1998 CHEVROLET EXPRESS check oil

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Things Under the Hood
A CAUTION:
If your vehicle has air conditioning, the auxiliary
engine fan under the hood can start up and
injure
you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
A CAUTION:
I
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start
a fire. These include liquids like
gasoline or diesel fuel, oil, coolant, brake fluid,
windshield washer and other fluids, and plastic
or rubber.
You or others could be burned. Be
careful not
to drop or spill things that will burn
onto
a hot engine.
To open the hood, first
pull this handle inside the
vehicle. It is just
in front of
the driver’s side door frame
near the floor.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Fan and Drive:
0 Removal of fan clutch (if equipped) or rendering
0 Removal of the fan shroud (if equipped).
clutch inoperative.
Air Intake:
0 Removal
of the air cleaner silencer.
0 Reversing the air cleaner cover.
Exhaust:
0 Removal of the muffler and/or resonator.
0 Removal of the exhaust pipes and exhaust
pipe clamps.
Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Engine Oil
(Diesel Engine)” in the Diesel Engine Supplement.
It’s a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel.
In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and
the vehicle must be on level ground.
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The engine oil dipstick has
a yellow handle and is
located near the center
of
the engine compartment.
Turn
off the engine and
give the oil a few minutes
to drain back into the oil
pan.
If you don’t, the oil
dipstick might not show
the actual level.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Engine Oil
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the ADD mark, then you’ll need
to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the
right kind. This part explains what kind
of oil to use. For
crankcase capacity,
see “Capacities and Specifications”
in the Index.
NOTICE:
Don’t add too much oil. If your engine has so
much oil that the oil level gets above the upper
mark that
shows the proper operating range,
your engine could be damaged.
The engine oil filler cap is located between the coolant
recovery tank and
the air cleaner.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 5. Install a new filter element with the folds in the
down position.
Reverse Steps 1 through
4 to replace the air cleaner.
See “Normal Replacement Parts” for the proper filter
to use.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to
replace the air filter and crankcase ventilation filter.
See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
I /!1 CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause
you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine
backfires.
If it isn’t there, and the engine
backfires, you could be burned. Don’t drive with
it
off, and be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner
off.
I NOTICE: I
If the air cleaner is off, a backfire can cause a
damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner in place when you’re driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If your vehicle has a diesel engine, see “Automatic
Transmission Fluid” in the Diesel Supplement.
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil
is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every
50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle’s GVWR is over 8,600 or
if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches
90” F (32” C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
6-17

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Rear Axle What to Use
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often
to check the lubricant and when to change it. See
“Scheduled Maintenance Services” in the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below the
bottom
of the filler plug
hole, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough
lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the filler
plug hole. Refer
to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The cooling s stem in your vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for
5 years or 150,000 miles
(240
000 kmg whichever occurs first, if you add only
DEX-COOL extended life coolant.
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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.
A 50/50 mixture of water and DEX-COOL@
coolant will:
0 Give freezing protection down to -34°F (-37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265 “F (1 29” C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
0 Help keep the proper engine temperature.
0 Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cooling System Capacity (Approximate)
ENGINE VIN QTY Without Rear Heater
“VORTEC”4300 W 1 1 Quarts ( 10.4 L)
“VORTEC”5000 M 17 Quarts (16 L)
“VORTEC”5700 R 17 Quarts (1 6 L)
“VORTEC”7400 J 23 Quarts (2 1.8 L)
QTY With Rear Heater
14 Quarts (13.2 L)
20 Quarts (18.9 L)
20 Quarts (18.9 L)
26 Quarts (24.6 L)
After refill, the level MUST be checked as outlined under “Engine Cooling System” in Section 5.
Crankcase Capacity (Approximate)
ENGINE VIN Quantity With Filter
“VORTEC”4300 W 4.5 Quarts (4.3 L)
“VORTEC”5000 M 5 Quarts (4.8 L)
“VORTEC”5700 R 5 Quarts (4.8 L)
“VORTEC”7400 J 6.6 Quarts (6.24 L)
After refill, the level MUST be rechecked. Add enough engine oil so that the fluid is within the proper operating
range. See “Engine Oil” in the Index.
*Add one additional quart for RPO 5Z1 and
RPO KL5 Models.
6-68

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240
000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage and rear driveline center splines.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in
Part C of this schedule.
* * Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
0
0
0
Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed. If driving in
dusty areas or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles (25
000 km).
Standard Differential -- Check fluid level and add
fluid as needed at every oil change. If driving in
dusty areas
or towing a trailer, drain fluid and refill
every 15,000 miles
(25 000 km).
More frequent lubrication may be required for
heavy-duty use.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines I
3,000 Miles (5 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. (See footnote **.)
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
6,000 Miles (10 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. (See footnote **.)
0 Rotate tires. See “Tire Inspection and Rotation” in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote
+.)
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
9,000 Miles (15 000 km)
0 Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
0 Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Check axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. (See footnote **.)
An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote #.)
DATE I -~
SERVICED BY:
n4TE I
MILEAGE
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