1986 CHEVROLET CORVAIR tow

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TRANSMISSION OPERATING TIPS
EMERGENCY STARTING
Your Corvair may be started in an emergency by
pushing. When being pushed to start the engine, turn
off all unnecessary electrical loads, turn the ignition to "ON", and (if manual transmission) depress the
clutch and place the shift lever in high gear or, (if
powerglide) move selector lever to NEUTRAL position.
Release the clutch when car speed reaches 10 to 15 miles per hour (manual transmission); move the selector
lever to LOW position when car speed reaches 20 to
25 miles per hour (powerglidel. Bumpers and other
parts contacted by the pushing vehicle should be pro­
tected from damage while pushing. Never tow the car
to start.
TOWING
Normally your Corvair may be towed with all four
wheels on the ground for distances up to 50 miles at
12
speeds of less than 35 mph. The engine should be off
ahd the transmission in neutral.
However, the drive wheels (rear wheels) must be
raised off the ground or the drive shaft disconnected
when the transmission
is not operating properly or when
a speed
of 35 mph or distance of 50 miles will be exceeded.
CAUTION: If car is towed on its front wheels only, the
steering wheel must
be secured with the wheels in a
straight ahead position .
ROCKING CAR
If it becomes necessary to rock the car to free it
from sand, mud or snow, move the selector lever from "D" to "R" (automatic transmission) or the shift lever
from forward to reverse (manual transmission) in a
repeat pattern while simultaneously applying moderate
pressure to the accelerator. Do not race engine. Avoid
spinning wheels when trying to free the car.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • MAXIMUM HEAT REQUIREMENTS-Depress HEAT lever
to extreme down position.
If heat becomes exces­
sive, pull up HEAT knob to desired position.
Additional rear seat
compartment heat may be
obtained by opening the
heater outlet located in the
seat riser.
Heater Operating Tips
The Direct Air Heater receives air from the air inlet
louvers below the
rear window. Clean snow from this
opening
and surrounding areas before operating the
heater.
Operate the heater for several minutes before turn­
ing on the defroster. This will clear the system of moisture
and help prevent windshield fogging.
Keep
all windows and vents closed to reduce drafts,
and noise.
Quicker defrosting may
be obtained when the rear
seat heater outlets are closed.
AIR CONDITIONING
The optional air conditioner provides controlled con­
ditioned air at each of the three dash panel mounted
outlets.
Air conditioner
and heater are two separate units
with a common control
housing-The air condition con­trols function as follows.
20
COOL -Depress the COOL
lever as required to pro­
vide the desired condi­
tioned air temperature
through the dash outlets.
COOL lever must be de­
pressed past detent be­
fore cooling fan will
operate.
FAN-Vary the fan switch as
necessary to satisfy com­
fort requirements. The FAN
switch must be turned ON to at least "lOW" speed
during all cooling operations.
AIR-For maximum cooling capacity during periods of
extreme heat and humidity, and when first turning
on the system, the air lever should
be in the full
"UP" position. Depress lever to satisfy needs under
less
severe cooling requirements.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATING TIPS
Always operate the Air Conditioning System with all
windows
and vents closed to eliminate drafts, wind and
road noise. The cover plate furnished should remain
installed over the engine air recirculating slot during
the season when cooling
is required. This plate should
be removed, and stowed, when outside temperatures are
continuously below 60°F.
For the best system operation at altitudes over 4000
ft., do not operate with control set to maximum cooling.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The bucket seats are adjusted in exactly the same
manner. The seat control lever
for each seat is located
beneath the outer edge of the seat (toward the door).
Underneath the seat trim are strong steel seat struc­
tures,
anchored firmly to the body. The seats and
anchorages are strong enough to prevent deformation
during low-speed impacts, but are designed in such a way that they absorb some energy by yielding to a de­
gree during certain more severe higher-speed impacts.
Seat Back Lock
Folding seat backs are equipped with seH-latching
mechanisms
and release controls designed for the con­
venience of entering and exiting passengers.
The release
knob is located at the lower rear of
each backrest nearest the door. lift the knob upward,
then push the seatback forward. The lock will latch
when the
seatback returns to its upright position.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT BELTS
Suitable occupant restraints are available on all 1968
Corvairs. Worn properly, lap and shoulder belts reduce
the chances
of death or serious injury in the event of cert.ain types of accidents. Get into the habit of using
these restraints,
and using them properly, every single
time you
enter your car. Insist that your passengers use
them,
too. * By using them correctly, you give the belts
a chance
to help prevent injuries and perhaps even
save a
life.
·Shoulder belts should not be worn by persons less thon approximately 55 inches in height.
24
Lap Belts
Lap belts provide added security and comfort for
you and your passengers . Lap belts are standard equip­
ment for all seating positions on all models. Proper use
and care of these belts will assure continuance of this
security.
After the front seat has been adjusted to the satis­
faction of the driver, grasp the buckle end and the flat
metal "eye" end of your individual belt assembly and
position the belt across the pelvic area as LOW ON THE
PELVIS AS POSSIBLE. Insert the metal eye into the open
end of the buckle until an audible snap is heard. Make
sure the connection is secure and adjust the belt to a
SNUG FIT by pulling on the end of the belt protruding
from the buckle . The snug and low positions are essential
in
order that the force exerted by the lap belt in a colli­
sion may be spread over the strong pelvic bone and not
across the soft abdominal area. For retractor equipped
belts, pull retractor half of the belts to a solid stop to
make sure that the belt webbing is completely unwound
from the retractor drum, then connect the belt and make
the necessary adjustments
at the buckle for proper fit. To
release the belts, simply depress the release
tab or button
located on the center of the buckle.
CAUTION: Never use the same belt for more than one
person at a time. Be sure to avoid: (aJ wearing a lap belt
loosely or with slack
in the system; and (bJ wearing the
belt with the
webbing wound around the retractor drum.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine level, remove the oil gauge rod (dip stick), wipe it
clean and reinsert it firmly for an accurate reading.
The oil level should be maintained in the safety margin,
neither going above the FULL line nor below the ADD
mark. Reseat the gauge firmly after taking the reading.
DO NOT OVERFilL.
COOLING SYSTEM CARE
The engine fan belt should be checked for tightness
at regular intervals. When a new belt is needed use only
the approved premium belt available from your Chev­
rolet dealer. If any other belt is installed, replace with
recommended belt when possible.
Watch the TEMP-PRESS and GEN-FAN indicators on the
instrument
panel for signs of overheating.
Air inlet louvers, located in the panel below the rear
window, supply air for engine combustion and cooling
and for the Direct Air Heater. Make sure the louvers are
never sealed or blocked.
TIRES
The factory installed tires on your car are selected
to provide the best all around tire performance for all
normal operation. When inflated as recommended in
the
tire inflation pressure table they have the load
carrying capacity to operate satisfactorily at all loads
up to and including the specified full rated load, at all
normal highway speeds.
RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES Pounds per Square I nch (Cool)
MODELS TIRE PLY
1 TO 6 PASSENGERS Standard
Coupe + 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (1100 LBS. LOAD)
1 TO 5 PASSENGERS Monza
Coupe -+ 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (950 LBS. LOAD)
1 TO 5 PASSENGERS Monza Convertible -+ 200 LBS. LUGGAGE 4-Ply Rating-2 Ply (950 LBS. LOAD)
1. Tire inflation pressures
may increase as much as six (6) pounds per square
inch (PSI) when hot. 2. For continuous high speed operation (over 75 MPH) increase tire inflation pressures four (4) pounds per square inch over the recommended pressures up to a maximum of 32 pounds per square inch cool for 4-ply rating tires.
When the 4 psi pressure adjustment for sustained high speed with maximum vehicle load would require inflation pressures above the maximum allowable, speed must be limited to 75 miles per hour.
34
STANDARD INFLATION PRESSURE FOR TIRE USAGE ALL LOADS INCLUDING FULL RATED
FRONT REAR
7.00-13-15 28
7.00-13· 15 26
7.00-13· 15 28
3. Cool tire inflation pressure: after vehicle has been inoperative for three (3)
hours or more or driven less than one (1) mile. Hot tire inflation pressure:
after vehicle has been driven ten (10) miles or more at 60-70 mph. 4. Vehicles with luggage racks do not have a load limit greater than specified. 5. When towi ng trai lers, the allowable passenger and cargo load must be reduced by an amount equal to the trailer tongue load on the trailer hitch.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CAUTION: For safety sake, never get beneath the
car when it is supported only by the jack. Always
use
safety stancls to support the vehicle if it is
necessary to get uncler the car.
If your vehicle is equipped with a Positraction
differential,
do not run the engine for any reason
with
one rear wheel off the ground as the car may
drive through the rear wheel remaining on the
ground.
36
JACKING THE CAR
When jacking the car, set the hand brake, block
diagonal wheel,
and, if changing wheels, remove the
hub
cap and loosen wheel nuts. Locate the jack under
the side
of the car as shown.
Spare tire and jack stowage are illustrated below.
Wrench
is stowed in luggage compartment. On models
with the
spare tire in the engine compartment, mount
the wheel on locating studs with valve opening down­
ward
and toward center of ·car.
CAUTION: Never attempt to raise the Corvair by
. placing any kincl of jack under the bumper .

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 CHEVROLET ZONE OFFICE ADDRESSES
Irondale, Ala. (Birmingham) 2300 Crestwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, California
1800 Avenue of the Stars
Oakland,
California 10910 E. 14th St.
San
Diego, California 707 Broadway
Denver, Colorado
4355 Kearney St.
Jacksonville, Florida 8206 Phillips Hwy.
Doraville, Georgia
(Atlanta) 6005 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Indianapolis, Indiana 2350 N. Shadeland Ave.
South Bend, Indiana 320 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Broadview,
Illinois (Chicago) 2600 S. 25th Ave.
Peoria,
Illinois 2009 N. KnOxville
Des Moines, Iowa
818 Fifth Ave.
Lenexa, Kansas (Kansas City)
8900 Marshall Dr.
Wichita, Kansas
4921 E. 21st St.
Louisville, Kentucky 4501 Indian Trail
Harahan,
La. (New Orleans)
5401 Jefferson Hwy.
Portland, Maine
150 Riverside St.
Hanover, Maryland (Baltimore) 1800 Parkway Drive
Westwood, Mass. (Boston)
505 Blue Hill Dr.
Grand Blanc, Michigan (Flint)
5198 Territorial
Southfield, Michigan (Detroit)
15565
Northland Dr.
Edina, Minn.
(Minneapolis) 7600 Metro Blvd.
Hazelwood, Missouri
(St. Louis) 5801 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
Omaha, Nebraska 11616 "I" Street
Englewood, N. J. (Newark) 385 Nordhoff Place
Bethpage, Long Island, N. Y .
175 Central Ave., South
Cheektowaga, N. Y. (Buffalo) 2615 Walden Ave.
Syracuse, N. Y . 107 Twin Oaks Dr.
White Plains, N.
Y. 10·12 Mitchell Place
51
Charlotte , N . C. 701 Interstate 85
Fargo, N. D. 701 Fourth Ave., N.
Cleveland, Ohio 12990 Snow Road (Parma)
Sharonville , Ohio (Cincinnati) 11575 Reading Rd.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma N. E. 36th & Santa Fe Streets
Beaverton, Oregon (Portland) 2250 N. W. Tualatin Valley Hwy.
Carnegie, Penn. (Pittsburgh)
507·527 Forrest Ave.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
101 Radnor St.
King of Prussia, Penn. (Phila.) 935 First Avenue
Memphis, Tenn.
3495 Lamar Ave.
Dallas, Texas
8635 Stemmons Freeway
EI Paso, Texas 1633 Airway Blvd.
Houston, Texas
4807 Wake Forest st.
North Salt Lake, Utah 845 N. Overland St.
Sandston,
Va. (Richmond) 5450 Lewis Road
Charleston,
W. Virginia 1205·1211 Virginia St. , E.
Seattle, Washington 233 Sixth North
Green Bay, Wisconsin 1901 S. Webster Ave.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
4066 N. Port Washington Ave.
CANADA
Vancouver, B. C. 900 Terminal Avenue
Calgary, Alta. 4220 Blackfoot Trail,
Box 2510
Regina , Sask. 8th Avenue and Toronto Sts. Box 2006
Winnipeg , Man.
1345 Redwood Avenue
London,
Onto Box 3412·Terminal
Ottawa, Onto
875 Belfast Road
Toronto ,
Onto 68 Richmond St., E.
Montreal, Que. 5000 Trans·Canada Highway ,
Pointe Claire, Quebec
Moncton , N .
B. 65 3 St. George St.
MEXICO
General Motors de Mexico S. A. de C. V. Av. Ejercito Nacional
No . 843 Mexico 5, D. F. Telephone 25453921