cooling GMC C-SERIES 1999 Owner's Manual

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6-23
Engine Coolant (Gasoline Engine)
The cooling system 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 km), whichever occurs first, 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, see ªEngine Overheatingº in
the Index.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX
-COOL
coolant will:

Give freezing protection down to
-34F (-37C).

Give boiling protection up to 252F (122C).

Protect against rust and corrosion.

Help keep the proper engine temperature.

Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
NOTICE:
When adding coolant, it is important that you
use only DEX
-COOL (silicate-free) coolant.
If coolant other than DEX-COOL is added to
the system, premature engine, heater core or
radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the
engine coolant will require change sooner
-- at
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or 24 months,
whichever occurs first. Damage caused by the
use of coolant other than DEX
-COOL is not
covered by your new vehicle warranty.
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6-24 What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one
-half DEX-COOL
coolant which won't damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
don't need to add anything else.
CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water, or some other
liquid like alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. Your vehicle's coolant
warning system is set for the proper coolant
mixture. With plain water or the wrong mixture,
your engine could get too hot but you wouldn't
get the overheat warning. Your engine could
catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX
-COOL
coolant.
NOTICE:
If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost wouldn't be covered by your
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 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.
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6-27
CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap (on a gasoline
engine) or the surge tank cap (on a diesel engine)
when the engine and radiator are hot can allow
steam and scalding liquids to blow out and burn
you badly. With the coolant recovery system, you
will almost never have to add coolant at the
radiator. Never turn the radiator pressure cap
or the surge tank pressure cap
-- even a
little
-- when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mixture at the recovery tank or the surge
tank, but be careful not to spill it.
CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don't spill coolant on a hot engine.
Some conditions, such as trapped air in the cooling
system, can affect the coolant level in the radiator. If you
need to add coolant to the radiator, follow the steps
listed under ªHow to Add Coolant to the Radiator.º
See ªEngine Overheatingº in the Index.
Engine Coolant
(Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
If your vehicle has a Caterpillar diesel engine, see the
Caterpillar
Operation & Maintenance Manual provided
with your vehicle to find out what to add, also when and
how to service your cooling system.
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6-47 Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs
If your vehicle has oil-filled
hubs, occasionally check to
see if they have enough oil.
You can tell by looking into
the sight glass to see if there
is oil there.
If there isn't, clean the rubber fill plug in the center of
the glass, and then remove it. Be careful not to allow
any dirt or water to get into the oil. Add enough of the
recommended oil to bring it up to the level mark that
you'll see on the glass.
Refer to your Maintenance Schedule for the proper oil
to use.
When you fill the hub, check the glass again after
driving a short distance. It takes a while for the oil to
flow through the system, and you may find that you
have to add a little more to fill it to the proper level.
Air Conditioning System
Every now and then, have your dealership check your
air conditioning system to be sure it has not lost any
cooling ability. If you think the system is not working
properly, have your GM Truck dealer check it out as
soon as possible.
The air conditioning won't work when the temperature
outside is below 40
F (4
C).
NOTICE:
If your vehicle is equipped with factory air
conditioning, the system is charged with the
R
-134a refrigerant. Servicing of the air
conditioning system should be performed by a
trained service technician.
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6-58
CAUTION:
Without the correct wheel, you may not be able
to stop properly, and you could have other
problems like a tire air
-out. You could have a
collision. If you don't go to your dealer to get a
new wheel, be sure you get the correct one. Each
new wheel should match the original wheel in
load
-carrying capacity, inflation pressure
capacity, diameter, width, offset and mounting
configuration.
Using wheels and tires with higher load-carrying limits
than the original wheels and tires doesn't change the
GAWR or the GVWR of your vehicle.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can cause trouble in bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, stopping distance and
tire clearance to the body and chassis. You could
also have other problems like a tire air
-out.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how many miles it's been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause an accident. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
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6-74
Replacement Bulbs
It is recommended that you use an AC
type bulb
whenever you need to replace one.
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all lamps are
off and the engine isn't running.
Capacities and Specifications
Replacement part numbers listed in this section are
based on the latest information available at the time of
printing. They are subject to later change. If a part listed
here isn't the same as the part in your vehicle when it
was built, or if you have any questions, please contact
your GM Truck dealer.
Engine Identification and Data
Engine RPO LG5 LP4/L21
Engine Type 7.2L L6 7.4L V8
Fuel System HEUI SPFI
Firing Order
1
-5-3-6-2-41-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Wheel Nut Torque
Refer to ªTightening the Wheel Nutsº in this section for
wheel nut torque information.
Cooling System Capacity
Model Quarts (Liters)
7.2L 32.0 (30.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with automatic transmission 30.0 (28.4). . . . . . . . . .
7.4L 25.0 (23.7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
with automatic transmission 23.0 (22.7). . . . . . . . . .
Above capacities (volumes) are approximate.
Crankcase Capacity
Capacities (volumes) shown are for normal refill. Add
oil as indicated when the oil filter element is changed.
Capacities given are approximate
-- keep level within
the operating range. Do not operate with fluid level
below the ADD line.
Engine
Capacity
-- Quarts (Liters)
7.2L 21 (19.0)*
7.4L 8 (7.5)
*Additional oil is required with auxiliary oil filter
systems. Make sure to add enough extra oil to fill the
auxiliary oil filter system. For vehicles equipped with
the LUBERFINER 750
-C, add 14 quarts (13.25 L).
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7-6 12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Steering system service. (13)

Front and rear suspension service. (14)

Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service. (16)

Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)

Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Inspect door hinge pins and bushings and replace as
necessary. Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with
engine oil.
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7-7

Replace air conditioning filter dryer (or every
18 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
refrigerant charge is lost for any reason).

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic brake caliper service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (22)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Clean air brake application valve (or every 3 months,
or every 300 hours, whichever occurs first);
lubricate linkage.
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheel bearing (grease type) service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
hubs are removed). (23)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Air intake system service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). (4)(5)(24)

Thermostatically controlled air cleaner service
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
(3)(4)(25)

(Continued)
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7-9 36,000 Miles (60 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Inspect door hinge pins and bushings and replace as
necessary. Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with
engine oil.

Replace air conditioning filter dryer (or every
18 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
refrigerant charge is lost for any reason).

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic brake caliper service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (22)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)
Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).

Clean air brake application valve (or every 3 months,
or every 300 hours, whichever occurs first);
lubricate linkage.
39,000 Miles (65 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)
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7-10 45,000 Miles (75 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Steering system service. (13)

Front and rear suspension service. (14)

Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service. (16)

Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)

Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
48,000 Miles (80 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheel bearing (grease type) service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first, and whenever
hubs are removed). (23)

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)
Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Air intake system service (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). (4)(5)(24)

Thermostatically controlled air cleaner service (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
(3)(4)(25)

Evaporative Control System service (if equipped) (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first). (3)(26)

Rear axle air shift motor service. (11)
Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
Air brake chamber service (or every 2 months,
whichever occurs first). (41)
Trailer brake hand control valve service (or every
3 months, or 900 hours, whichever occurs first). (42)
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