fuel OPEL 1900 1973 Owner's Manual

6A- 21973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
ENGINE
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
EngineConstruction..........................................................
LubricationSystem............................................................
DIAGNOSIS:
Excessive Oil Consumption............................................NoisyValvesandLifters..................................................
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Valve
LifterAdjustment..................................................
MAJOR REPAIR:
Engine Removal and Installation..................................
Engine
OilPanRemoval
andInstallation..................
Manifold, Cylinder Head, Valve Train and
Lifters................................................................................
Connecting Rod Bearings................................................
Crankshaft Bearings and Seals....................................
Piston, Rings and Connecting Rods............................
TimingChainCoverandTimingChain......................
Camshaft..............................................................................
Oil Pump Cover and Gears............................................
SPECIFICATIONS:
BoltTorque.Specifications
..............................................General Specifications......................................................
Engine Dimension and Fits............................................Page No.
6A- 2
6A- 4
6A- 6
6A- 6
6A- 7
6A- 86A-106A-126A-156A-166A-196A-236A-256A-266A-276A-286A-29
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
ENGINE CONSTRUCTION
Engine UsageThe 1.9 liter engine is standard equipment on all 1973
Opel
1900, Manta and GT models. This engine has
a compression ratio of
7.6:1 and operates on“regular” low lead grade fuel.
Engine ConstructionThe
cyfinderhead is made of high-grade chromium
grey cast iron. The valve guides are cast intergal with
the head. The overhead camshaft is supported in four
bearings in the cylinder head.Location of the
vzllve seats in combustion chamber
is above the center of cylinder bore. The spark plug
is positioned in the center and near the highest point
of combustion chamber. This arrangement provides
for short flame travel, uniform combustion and good
cold start prop&ties. Exhaust valves have seat in-serts of highly heat and water resisting material. The
head surface is alumetized and so are the seats of the
inlet v&es Alumetizing makes the valve heads
non- scaling and promotes long life. All engines have“rota-caps”.
The forged, five main bearing crankshaft has large-
diameter main and connecting rod bearing journals
with considerable overlap for vibration-free operat-
ion. T&metal bearing shells are used for main and
connecting rod bearings. The crankshaft end play is
controlled by the rear main bearing.

6A. 41973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
hand side above crankshaft sprocket, has a plunger
head with oil- proof and wear-resistant synthetic
rubber pad, which is pressed against chain by both
spring and oil pressure.
Figure 6A-2 Sectional View. Timing System
The top end of the short, light-weight hydrauricvalve
liffers is provided with a cup in which tits the
ball end of a stud engaged in an elongated hole in
rocker arm, thus maintaining transverse alignment
of the rocker arm.
The rocker
xrn is a steel stamping and pivots on
a ball secured by a self-locking nut on a stud screwed
into the cylinder head. This arrangement permits
easy valve clearance adjustment. All valves have oil
seals installed between valve spring and cap.
The
fuelpump is located at bottom left-hand side
of timing case and operated by, a cam integral with
distributor drive gear riveted
‘to distributor drive
shaft.
The aluminum alloy cast intake manifold with
smooth walls provide better charge of cylinders,
especially at high engine RPM. It is a four-port
manifold, i.e. there are separating walls between all
arms, one for each cylinder. An adapter for crank-
case ventilation hose leading to rocker arm cover is
arranged on front portion of intake manifold.Hot exhaust gases are used for heating a vaporization
plate located at bend of intake manifold below carbu-
retor and communicating with its tinned underside
with the interior of the exhaust manifold to ensure
that only vaporized fuel reaches the cylinders.
LUBRICATION SYSTEM AND OIL PUMPThe engine is lubricated by a forced feed system
Figure
6A-3 Oil Pump Pressure Relief Valve
Figure 6A.4 Rear Cross Sectional View

6A- 8 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Actual adjustment is made by backing off adjusting
nut at the rocker arm until clearance exists between the valve stem, rocker arm, and lifter. Then slowly
tighten adjusting nut until clearance is eliminated.
When clearance is eliminated, turn adjusting nut one
full turn (clockwise). This positions the hydraulic
piston of the hydraulic lifter mid-point in its total
available travel, and no further adjustment is re-
quired.
MAJOR REPAIR
ENGINE ASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
Removal (Opel 1900 and Manta)’
The engine assembly on the Opel 1900 and Manta
can be removed together with the transmission
through the top of the engine compartment.
1. Remove hood (scribe hood hinge to hood mount-
ing location).
2. Disconnect battery negative cable.
3. Drain coolant at lower radiator hose.
4. Remove upper and lower radiator hoses.
5. Remove radiator and fan
shrbud.
6. Disconnect heater hoses.
7. Disconnect brake booster
vacuum hose.
8. Remove air cleaner.
9. Disconnect electrical connections and accelerator
linkage. 10. Remove console.
11. Remove shift lever boot, plate, and shift lever.
12. Raise car on hoist.
13. Disconnect fuel line at pump.
14. Remove front stone shield.
15. Disconnect speedo-cable, back-up light switch,
and clutch cable.
16. Remove drive shaft. I
17. Disconnect exhaust pipe
ar$l bell housing sup-
port.
18. Disconnect transmission support. See Figure
6A-7. 19. Remove engine mount bolts. See Figure
6A-8.
20. Attach hoist chains.
21. Lift engine and transmission assembly out of car.
Figure 6A-7 Transmission Support Bolts . Opel 1900
and Manta Series
Figure
6A-B Engine Mount Bolts - Opel 1900 and
Manta Series
Removal (GT)
The removal and installation of the 1.9 liter engine is only possible towards the floor and from below
Fig, 6A-9 Left Front Engine Suspension with Cross
Member (GT)

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 9
The engine does not rest on the front suspension
cross member as in the Opel 1900 and Manta but on
a separate cross member. On removal and installa-
tion of the engine the front suspension cross member
need not be detached.
Fig. 6A-10 Right Front Engine Suspension with Cross
Member
(GT)1. Disconnect battery negative cable,
2. Remove air cleaner.
3. Drain radiator coolant by disconnecting lower
radiator hose. Disconnect upper radiator hose. See
Figure 6A-11. Radiator need not be disconnected.
4. Disconnect all electrical connections:
a. Coil wire to distributor.
b. Wires from alternator. Remove unit and bracket.
c. Battery positive cable at starter switch.
d. Oil pressure switch wires at cylinder block.
e. Wires from starter solenoid.
5. Remove vacuum hoses at tee mounted to intake
manifold. Remove tee from manifold to avoid inter-
ference during engine lowering.
6. Remove throttle linkage and carburetor.
7. Disconnect heater hoses.
8. Disconnect water valve bracket to manifold,
9. Remove gear shift lever.
10. Using suitable equipment lift up engine so that
front engine mounts are somewhat relieved.Figure 6A.1
1 Radiator Hose Clamp Location
11. Raise vehicle, both front and rear end. A two post
axle type hoist
IS recommended for this operation.
12. Disconnect fuel line at fuel pump and plug. Be
sure fuel line is disconnected from any engine and
transmission clips.
13. Disconnect speedometer cable from transmis-
sion.14. Disconnect clutch cable.
15. Disconnect drive shaft at rear universal joint and
remove.
16. Disconnect exhaust at manifold.
17. Remove tailpipe and mufIler hangers.
18. Remove ground strap from engine to side rail.
19. Detach transmission cross member from trans-
mission and frame. See Figure 6A-12.
20. Detach engine cross member from engine and
frame.21. Carefully lower engine and transmission and
remove from underneath vehicle.

6A- 121973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALINTAKE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION
Removal1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove air cleaner.
3. Disconnect throttle linkage at carburetor.
4. Disconnect vacuum advance line at carburetor.
5. Remove fuel line at carburetor inlet.
6. Remove positive crankcase ventilation hose at
rocker arm cover.
7. Disconnect E.G.R. lines from carburetor and in-
take manifold.
8. Disconnect exhaust pipe.
9. Remove six bolts attaching manifold assembly to
cylinder head and remove manifold and carburetor
as an assembly. Discard manifold gasket.
To separate intake and exhaust, manifold, remove
carburetor and four bolts using Tool J-23016, attach-
ing intake manifold to exhaust manifold. Always in-
stall a new manifold intermediate gasket when the
manifolds are separated.
Installation1. Install new manifold gasket and place manifold in
position.
2. Install manifold bolts. New manifold to cylinder
head gasket must be installed whenever a manifold
is removed.
3. When installing the manifold, start with the No.
1 and No. 2 bolts. See Figure 6A-16. Gradually
tighten both bolts until snug. Then continue with the
rest of the bolts in the sequence illustrated in Figure6A-16. Torque bolts to 33 lb. ft.
Figure 6A-16 Manifold
Bolt Tightening Sequence4. Connect parts removed in Steps 1 thru 8 above.
CYLINDER HEAD REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Removal1. Drain coolant from radiator and block. Loosen
drain plug on right side of engine to avoid coolant
entering into cylmder bores. Drain plug is located onthe right rear of cylinder block above oil pressure
switch.2. Remove hoses from thermostat housing. Collect
coolant as it contains anti-freeze.
3. Remove 6 intake and exhaust manifold attaching
bolts and swing assembly aside.
4. Remove spark plug wires from plugs.
5. Remove bracket bolt holding spark plug wires
away from cylinder head.
6. Remove rocker arm cover.
7. Remove 10 cylinder head bolts using 12 MM ser-
rated drive J-22915, and 2 cylinder head to timing
chain cover bolts with a 6MM hex head wrench. See
Figure 6A- 17.
Figure 6A-17 Serrated Bits
8. Remove three bolts attaching plate to front of
cylinder head.
9. Remove plastic screw from end of camshaft.
10. Remove 3 bolts attaching camshaft sprocket to
cylinder head. Slide sprocket off of camshaft and
remove head. Place head on bench supported at each
end by a block of wood to prevent damage to valves.
Installation1. Install in reverse procedure to removal, paying
particular attention to the following:

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 231. NOTCH IN PISTON HEAD
POINTING TOWARD THE FRONT
2. OIL HOLE IN CONNECTING ROD
POINTING TOWARD THE RIGHT
(MANIFOLD SIDE)
3. NOTCH IN CONNECTING ROD
CAP POINTING TOWARD THE
REAR6A-36
Figure
6A-39 Piston and Rod Assemblyby oompressing the rings with a “wrap around” com-
pressor.9. Select a new connecting rod bearing, if necessary.
Otherwise install cap with bearing lower shell on rod
and tighten bolt nuts to 36
lb.ft. torque.
10. Install all other piston and rod assemblies in same
manner. When piston and rod assemblies are prop
erly installed, the oil spurt holes in the connecting
rods will be facing right.
11. Check end clearance between connecting rods in
each crankpin using feeler gages. Clearance should
be between
.0043” and .0095”.
12. Install cylinder head. Torque 10 cylinder head
bolts to 72 lb.ft (cold), and 2 cylinder head to timing
chain cover bolts to 17
lb.ft.13. Install new oil pan gasket by first installing flange
gasket with tabs in slots in rear main bearing cap and
engine front cover. Then install rubber strips in
grooves in rear main bearing cap and engine front
cover. Install oil pan, torquing bolts to 5 lb.ft.
14. Install (Opel
1900 and Manta) front suspension
assembly. (GT) Install engine suspension cross mem-
ber.After installation of new pistons and rings, care
should be used in starting the engine and in running
it for the first hour. Avoid high speeds until the parts
have had a reasonable amount of break-in so that
scuffling will not occur.
TIMING CHAIN COVER AND TIMING CHAIN
Timing Chain Cover Removal
1, Support engine in vehicle as outlined under Engine
Oil Pan Removal and Installation.
2. Remove radiator and shroud assembly
3. Remove cylinder head.
4. Remove alternator belt and remove alternator
mounting bracket.
5. Remove fuel pump
6. Remove ignition distributor.
7. Remove chain tensioner assembly out of timing
cover.8. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt and remove pulley.
9. Remove water pump assembly.
10. Remove oil pan
11. Remove timing chain cover bolts. One bolt is
covered by the water pump. See Figure 6A-39.
12. Pull off sprockets with chain. Put a paint mark
Figure 6A-39 Bolt Behind Water Pump

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 251, CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
2. CAMSHAFT SPROCKET SUPPORT
3. LONG DAMPER BLOCK
4. CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
5. CHAIN AND DAMPER BLOCK
IN PARALLEL
6. CRANKSHAFT KEY
7. PAINT MARK ON FRONT
8. TIMING CHAIN
9. MARK ON CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET SUPPORT
IO. MARK ON CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
6A-41Figure 6A-4 1 Valve Timing Marks
Removal4. Lubricate new oil seal and place on installer
J-
22924.1. Remove cylinder head.
5. Place installer J-22924 on crankshaft. Using
crankshaft bolt and washer install seal into cover. See
Figure 6A-42.2. Loosen self-locking rocker arm nuts and swing
rocker arms off valve lifters.
6. Install crankshaft pulley, bolt and washer. Torque
bolt to 72
Ib.ft.3. Remove valve lifter. Place lifters in a suitable hold-
ing fixture so that they may be reinstalled in original
position.
7. Install belts and torque to proper tension 45
lb.ft.4. Remove cover from access hole on left side andFigure 6A-42 Installing Timing Chain Cover Oil Seal
Replacing Distributor Drive Gear
On Crankshaft1. Remove fan belt.
2. Remove fuel pump. Plug end of fuel line with a
suitable stop.
3. Remove spark plug wires, distributor hold down
clamp. Remove distributor.
4. Turn crankshaft so key is on top.
5. Pry oil seal out of timing chain cover.
6. Insert a screwdriver through opening for fuel
pump and push out distributor drive gear, which has
a push tit on crankshaft, through oil seal seat in
timing cover.
7. Install new gear. Be sure key tits in
keyway. When
installing components, use new gaskets as required.
8. Install new oil seal.
9. Connect parts removed in steps 1 thru 3.
CAMSHAFT

6C- 361973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
FUEL SYSTEM
ALL MODELS
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Fuel Pump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .Evaporation Control System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS:
(Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Cleaning Fuel Pump Strainer.,....................................
*.Evaporation Control System
. . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Fuel Tank
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fuel Lines and Fuel Tank Gauge Units
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Fuel System Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No.6C-366C-376C-376C-386C-396C-416C-41
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FUEL PUMPThe 1.9 liter engine uses a push rod type fuel pump.
The push rod is actuated by an eccentric on the
distributor shaft. The push rod is held in contact
with the eccentric at all times by a push rod spring.
Each time the push rod is on the high part of the
eccentric, the lighter diaphragm spring will push the
diaphragm to replace any fuel used in the carburetor.
The diaphragm seldom operates through a full
stroke; under normal driving conditions, the dia-
phragm moves only a few tenths of an inch.
Fuel pump pressure is determined by the compres-
sion of the diaphragm spring. Low pressure or pres-
sure leak- down generally indicates a leaky
diaphragm or check valves.
Two holes in the lower part of the fuel pump serve
to ventilate the space below the diaphragm and to
drain any fuel which may have entered. If any fuel
comes from these holes, this indicates a defective
diaphragm.When replacing the fuel pump, make sure the asbe-
stos spacer is in place with a gasket on each side. See
Figure 6C- 1. Because of the location of the fuel pump
eccentric on the distributor shaft, the fuel pump
Figure
6C-1 Installing Push Rod Type Fuel Pump

FUEL SYSTEMSC- 37
must always be removed before the distributor can be
removed.
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEM1. The function of the fuel evaporation control sys-
tem is to absorb the fuel vapors developing in the fuel
tank, especially when vehicle is parked, due to at-
mospheric pressure and temperature influences, and
to release these fuel vapors during vehicle operation.
2. This system utilizes the property of the activated
carbon to absorb and expel fuel vapors. The activated
carbon container is installed on the left front side of
the engine compartment. The fuel tank has a
non-vented tiller cap. Vent hoses are joined in the area of
the tank. A plastic evaporation line leads from there
along vehicle underbody to the activated carbon con-
tainer.
3. A small tube above the throttle valve body con-
nects the carburetor to the activated carbon con-
tainer. In this way, the fuel vapor collected in the
activated carbon container is fed through the carbu-
retor into the combustion chambers during engine
operation.
4. The carburetor is provided with an internal and
outside ventilation, the activated carbon container is
also connected to the outside ventilation (only effec-
tive when engine is idling). In this way, the fuel
vapors escaping to the outside during engine idle are
collected by the activated carbon container and fed
into the combustion chambers.
5. The vent lines are connected to the upper part of
the activated carbon container. Fresh air enters
through a foam rubber filter at the lower part andflows, together with the fuel vapor, to the carburetor.
Metered bores in the hose fittings of the fuel tank
control the air
- and fuel vapor flow through the
activated carbon container to the carburetor, and the
pressure release in the fuel tank and ensure complete
purging of the carbon container.
Care must be taken not to mix up lines at the ac-
tivated carbon container. See Figure
6C-2.6. The metered bores in the fuel tank fitting and an
overflow protection in the fuel tank, which prevents
a complete filling of the tank, prevents fuel flows into
the activated carbon container rendering it useless.
FUEL FILTERAn AC fuel filter type (GF 423) is being used on all
1973 Opels. A vapor return line returns vapors in the
fuel line back to the fuel tank. Proper installation of
the filter is essential. The vapor return line connector
must be on top (highest point) for proper operation.
See Figure
6C-3.1. LINE TO
CARBURETOR2. FILTER
3. LINE FROM
4. VAPOR
RETURN LINE
6C-3Figure
6C-3 Fuel Filter
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTSFigure
6C-2 Carbon CanisterCLEANING FUEL PUMP STRAINER

6C- 381973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALCAUTION:Because the fuel pump is below fuel tank
level, fuel
will drain from the tank. when the supply
hne is disconnected from the fuel pump.1. Pull fuel supply line and rubber connector from
fuel pump. Plug rubber connector to prevent fuel
loss.2. Remove fuel pump cap, gasket and plastic
strainer.
3. Cover center opening in sediment bowl with finger
and blow out sediment bowl with compressed air.
4. Wash plastic strainer in solvent; if strainer does
not clean-up or is damaged, replace strainer.
5. Install clean parts, noting the following:
(a) Strainer must be properly seated with projections
facing upward.(b) A new cap gasket must be positioned over
strainer.
(c) Sealing ring must be in place on cap retaining
screw.6. Reconnect fuel supply line. Start engine and check
for leaks.
EVAPORATION CONTROL SYSTEMProper performance of the system requires the use of
a non-vented fuel tank cap, hose connections be leak-
free, and all hoses routed correctly to avoid a
pinched or blocked line.
Maintenance requirements demand only that the ac-
cumulator purge air tilter, an oiled foam filter assem-
bled in the bottom of the canister, be replaced at
12,CKO mile intervals. Under extremely dusty condi-
tions, more frequent attention may be required.
Figure
W-4 Exploded View of Opel 1900 and Manta Fuel Tank