1995 CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN engine coolant

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When you decide it’s safe to lift the hood, here’s what you’ll see:
A. Coolant recovery tank
B. Radiator pressure cap
C. Engine fan
If the coolant inside the coolant recovery tank is boiling, don’t do anything
else until it cools down.
The coolant level should be at
ADD. If it isn’t, you may have a leak in the
radiator hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water pump
or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
NOTICE:
Engine damage from running your engine without coolant isn’t \
covered by your warranty.
If there seems to be no leak, start the engine again. See if the fan speed
increases when idle speed is doubled
by pushing the accelerator pedal down.
If it doesn’t, your vehicle needs service. Turn off the engine.
5-15

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Recovery Tank
If you haven’t found a problem yet, but the coolant level isn’t at ADD , add
a
50/50 mixture of clean water (preferably distilled) and a proper antifreeze
at the coolant recovery tank. (See “Engine Coolant” in the Index
for more
information about the proper coolant mix.)
NOTICE:
In cold weather, water can freeze and crack the engine, radiat\
or,
heater core and other parts. Use the recommended coolant.
I I
When the coolant in the coolant recovery tank is at ADD , start your
vehicle.
If
the overheat warning continues, there’s one more thing you can try. You
can add the proper coolant
mix directly to the radiator, but be sure the
cooling system is
cool before you do it.
5-14

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
1. You can remove the radiator pressure cap when the cooling system,
including the radiator pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is
no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
to the left until it first stops. (Don’t
press down while turning the pressure cap.)
5- 17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
4. Then fill the coolant recovery tank to ADD.
5. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank, but leave the radiator
pressure cap
off.
6. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine fan.
5-19

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 7. By this time the coolant level inside the radiator filler neck may be
lower.
If the level is lower, add more of the proper mix through the
filler neck until the level reaches the base
of the filler neck.
8. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during this procedure if
coolant begins to flow out of the filler neck, reinstall the pressure cap.
Be sure the arrows on the pressure cap line
up like this.
Engine Fan Noise
This vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When the clutch is engaged,
the fan spins faster to provide more air to cool the engine. In most every day
driving conditions the clutch is not fully engaged. This improves fuel
economy and reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing
and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed increases when the clutch
engages.
So you may hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and
should not be mistaken
as the transmission slipping or making extra sh
It is merely the cooling system functioning properly. The fan will slow
down when additional cooling is not required and the clutch disengage .ifts.
S.
You may
also hear this fan noise when you start the engine. It will go away
as the fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving, especially if you
maintain your tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if you should ever have a “blowout,” here are a few tips
about what
to expect and what to do:
If
a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer
to maintain lane position, then gently brake to a
stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-20

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines “Starburst” symbol. Failure \
to
use the proper oil can result in engine damage not covered by\

your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil (in Canada, GM Engine Oil) meets all the
requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additr’ves
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your GM dealer is ready to advise if you
think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
See if any one of these is true for you:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km). This is particularly
Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent driving in stop and
important
when outside temperatures are below freezing.
go traffic).
0 Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a carrier on top of your vehicle.
If any one of these is true for your vehicle, then you need to change your oil
and filter every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or 3 months - whichever comes
first.
If
none of them is true, change the oil and filter every 7,500 miles (12 500
km) or 12 months - whichever comes first.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather,
0 OF (-1 8 O C) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater’’ in the Index.
What to Do with Used Oil
Did you know that used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer? Don’t
let used oil stay
on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly throw away clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. (See the manufacturer’s warnings about the use
and disposal of oil products.)
6- 12

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
The proper coolant
for your vehicle will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
0 Give boiling protection up to 262 OF ( 1 28 O C).
0 Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean wafer (preferably distilled) and one-half
antifreeze that meets
“GM Specification 6038-M,” which won’t damage
aluminum parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to “GM
Specification 6038-M. Use
GM Coolant Supplement (Sealer) with a
complete coolant flush and refill.
If you use this mixture, you don’t need to
add anything else.
6-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mix, your engine could overheat
and be badly damaged. The repair cost wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
Too much water in the mix can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Some conditions, such as air trapped in the cooling system, can affect the
coolant level in the radiator. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold
and follow the steps under “Adding Coolant” for the proper way to add
coolant.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year, have your dealer
check your cooling system.
NOTICE:
If YOU use the proper coolant, you don’t have to add extra
inhibitors or additives which claim to improve the system. These
can be harmful.
Adding Coolant
6-24