oil level CHEVROLET CAMARO 1974 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Clock
Reset the clock, if your car is so
equipped, by pulling
out the knob
and turning
the hands clockwise if
slow, counterclockwise if fast. This
will,
if the clock error is five min­
utes
or more, automatically com­
pensate for time gain
or lag. Sev­
eral resettings, several days apart,
may be needed to properly adjust
the clock mechanism. Have your
clock cleaned
and oiled by a com­
petent clock serviceman at least
every two years.
Cigarette Lighter
The accessory cigarette lighter is
located on the instrument panel
face.
To operate, push it in. When
it becomes heated,
it automatically
pops
out ready for use.
Windshield Wiper
and Washer
The windshield wiping system
operates
at two speeds and is de­
signed to wipe clear designated areas
of the
windshield under most
inclement weather conditions.
The
windshield wipers work electrically
and are not affected by engine op­
eration.
Push the control lever to the
right to
start the electric windshield
wiper .
The two-speed electric wiper
has both a
"low" and a "high" speed
po sition.
Pressing the control will send a
measured amount of water
or other
cleaning agent onto the windshield
and will also cause the wiper lever
to move, thus starting the wiper .
motor. The wiper will then con­
tinue to operate until manually
turned off at the wiper lever.-
Fill the washer
jar only % full
during the winter to allow for ex­
pansion if the temperature should
fall low enough to freeze the so­
lution.
• Check washer fluid level regu­
larly-do it frequently when the
weather is bad.
28
• Use fluid such as GM
OPTIKLEEN to preventfreez­
ingdamage, and to provide bet­
ter cleaning.
• Do not use radiator anti-freeze in
windshield washer; it could
cause paint damage.
• In cold weather, warm the wind­
shield with defrosters before us­
ing
washer-to help prevent ic­
ing that may seriously obscure
vision.
Ventilation System
Your Camaro incorporates a
ventilation system
that provides
ventilation comfort, made possible
by the addition of air vent provi­
sions in the rear body lock pillar.
Another feature of the system
is
continuous low-speed operation of
the air conditioner blower, result­
ing in an uninterrupted supply
of
outside air flow into the car when-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine provide excellent engine pro­
tection.
See your Chevrolet dealer for ad­
vice on the frequency of oil and
filter changes under unusual driv­
ing conditions.
The above recommendations ap­
ply to the first change
as well as
subsequent oil changes. The oil
change interval for your Camaro
engine
is based on the use of SE oils
and quality oil filters.
Oil change in­
tervals longer than those listed
above will seriously reduce engine
life and may affect Chevrolet obli­
gation under the provisions of the
New Vehicle Warranty.
A high quality SE oil was in­
stalled in your engine at the fac­
tory. It
is not necessary to change
this factory-installed oil prior to the
recommended normal change pe­
riod. However, check the oil level
more frequently during the break­
in period since higher oil consump- tion
is normal
until the piston rings
become seated.
NOTE: Non-detergent and other
low quality oils are specifically
Recommended Viscosity
not recommended. Only the use
of
SE engine oils and proper oil
and filter change intervals assure
you of continued proper lubrica­
tion of your Camaro engine.
Select the proper oil viscosity from the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY NUMBER
L 1 ..
1
_.LIl'I,."I_IIl'I'.II_IIl'I'J • ,1_,,1 'l'Irl!.I. IIl'J'611_ ~ ~ ~ .. ...
I I
J 1 I
-30 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE, OF.
NOTE: SAE 5W-20 oils are not recommended for sustained high-speed
driving.
SAE
30 oils may be used at temperatures above 40oP. SAE 5W-30 vis­
cosity oil is recommended for all seasons in vehicles normally operated in
Canada.
The proper oil viscosity helps assure good cold and hot startfng.
48

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Checking Oil Level
The engine oil should be main­
tained at proper level. The best
time to check it
is before operating
the engine or
as the last step in a
fuel stop. This will allow the oil ac­
cumulation in the engine to drain
back in the crankcase.
To check
the level, remove the oil guage rod
(dip stick), wipe it clean and rein­
sert
it firmly for an accurate read­
ing. The oil gauge rod
is marked
"FULL" and "ADD." The oil level
should be maintained in the safety
margin, neither going above the
"FULL" line nor below the "ADD"
line. Reseat the gauge firmly after
taking the reading.
Supplemental Engine Oil
Additives
The regular use of supplemental
additives
is specifically not recom­
mended and will increase operat­
ing costs. However, supplemental additives
are available that can
effectively and economically solve
certain specific problems without
causing other difficulties.
For ex­
ample, if higher detergency
is re­
quired to reduce varnish and
sludge deposits resulting from
some unusual operational diffi­
culty, a thoroughly tested and ap­
proved additive -
"Super Engine
Oil Supplement" -is available at
your Chevrolet dealer.
In the event
of an operational problem, consult
your dealer for advice before
us­
ing supplemental additives.
Drive Belts
Every 6,000 miles or 4 months­
inspect drive belts for wear , fray­
ing, cracking , and tension. Belts
which are in poor condition should
be replaced immediately.
Check tension by applying mod­
erate thumb pressure midway be­
tween pulleys.
If the center-to-
49
center distance between pulleys is
13 to 16 inches, the belt should
deflect
1;2 inch . If the center-to­
center distance
is 7 to 10 inches,
the belt should deflect
1;4 inch.
Loose belts should be retensioned
to give the correct deflection.
It is recommended that belts be
replaced every 24 months or
24,000
miles , whichever occurs first.
Air Cleaner
CAUTIOH:Donot remo.vElfhe f1ngl,,~ al,. cleaner unlesstempo,ary removall$.nec~ essarrdur;ng repair ormaintenal1ce ot the vehicle; When t"ealrC/f1aneri$/~emoved backtlringcan cause tire in the engine
compartment. .',' . '
Flame Arrester -Every 12,000
miles-Clean the arrester (located
in the base of the air cleaner) with
kerosene or a suitable solvent. Dry
with compressed air.
Rear Axle
Standard -Every 4 months or
6,000 miles, whichever occurs

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine first, check lubricant level and add
lubricant, if necessary, to
fill to
level of filler plug hole.
Use SAE
80
or SAE 90 GL-S Gear Lubri­
cant.
(For vehicles normally 0per­
ated in Canada use SAE 80 GL-S
Gear Lubricant.)
Positraction -Drain and refill
after the first
12,000 miles then
maintain same
as standard axle but
use only the special positraction
lubricanf
available from your
Chevrolet Dealer.
Manual Transmissions
3-Speed and 4-Speed -Every
6,000 miles or 4 months-Check
at operating temperature and
fill
as necessary to level of filler plug
hole with
SAE 80 or SAE 90 GL­
S Gear Lubricant.
(For vehicles
normally operated in Canada use
SAE 80 GL-S Gear Lubricant.)
If temperatures of below 32°F.
are expected, use SAE 80 GL-S Gear
Lubricant only.
Clutch Cross-Shaft -Every
36,000 miles or sooner if neces­
sary -Remove the plug, install a
lubrication fitting and lubricate
with water resistant
EP Chassis
Lubricant which meets GM
Speci­
fication 6031 M.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid Recommendations
Use only automatic transmis­
sion fluids identified with the
mark
DEXRON@ II or DEX­
RON®. These fluids have been spe­
cially formulated and tested for use
in your automatic transmission,
and are available from your Chev­
rolet dealer or local service station.
Check the fluid level at each
engine oil change period. To make
an accurate fluid level check:
Check the fluid level at each en­
gine oil change period.
To make an
accurate fluid level check:
50
1. Drive car several miles, making
frequent starts and stops, to
bring transmission up to normal
operating temperature (approxi­
mately
180-190° F.).
2. Park car on a level surface.
3. Place selector level in "Park"
and leave engine running.
4. Remove dipstick and wipe clean.
S . Reinsert dipstick until
cap seats.
6. Remove dipstick and note read­
ing.
If fluid level is at or below the
ADD mark, add sufficient fluid to
raise the level to the
FULL mark.
One pint raises the level from ADD
to FULL.
Do not overfill.
Under normal driving condi­
tions, the transmission fluid should
be changed every 24,000 miles. If
your car is driven extensively in
heavy city traffic during hot weather,
or
is used to pull a trailer , change
fluid every
12,000 miles. Likewise,
operators of cars in commercial use

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Front Wheel Bearings
Every 24,000 miles-clean and
repack with a high melting point
wheel bearing lubricant.
Use wheel
bearing lubricant
GM Part No.
1051344 or equivalent. This is a
premium high melting point
lubri­
cant. When replacement is neces­
sary specify Delco parts.
c. AUT .I . O .. N. : ."LO .. ng . fibre" ... ot"vi.SC .. 0USI' .. ty .pe
lubricant . sho.uld . not be.used. DO not . mix wheel bearing lubricants. Be sure to thor­oughlyclean bearings and hubs(jf all old lubricant betore repac/dng .
Brakes
Brake linings should be periodi­
cally inspected for wear by a quali­
fied technician. The frequency of
this inspection
depe:pds upon driv­
ing conditions such as traffic or
terrain, and also the driving
tech­
niques of individual owners. Your
Chevrolet Dealer
is best qualified
to advise you
as to how often this
inspection should be performed. When
replacement
is required,
specify GM and Delco parts.
Master Cylinder -Every 6,000
miles or 4 months -Check fluid
level
in each reservoir and main­
tain ~" below lowest edge of each
filler opening with Delco
Supreme
No. 11 or DOT-3 hydraulic brake
fluid .
Parking Brake Pulley, Cables
and Linkage~Every 6,000 miles
or 4
months-Apply water resist­
ant EP Chassis Lubricant which
meets GM Specification
6031 M, to
parking brake cable at cable guides
and at all operating links and levers.
Standard Steering Gear
The steering gear is factory­
filled with steering gear lubricant.
Seasonal change of this lubricant
should not be performed and the
housing should not be
drained-no
lubrication is required for the life
of the steering gear.
Every 36,000 miles, the gear
52
should be inspected for seal leak­
age (actual solid grease-not just
oily film).
If a seal is replaced or
the gear is overhauled, the gear
housing should be refilled with
Part No.
1051052 (13 oz. con­
ta iner ) Steering Gear Lubricant
which meets GM Specification GM
4673M, or its equivalent.
NOTE: Do not use EP, Chassis
Lube, meeting GM Specification
GM
6031 M , to lubricate the gear.
DO NOT OVER-FILL the gear
housing.
Power Steering System
Check the fluid level in the
pump reservoir at each oil change
period. Add GM Power Steering
Fluid (or
DEXRON®-II or DEX­
RON® Automatic Transmissiol1
Fluid) as necessary to bring level
into proper range on filler cap
in­
dicator depending upon fluid tem­
perature.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine "HOT" MARK
"COLD" MARK
>-f.. __ "AOO"
If at operating temperature (ap­
proximately
150° F-hot to the
touch), fluid should be between
"HOT" and "COLD" marks. If at
room temperature (approximately
70° F), fluid should be between
"ADD" and "COLD" marks. Fluid
does not require periodic changing.
Hood Latches
Every 4 months or 6,000 miles,
. whichever occurs first, lubricate
hood latch assembly and hood
hinge assembly
as follows:
1. Wipe off any accumulation of
dirt or contamination on latch
parts.
2. Apply Lubriplate or equivalent
to latch pilot bolts and latch
locking plate.
3. Apply light engine oil to all
pivot points in release mecha­
nism,
as well as primary and
secondary latch mechanisms.
4. Lubricate hood hinges.
5. Make hood hinge and latch
mechanism functional check to
assure the assembly
is working
correctly.
Air Conditioning
Have your Chevrolet Dealer
check your Air Conditioning
sys­
tem at some time during the winter
months to
be sure there has been
no loss in cooling output. During
the summer,
see your Chevrolet
Dealer immediately if you suspect
the system
is not performing as it
should.
53
NOTE: On vehicles equipped
with a Four Season Air Condi­
tioning System, the system will not
operate below ambient tempera­
tures of
30°F. regardless of con­
trol position.
Cooling System Care
Check the coolant level at each
engine · oil change.
Engine Cooling System
The recovery type cooling sys­
tem is standard on all Chevrolet
passenger cars and
is designed to
maintain the engine at proper op­
erating temperatures.
The recovery
tank collects coolant that expands
with rising temperature that would
otherwise overflow from the
sys­
tem. When · the system temperature
drops, the coolant
is drawn from
the recovery tank back into the
radiator by the suction created by
coolant contraction. The cooling
system has been filled at the fac-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine tory with a high-quality, inhibited,
year-around coolant that meets the
standards of General Motors
Spe­
cification 1899-M. This coolant
solution provides freezing protec­
tion to
-20oP (-35°P in Can­
ada), and it has been formulated to
be used for two full calendar years
or
24,000 miles, whichever first
occurs, of normal operation with­
out replacement, provided the
proper concentration of coolant is
maintained.
Cooling System Care
The radiator cap should not be
removed to check coolant level.
Check the coolant level visually in
the 'see thru' coolant recovery tank
at least
as frequently as engine oil
changes. Level should be at the
"full cold" mark on the recovery
tank when the system
is cold. At
normal operating temperature the
coolant should be at the
"full hot"
mark on the recovery tank. Add sufficient
coolant to the recovery
tank.
Use a 50/50 mixture of high­
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze
and water for coolant additions.
If
regular additions are required, see
your dealer for a cooling system
check.
NOTE: If recommended quality
antifreeze
is used, supplemental in­
hibitors or additives claiming to
provide increased capability are
not necessary. They may be detri­
mental to the efficient operation of
the system, and represent an un­
necessary operating expense.
Every year, the cooling system
should be serviced
as follows:
1. Wash
radiator cap and filler
neck with clean water.
2. Check coolant for proper level
and freeze protection.
3. Pressure test system and radia-
54
tor cap for proper pressure hold­
ing capacity (15 psi) .
If re­
placement of cap
is required, use
the special AC cap designed for
coolant recovery systems, speci­
fied for your model.
4. Tighten hose clamps and inspect
all hoses. Replace hoses when­
ever swollen, checked or other­
wise deteriorated.
5. Clean frontal area of radiator
core and air conditioning con­
denser.
Replace hoses every 24 months
or 24,000 miles or earlier if
checked, swollen or otherwise de­
teriorated. Every two years
or 24,-
000 miles, whichever first occurs,
the cooling system should be
flushed and refilled using the fol­
lowing recommended procedure:
1. Remove radiator cap when
engine is cool by:
• Slowly rotating cap counter-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine clockwise to detent (do not
press down while rotating).
• Wait until any residual pres­
sure (indicated by a hissing
sound)
is relieved.
• After all hissing ceases, press
down on cap while continuing
to rotate counterclockwise.
CAUTION: To ,a~()/d' thedange, .• olbfling "l)~ned;tlo n(Jtl'entoveradiator «aP while
, engipe and radiator are ,stlll hot because $ca/ding ' flU./d·antlsteam' will be blown .
(1utunder pressure.
2. If necessary, run engine, with
radiator cap removed, until nor­
mal operating temperature
is
reached and upper radiator hose
is hot (indicates thermostat
is
open).
3. Stop engine and open radiator
drain valve to drain coolant. (To
speed this operation, the drain
plugs in the block can also be
removed.) 4.
Close valve (install block drain
plugs, if removed) and add suf­
ficient water to
fill system .
5. Run engine, drain and refill the
system, as described in steps
1,
2, 3, and 4, a sufficient number
of times until the drained liquid
is nearly colorless.
6. Allow system to drain com­
pletely and then close radiator
drain valve tightly. (Install
block drain plugs, if removed.)
7. Remove recovery cap leaving
hoses in place. Remove coolant
recovery tank and empty of
fluid. Flush tank with clean
water , drain and reinstall.
8. Add sufficient ethylene glycol
coolant , meeting GM specifica­
tion 1899-M, to provide the re­
quired freezing and corrosion
protection-at least a 44 percent
solution
(-20°F). Fill radiator
to the base of the radiator filler
55
neck and add sufficient coolant
to the recovery tank to raise level
to the
"FULL HOT" mark. Re­
install recovery tank cap.
9. Run engine , with radiator cap
removed, until normal operat­
ing
temperature is reached.
(Radiator upper hose becomes
hot.)
10. With engine idling, add cool­
ant until level reaches bottom
of filler neck and install radia­
tor cap making certain arrows
line up with overflow tube.
It is the owner's responsibility
to keep the freeze protection at a
level commensurate with the tem­
peratures which may occur in the
area of vehicle operation .
• Maintain cooling system freeze
protection at
-20 °F or below
to ensure protection against cor­
rosion and loss of coolant from
boiling even though freezing

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine as each spark plug cable for
tightness.
(K) If the co r will still not sta rt, check for spark at the spark plugs in the following manner:
Pull one of the spark plug
wires off its spark plug. Insert a
short piece of bare wire (such as a bobby pin) between the rubber
cup
at the end of the spark plug
wire
and the tubular metal con­nector inside of it. If the spark
plug wire is wet or oily, wipe it Checking Spark
dry. Wrap a dry handkerchief or facial tissue, folded several
thicknesses, around the wire at least three inches back from the
end and grasp the wire at this point. Hold the bare wire about 1f ..
inch from the bare tip of the spark plug from which you removed the
wire. When the engine is "turned over" a spark should jump across
the
~ inch space, indicating ample current supply. If no spark
jumps, the difficulty
is probably caused by a defective ignition part
and should be corrected by your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
COOLING SYSTEM
When the car will run but evidences serious overheating on the
temperature gauge in the instrument panel, there are several items
which may be checked.
(L) Engine overheating will occur whim the OIL LEVEL falls danger­ously low. Check the oil level as a matter of course.
69
(M) Low COOLANT LEVEL will, of co~rse, cause engine over­
heating. Determine the cause of the low coolant level and have
it corrected if necessary.
(N) Check the RADIATOR CORE. Clean it if it is plugged with
bugs, leaves or other foreign material.
(0) Condition of the FAN BELT is very impartant, not only for en­gine cooling but also for proper generator operation. Check the
condition of the belt. Replace it if it is worn or frayed. Loosen the generator toward the engine to remove and replace the belt. Tighten the belt, whether new or old, by loosening the generator bolts, prying with a bar on the generator until the belt is ten­sioned properly, then retighten
the generator bolts.
(P) Another cause of engine
overheating may be an inopera­
tive COOLING SYSTEM THERMO­STAT. If the thermostat should fail in the closed position, it will not
permit coolant to circulate through
the system. In such on emergency
the thermostat may be removed but should be replaced with a
properly functioning thermostat
as soon as possible.
Fan 8e/f Tension
ThermoS/of Insfallafion

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine INDEX
Accessory Drive Belts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Accessory Position, Steering
Column Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14 Acrylic Lacquer ...................... 44 Adjusters, Automatic Brake. . . . . . . . . . .. 22 Air Circulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 28 Air Cleaner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Air Conditioning
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 53 Air Inlets, Ventilating System. . . . . . . . .. 28 Ammeter ............................ 26
Antenna ............................. 34 Anti-freeze (See Cooling System) ........ 53 Anti-Spin Differential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35 Anti-Theft Key Buzzer System .......... 14 Anti-Theft Steering Column Lock ....... 14 Appearance Care ..................... 41 Ash Trays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 23 Automatic Brake Adjusters. . . . . . . . . . .. 22 Automatic Transmissions
Fluid Check ........................ 50 Fluid Recommendations ............. 50 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 -Operation ...... _ ... _ ...... _ ........ 16 Starter Safety Switch _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15 Axle Rear Flu!? Level. ....................... 49 Mamtenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Ball Joints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51 Battery
Emergency Starting ................. 37 Fluid Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 63 Gas Caution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70
Bearings, Front Wheel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 52 Before Driving Your Camaro.......... 3
Belted Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 56 Belts
Engine Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 49 Lap ............................... 7 Shoulder........................... 7
Body Identification Number ............ 70 Brakes
D.riying Through Deep Water. . . . . . .. 21 Lmmgs ............................ 21 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 52 Master Cylinder Level. .............. 52 Parking Brake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21 Pedal Travel ....................... 22
Power. ............................ 21 Self-Adjusting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22
Trailer ............................ 11 Warning Light. .................... 25 Break-In Period
Cars Pulling Trailers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 11 New Car .......................... 2
Bright Metal Cleaning ................. 45 "Brights" Headlamp Indicator .......... 26 Buckles, Seat Belt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Bulbs and Fuses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Bumper Jack
Operation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Stowage ........................... 39 Buzzer
Key Reminder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 14 Cap, Filler
Engine Oil. ................... .47, IBC
Gasoline ....................... 46, IBC
Radiator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Capacities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 70 Carbon Monoxide Caution.. . . . . . . . . . .. 13 Carpet Care .......................... 41
78
Carrier, Infant Safety.... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9
Changing Wheels and Tires. . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Charging System Indicator Light. .... : .. 25 Chassis Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 51 Child Restraint
Cars Not Equipped With Special Child Restraints. . . . . . . . .. 9
Child Safety Seat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9
Infant Safety Carrier .... ; . . . . . . . . . .. 9
Chrome Protection .................... 45 Cigarette Lighter ..................... 28 Circuit Breakers, Headlamps. . . . . . . . . .. 73 Cleaning
Carpet Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 41 Exterior Finish and Trim. . . . . . . . . . .. 44
Fabric and Interior Trim. . . . . . . . . . .. 42
Solvents Recommended .......... , ... 41 Spot Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 42
Vinyl Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 45 Clock ............................... 28 Clutch Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50 Pedal Adjustment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22 Coat Hooks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4
Cold Weather Starting ................. 15 Compartment Glove............................. 3 Luggage........................... 3
Complaint Procedure .................. 74 Conditioner, Air ...................... 31 Controlled Differential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 35 Controls ............................. 14 Cooling System Care .............................. 53 Coolant Recommendation. . . . . . . . . .. 53 Overheating Caution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39 Cowl Air Inlets ....................... 29