radiator BUICK LESABRE 1993 User Guide

Bp. 6. Start the engine and
let
it run until you
can feel the upper
radiator hose
getting hot. Watch
out for the engine
fans.
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.
:. . L *- 1 8. Then replace the
pressure cap. Be
sure the arrows on
the pressure cap
line up like this.
215

parts. You can also use a recycled coolant conforming to
GM Specification 1825-M with a complete coolant flush
and refill. Use GM Engine Coolant Supplement (sealer)
with any complete coolant change.
If you use these, you
don’t need
to add anything else.
I k!, 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 mix will. Your vehicle’s coolant warning
system
is set for the proper coolant mix. With
plain water or the wrong mix, 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 5050 mix of clean
water and a proper antifreeze.
I
I NO IC i:
IT 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 treeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other
parts.
Adding Coolant

To Check Coolant: When your engine is cold, the
coolant level should
be at “FULL COLD,’’ or a little
higher. When your engine is
warm, the level should be
up to “FULL HOT,” or a little higher.
To Add Coolant: If you need more coolant, add the
proper mix at the coolant recovery tank.
I
I
A CAUTION:
Turning the radiator pressure cap when the
engine and radiator are hot can
allow steam and
scaldlng
liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
With the coolant recovery tank, you will almost
never have
to add coolant at the radiator. Never
turn the radiator pressure cap -- even a little -
when the engine and radiator are hot.
Add coolant mix at the recovery tank, but be careful not
to spill
it.
A CAUTION: I
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
-..d
it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Don’t spill coolant on a hot engine.
Radiator Pressure Cap
I Tour rar
I I.
cap IS a 13 PSI (105 kPa1
pressure-rype cap and must be tightly Insrawe
to prevent coolant loss and possible engine
damage from overheating. Be sure the arrows
o
I
the cap line up with
radiator filler neck. I
When you replace your radiator pressure cap, an AC@
cap is recommended.
245

Thermostat
Engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat
in the engine coolant system. The thermostat stops the
flow of coolant through the radiator until the coolant
reaches a preset temperature.
When
you replace your thermostat, an ACS thermostat
is recommended.
Power Steering Fluid
:i
How To Check Power Steering Fluid:
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
When the engine compartment is hot, the level
When the engine compartment is cool, the level
What to Add:
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind
of fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Index.
should be
at the
“HOT” mark.
should be at the
“FULL COLD” mark.
When adding power steering fli or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure
to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.

Windshield Washer Fluid
To Add:
Open the cap labeled
“WASHER FLUID ONLY.”
Add washer fluid until the
bottle
is full.
P
a
0
4OTICE
When using
follow the man
adding wate
Don’t mix wate
fluid. Water can cause the solution to
freeze and damage your washer fluid
and other parts of the washer system. Also
water doesn’t clean as well as washer
0 Fill your washer fluid tank only 3/4 fu
when it’s very cold. This allows for
expansion, which could damage the
it
is completely full.
0 Don’t use radiator antifreeze in you1
windshield washer. It can damage you
washer system and paint.

Capacities and Specifications
Engine Code L1 (L27)2 3.8L V-6 SF1
Belt Tensions -
Automatically controlled by a Self-Tension idler
pulley. Tension adjustment should never
be
necessary.
Cooling System Capacity -
Crankcase Capacity -
Air Conditioning Capacity4 -
With air conditioning: 13 quarts/l2.5 liters
4 quarts/4 liters
R134
- 2.0 lbs. (0.90 kilograms)
R12 - 2.42 lbs. ( 1.09 kilograms)
Fuel Tank Capacity -
18 gallons/68 liters
Transaxle -
Drain & Refill - 6 quarts/5.7 liters
Maintenance Item Part Numbers3 -
Air Filter - A1096C
Fuel Filter
- GF580
Oil Filter
- PF47
Radiator Cap - RC27
Spark Plug
- 41-600, GAP 0.060”
PCV Valve
- CV892C
1 8th Character of the Vehicle Identification Number.
2 Made in a GM plant in the United States.
3 Part numbers are AC type.
4 Air Conditioning Refrigerant: Not all air-conditioning refrigerants are the same. If the air conditioning system in your
vehicle needs refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used. If you’re not sure ask your Buick dealer.

Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw-type hose
clamps. Clean the outside
of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck.
8.
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
7. Transaxle Service -- Change both the fluid and
filter every
15,000 miles (25 000 km) if the vehicle
is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
0 In heavy city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reaches
90 F (32 C) or
higher.
0 In hilly or mountainous terrain.
0 When doing frequent trailer towing.
0 Uses such as found in taxi, police car or delivery
service.
9.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change both the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles
(140 000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement* -- Replace spark plugs
with the proper type. See "Specifications Chart" in
the Index.
Spark Plug Wire Inspection*? -- Inspect for
burns, cracks or other damage. Check the boot fit at
the distributor and at the spark plugs. Replace wires
as needed.
10. Air Cleaner Filter Replacement* -- Replace every
30,000 miles (50 000 km) or more often under dusty
conditions. Ask your dealer for the proper
replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
11. Fuel Tank, Cap and Lines Inspection"? -- Inspect
fuel tank, cap and lines (including fuel rails and
injection assembly,
if equipped) for damage or leaks.
Inspect fuel cap gasket for an even filler neck
imprint or any damage. Replace parts as needed.
Periodic replacement
of the fuel filter is not required.
* An Emission Control Service.
-t The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 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 vehicle
useful life. General Motors, however, urges that all recommended maintenance services be perlormed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded in "Section E:Maintenance Record".
287

Brake Adjustment
................................... 163
Fluid 248 .......................................
Lining Replacement. How to Drive After .......... 249
Master Cylinder
.............................. 248
Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock
................... 73. 80
Brake System. Antilock Warning Light ............... 108
Brake System Warning Light
....................... 107
Brake Wear Indicators. Disc
....................... 162
Brakes. Antilock
................................ 160
Braking Emergencies
............................. 163
Braking if Your Engine Stops
...................... 160
Break-In. New Vehicle
............................. 68
Break-In Schedule. When Towing a Trailer
............ 189
Bulb Replacement. Headlamp
...................... 250
Bulb Replacement Taillamp
........................ 252
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 250
Bulbs.
Turn Signal ................................ 85
Parking ...................................... 76
PedalTravel
................................. 163
Brakes,Rear
.................................... 163
Braking 158 ........................................
Bulbchart ..................................... 274
Camper. Towing a
.............................. 189
...................................... Capacities 275
Cap. Radiator Pressure 245
Care,Appearance
................................ 262
I ............................ Carbon Monoxide in Exhaust ....................... 81
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 141
Cautions, Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio, Adding a
.............................. 128
I
Cellular Telephone. Adding a ...................... 128
“Change Oil Soon” Light
.......................... 114
Change Oil. When to
............................. *239
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 216
Charge.Battery.. Warning Light
..................... 115 .
“Check Oil Level” Light .......................... 113
Engine Coolant
............................... 243
Engine Oil Level
.............................. 236
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 246
Safety Belt Systems
............................ 55
Transaxle Fluid ............................... 241
Windshield Washer Fluid
.......................... 247
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 367
Children and Safety Belts
.......................... 41
Cleaner. Air
............... .................... 240
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 266
Inside Your Car
................................ 262
Outside Your Car
............................. 265
Top of the Instrument Panel ..................... 264
Underbody
of Your Car ........................ 267
Vinyl
or Leather .............................. 264
..................................... Chains. Tie 261
Checking BrakeFluid
.................................. 248
UndertheHood
................................. 234
.................................. Child Restraints 43
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 103
CircuitBreakers
................................. 270
City Driving 175
Cleaning ....................................
Fabric ...................................... 263
Glass
...................................... 265
PowerAntenna
............................... 142
Safety Belts 265 ..................................

Outside Mirrors .................................. 99
Overdrive. Automatic
............................. 74
Overheated Engine
............................... 208
P (park) Position ................................ 74
PaintSpoaing
................................... 267
Park Shifting Into
................................ 78
Park, Shifting Out of
.............................. 80
Parking Brake .................................... 76
Parking on Hills
................................. 182
Parking Over Things That Burn
...................... 80
PASS-Key, Theft Deterrent System ................... 67
Pavement Markings
.............................. 153
PedalTravel, Brake
.............................. 163
Perception Time in Braking
........................ 158
Polishing and Waxing
............................ 266
Power
Antennacare
................................ 142
Seat Controls
.................................. 15
PanelLights
..................................... 96
passing
........................................ 166
Door Locks
................................... 61
Steering
..................................... 163
Whdows
..................................... 82
Pressure, Tire
................................... 256
Steering Fluid
................................ 247
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts During
................ 37
Problems on the Road
............................ 195
proper Safety Belt Usage for Adults
.................. 17
Publications Order Form
.......................... 303
Publications, Service
............................. 300
Push-Starting Your Car
........................... 198
R (Reverse) Gear Position ............... : .......... 74
Racing. Shifting When Your Engine is
................ 74
Radiator Overheating
............................. 208
Radiator Pressure Cap
............................ 245
Radio. Two-way. Adding a
........................ 128
Radio Systems
................................... 127
Rain. Driving in
................................. 171
Reaction Time in Braking
......................... 158
Reading Lights
................................... 97
Rear Door Security Lock
........................... 65
Rear Passenger ComforTemp
....................... 119
Rear Towing Hook-Ups
........................... 207
Rear Window Defogger
....................... 124, 127
Reclining Front Seatbacks
.......................... 15
Recovery,
Off Road .............................. 166
Recreational Vehicle Towing
....................... 189
Remote Keyless Entry System
....................... 61
Remote Trunk Release
............................. 83
Replacement Light Bulbs
.......................... 274
Replacing Safety Belts
............................. 55
Replacing Tires ................................. 256
Replacing Wheels ............................... 260
Reporting Safety Defects
.......................... 299
Restarting Your Car When It’s Moving
................ 74
Restraint, Child
.................................. 43
Restraint Systems, Checking Your
.................... 55
Reverse Gear Position ............................. 74
“Riding” the Brakes
.............................. 159
Road Signs 146
Roads, Hill and Mountain
......................... 180
Rocking Your Vehicle
............................ 228
RearBrakes
.................................... 163
Replacing Brake System Parts
....................... 249
Restraints, Head
.................................. 17
.....................................
311