2008 CHEVROLET CORVETTE engine

Changing Engine Oil and Filter
(Z06 Only)
Z06 models have a racetrack-ready dry sump engine
lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when changing
the engine oil and lter. Follow this procedure closely
when changing the engine oil and lter.
A. Engine Oil Drain Plugs
B. Seals1. Remove the two engine oil drain plugs from the
bottom of the engine oil pan. One drain plug
drains the external oil tank via the oil transfer supply
line. The other drain plug drains residual oil from
the crankcase sump. Allow the oil to drain.
2. Once the oil has been drained from the engine,
remove the engine oil lter and allow the oil to
drain.
3. Re-install both drain plugs and tighten them to
18 lb ft (25Y).
4. Replace the oil lter and tighten it to 18 lb ft
(25Y). SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-14for the correct lter.
5. Oil is lled through the opening in the top of the
external engine oil tank. Remove the oil ll cap.
6. Add eight quarts (7.6 L) of oil to the oil tank. See
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-107.
7. Install the oil ll cap and insert the dipstick, if
removed.
8. Start the engine and let it run at idle for at least
15 seconds. This will circulate the fresh engine
oil through the lubrication system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level as
described under “Checking Engine Oil (Z06 Only).”
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What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for three things:
GM4718M
Your vehicle’s engine requires a special oil meeting
GM Standard GM4718M. Oils meeting this standard
may be identied as synthetic. However, not all
synthetic oils will meet this GM standard. Look for and
use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM4718M.Notice:If you use oils that do not have the
GM4718M Standard designation, you can cause
engine damage not covered by your warranty.
SAE 5W-30
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best
for your vehicle.
These numbers on an oil container show its
viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity
oils such as SAE 20W-50.
Oils meeting these
requirements should
have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has
been certied by the
American Petroleum
Institute (API).
Look for this on the oil container, and use only those
oils that are identied as meeting GM Standard
GM4718M and have the starburst symbol on the front of
the oil container.
Your vehicle’s engine is lled at the factory with a
Mobil 1
®synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for
your vehicle.
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Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain
engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M
may not be available. You can add substitute oil
designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at all
temperatures. Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard
GM4718M should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM Standard
GM4718M are all you need for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
Your vehicle has a computer that lets you know when
to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly,
you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.Z06 models have a racetrack-ready dry sump engine
lubrication system. This high-performance system
operates differently than a standard engine lubrication
system and requires a special procedure when changing
the engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-17.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL message will come on. Change
the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that
an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your
last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
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How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
the engine oil and lter based on vehicle use.
Whenever the oil is changed, reset the system so it can
calculate when the next oil change is required. If a
situation occurs where you change the oil prior
to a CHANGE ENGINE OIL message being turned on,
reset the system.
To reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message after an
oil change:
1. Press the TRIP button so the OIL LIFE percentage
is displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL message comes back on
when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system
has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not 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 dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have
a problem properly disposing of used oil, ask your
dealer/retailer, a service station, or a local recycling
center for help.
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Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the engine air cleaner/lters.
Notice:If you spray water into the engine air
cleaner/lter intake and water enters the engine
air cleaner/lter housing, you could damage
your vehicle’s engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not spray water
into the engine air cleaner/lter intake and/or
housing.
If you are cleaning your vehicle with the hood open,
take care not to spray water directly near the lter
opening of the air cleaner, as shown in the illustration,
as this could damage your vehicle’s engine.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filters
Inspect the air cleaner/lters at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace them at the rst oil change after
each 50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
lters at each engine oil change.
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How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filters
To inspect the air cleaner/lters, remove the lters from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lters to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lters remain caked with dirt,
new lters are required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lters,
do the following:
1. Remove the screws holding the lter element in
place.
2. Pull on latches found on either side of the lter.3. Inspect or replace the lter. SeeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to replace the air
cleaner/lter cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to
stop ames if the engine backres. If it is not
there and the engine backres, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and be careful
working on the engine with the air cleaner/
lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when
you are driving.
5-26

When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-14for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule for the proper uid
to use. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-12. The uid requires changing every
two years. SeeAdditional Required Services on
page 6-6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch uid reservoir to make sure
the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line on the side of
the reservoir. The hydraulic clutch uid system should
be kept closed and sealed. Do not remove the cap
to check the uid level or to top-off the uid level.
Remove the cap only when necessary to add the
proper uid until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-31.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
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What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
do not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid such as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’s
coolant warning system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too hot but
would not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.Notice:If an improper coolant mixture is used,
the engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can
freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core,
and other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer/retailer check your cooling system.
Notice:If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle’s cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper mixture of
the engine coolant listed in this manual for the
cooling system. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
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