will blow at all.
Usually
a garage recharge will be necessary to return the battery
to operotion. Occasionally, however, a long drive will recharge
the battery.
NOTE:
If the battery is determined to be dead, and for no apparent
reason, have
your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer check the
battery, the GENERATOR and the
VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
GENERATOR trouble should already have been indicated
by
the indicator on the instrument panel. Never remove generator
"BAT" lead without first disconnecting battery ground cable.
48
POOR BATTERY CONNECTIONS may be suspected if the car has operated properly a short time before and now not even the horn
will operate. Check both ends of both battery cables. If the con­
nections are corroded, a car may sometimes be restored to opera­tion by removing all cable ends, scraping all contacting surfaces
clean with a pen knife, and reassembling. If the cables are broken,
they must be replaced. The power supply should now be restored
unless the battery is dead.
(H) If, however, the lights and horn work properly but the starter will still not turn over, check the STARTER connections. A "click" from the starter solenoid indicates that the wiring to the starter is properly installed. If the wiring seems to be clean and tightly in­stalled, the trouble is probably in the starter itself and should be referred to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
When the engine will "turn over" but will not start, the following
items may be checked along with Fuel System Checks listed previously.
(I) With a clean dry cloth wipe the ceramic portions of the spark plugs dry. In particularly damp or rainy weather dampness may be the cause of not sta rting, especi­ally when the engine is cold.
(J) Check the cables at the top of the distributor and coil as well as each spark plug cable for
tightness.
(K) If the car will still not start, check for spark at the spark plugs in the following manner:
Pull one of the spark plug
wires off its spark plug. Insert a
short piece of bare wire (such as a bobby pin) between the rubber Distributor and Coil Leads

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine cup at the end of the spark plug
wire
and the tubular metal con­
nector inside of it. If the spark
plug wire is wet or oily, wipe it
dry.
Wrap a dry handkerchief or
facial tissue, folded several thick­
nesss, around the wire at least
three inches back from the end
and grasp wire at this point.
Hold the
bare wire about V4 inch
from the bare tip of the spark
plug from which you removed the
wire. When the engine is "turned Checking for Spork
over" a spark should jump across the V4 inch space, indicating
ample current supply.
If no spark jumps, the difflcultyis probably
caused by a defective ignition part and should be corrected by
your Authorized
Chevrolet Dealer.
COOLING SYSTEM
When the car will run but evidences serious overheating on the
temperature
gauge in the instrument panel, there are several items
which may
be checkd.
(L) Engine overheating will occur when the OIL LEVEL falls
dangerously low.
Check the oil level as a matter of course.
CAUTION: Never drive the car when the TEMP-PRESS indicator in
the instrument panel is lighted.
49
1M) Check the air intake louvers. Clean them if they are plugged
with leaves
or other foreign material.
IN) Condition of the FAN BELT
is very important, not only for en­
gine cooling but also for proper
generator operation. Check the
condition of the belt. Replace
it
if it is worn or frayed. Loosen the
idler
bracket bolts and move
the
bracket toward the engine
to remove and replace the belt.
Tighten the belt, whether new
or
old, by loosening the idler bracket
nuts, prying with a bar on the Checking Fan Be" Tension
bracket until the belt is tensioned properly, then retighten the
bracket bolts. Proper belt tension is such that, when belt is de­
flected downward with moderate thumb pressure at a point midway
between the
generator and fan pulleys, the belt will deflect about
:Va" to K6". Do not overtighten the belt.
(0) Another cause of engine overheating may be an inoperative
COOLING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT. If the thermostat should fail
in the closed position, it will not permit air to circulate through the
engine.
See your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TRAILER
Passenger cars are designed and intended to be
used primarily as passenger conveyances. A trailer cannot
be towed behind a passenger car without having some
effect on method of ope.ration, durability and economy.
Maximum satisfaction and pleasure will be derived
through use of proper equipment and avoiding over­
loads and other abusive operation.
No special equipment is required, other than an
appropriate hitch, for Chevrolet cars to handle a trailer
with gross weight less than 1,000 pounds in an adequate
manner under normal occasional use although tire infla­tion recommendations outlined in this Manual should be
followed. Chevrolet makes light duty trailer hitches avail-
HAULING
able through Chevrolet Dealer Parts and Accessories
Departments. For
hauling trailers heavier than 1,000
pounds, it is recommended that an appropriate load
equalizing, frame mounted hitch be purchased from a
reliable manufacturer. Bumper and axle type hitches are
not recommended. Generally trailer tongue loads should
be minimized by maintaining proper distribution of the
load in the trailer. General information on trailer hauling
and optional equipment is available in booklet form and
can be obtained by writing to Chevrolet Division, Gen­
eral Motors Corporation, Merchandising Department,
New and Used Cars, Room 2-122, General Motors Build­
ing, Detroit, Michigan 48202.
EXTENDED VEHICLE STORAGE
If you plan to store your Corvair over an extended
period of time, certain steps should be taken to give it
maximum protection. It is recommended that you write
Chevrolet Motor Division, General Motors Corporation,
50
Owner Relations Department, Detroit, Michigan 48202,
for detailed instructions on how to prepore your Corvair
for storoge.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX Page Air Cleaner. . . . . . . . . .. , .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .......... 42 Air Conditioning.. ............ ... .... .• . . .20,43 & 44 Air Injection Reactor......... ........... . ... ... 38 Air Recirculating Cover Plate. . . . . . . . . . . .• . . . . .. . . . .. . . 20 Air Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ash Tray. ........ .. ... 22 Battery........... ............ ....•...•................. 42 Brake Adjusters...................... .. .. ... ............. 17 Brake System Warning Light. . ................. 14 Brake Lmings. . ....... ....... ........ ............... 43 Brake Main Cylinder.. ........... . ...... 43 Brake-Parking. . ............ .......... . .. 18 & 43 Bright Metal Parts..... .. ..................... '. 30 Chassis Lubrication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cigarette Lighter. . . .. .... ... .. . . . .. .. " 22 Circut Brea ker. . . . . . ................. .. .............. 15 & 45 Cleaning Hints Exterior Appearance........ .... .... . ............ . 30 Interior Appearance.. ............... . ............. ........ 31 Clutch Adjustment......... 17 Clutch Cross Shaft. . . .. . . . . . . . ... .. . . 41 Clutch Pedal.. .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. .. . 17 Clutch Pulleys & Cables..................... . 43 Cooling System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ ....... 34 & 43 Crankcase.ventilation (Positive). 37 Dimmer Switch... .......... ..... 16 Distributor. . . . . . . 42 Doors and Locks. .. ..... .................. .• ................. 23 Driving for Economy..... ...... ...... 7 Emergency Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Engine Compartment.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . 28 Engine Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 32 Engine Lubrication. . . . . . . . . .. . . . .• . . . . . . . • . . . . . . .33& 38 Fan Belt........ .... ..................... ..... 38 Foreign Country Operation. .................. 32 Front Suspension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Front Wheel Bearings.. . ............. .......... . 43 Fuel Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 41 Fuel Guage.. ............ 13 Fuses.. .. .. ... ...................... ..... 45 ~s~p.......... ~ Gen·Fan .Indicator........ 13 Hazard Warning Flasher. . 17 Headrest...... . . ....... ... .. ........ 26 Heater............................... ..... .. .......... 19 Ignition Switch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jacking the Car. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36
52
Keys............... . ......... .............. . Light Control Knob ...................... . . Luggage Compartment ................... . Maintenance and Lubrication (Periodic) .. Octane Requirements. . . . . ......... . Oil Filter .... ............ . Pa rking Bra ke Operation . ..................... . Service .......... ...... . Polishing Your Corvair... . . ... . . . . . .. . .........•. .... ........ Positraction Axle. . . ... ............... .. ...... .. .. .... . Radios. . . . .... . ........... . Rear Axle.... . . ...................................... . . Rocking Car .............. . Occupant Restraint Belts .. . . Seats Front Seat Back Lock ....... .•...... Front Seat Adjustment. Rear Seat-Folding ... Service Bra kes. . . . . . . . . .. . ......................... ... . Serial and Unit Numbers .......... .. . Spare Tire..... . .• ......... .................•.•. Specifications. . . . ................... ... .. .• ........ Speedometer ... .. ............... . Starting the Engine .... . Steering Lin kage ...... . Steering Gear ............... . Telescoping Steering Column. Temp·Press Indicator. Tires. Towing ..... Trailer Hauling. Transmission Manual Operation. ................ . ....... .. .... . Service ................... .. .. ...... .. . Powerglide Operation. Service ...... . Operating Tips ....... . Trouble Shooting Guide.......... . .............. ... . Directional and Lane Change Signal. . ....• ...•.... Warm·up... ............ . ....... .. ........... ... . Washing Your Corvair. . . ........ . White Sidewall Tires.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... .. . Windshield Wipers and Washers. . . .. .. .. .. .
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