check engine CHEVROLET CORVAIR 1986 2.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Inflation Pressure-To ensure the proper tire inflation
pressure for your particular requirements,
follow the
recommendations
in the tire inflation pressure table.
Keep tires properly inflated,
and check inflation pres­
sures periodically.
This will assure you of the best tire
life and riding comfort over the full range of driving
conditions.
Corvair Tire Usage-Standard tires for Corvairs are
7.00 x 13 4-ply rating, 2-ply. Optional tires are not
available.
TIRE WEAR
A decrease in driving, cornering and braking trac­
tion occurs under inclement
weather conditions as tires
become worn out. Moreover, worn tires have lessened
resistance to
road hazards. The original equipment tires
on your Corvair incorporate
builtcin tread wear indicators
to assist you
in determining when your tires have been
worn to the point of needing replacement. These indi­
cators
are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves
and will appear as % -inch wide bands when the tire
tread depth becomes 1 /16th of an inch. When the indi­
cators
appear in two or more adjacent grooves, tire
replacement
due to tread wear is recommended.
35
Rotation of tire on Corvair vehicles is not recom­
mended. When instcilling new replacement tires and
only two are needed, it is recommended that the new
tires
be placed on the front wheels.
TREAD
STILL GOOD
-
TREAD
WORN OUT .... .-

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Also, all hoses, fittings and the inlet air filter should be
inspected, cleaned and replciced if necessary.
NOTE: If the positive crankcase ventilator valve should
become
dogged, the engine idle will be adversely
affect~d. Therefore, if the engine idle becomes too slow
or rough, the ventilator valve should be checked before
any carburetor ad;ustments are made to compensate for
the trouble.
AIR INJECTION REACTOR (A.I.R.l
The Air
Injection Reactor system is designed to re­
duce .air pollution caused by exhaust emissions. It is entirely separate from the Positive Crankcase Ventilating
system. The Air
Injection Reactor system operates by
oxidizing (or burning) the
hydrocarbons and carbon
monoxide as they are expelled from the combustion
chamber into the exhaust. A positive displacement air
pump, driven by the engine, compresses clean frltered
air, which
is distributed and injected at the exhaust part
of each cylinder. This fresh air mixes with the hot exhaust
gases and promotes further oxidation (or burning) of
both hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide by converting
some
of them to carbon dioxide and water. This does not
reduce the danger of inhaling carbon monoxide in con­
frned areas. See page 7 for carbon monoxide warning.
Supplementing
the air pump a special carburetor and
distributor plus related components are required.
The Air
Injection Reactor system should have the A.I.R. pump filter serviced and the drive belt inspected
for
wear and tension every 12 months or 12,000 miles,
38
whichever occurs frrst. In addition, complete effectiveness
of the system, as well as full power and performance,
depends upon idle speed, ignition timing, and idle fuel
mixture being
set according to specifrcation. A quality
tune-up which includes
these adjustments should be per­
formed periodically to assure normal engine efficiency,
operation and performance.
STEERING GEAR
Every 36,000 miles -Re­
move frller plug and
check lubricant level. If
necessary, add water
resistant EP chassis lu­
bricant which meets
General Motors Specifr­
cation GM 6031 M to
bring to level
of frller
plug hole.
FAN BELT
Every 6000 miles-check condition of belt. Check belt
guide to belt clearance. Belt guide ciearance should
be approximately 1/16" after belt is tensioned.
(See page 49). Retensioning a belt unnecessarily
may result
in premature belt fciilure.
ENGINE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL
Change engine oil each 4 months. If more than
6000 miles are driven in a 4-month period, change oil

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine every 6000 miles. This interval applies to the initial
change as well as subsequent oil changes. The oil
change interval for your Corvair engine is based on the
use
of oils that meet the requirements indicated in the
section on
"Engine Oil Recommendations". Oil change
intervals longer than 4 months or 6,000 miles will result
in serious reductions in engine life and may effect Chev­
rolet's
obligation under the provisions of the New Vehicle Warranty.
Certain atmospheric and/or driving conditions includ­
ing
prolonged operations at sub-zero temperatures or
under extremely dusty conditions, frequent trailer haul­
ing, and extensive idling necessitate more frequent oil
and filter changes. * Operation in dust storms may require
an immediate change of both oil and filter. See your
Chevrolet dealer for advice on frequency of oil and
filter changes because of unusual driving conditions.
A high
quality MS oil meeting General Motors
Standard GM 6041-M was installed in your engine at
the factory. It is not necessary to change this factory­
installed oil
prior to the recommended normal change
period. However, the oil level should be checked more
frequently during
the break-in period since somewhat
higher oil consumption is normal until the piston rings
become seated.
*In many such situations, oil change intervals should not exceed 2
months, or 3000 miles, whichever occurs first, and similarly, filter changes should not exceed 4 months or 6000 miles, whichever comes
first.
39
OIL FILTER
Replace filter of first oil change and at every second
oil change thereafter. This recommendation is based on
the use of engine oil which meets the requirements indi­
cated in the section on "Engine Oil Recommendations,"
and the use of the applicable AC. or equivalent quality replacement oil filter.
TRANSMISSION-3 AND 4-SPEED
The manual transmission and the rear axle have' a
common
oil sump. Provisions for checking and main­
taining lubricant level are provided on each unit.
Follow recommendations given
under "Rear Axle"
on page 41 for inspection intervals and type of trans­
mission lubricant.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine TRANSMISSION CONTROL LlNKAGE-
3 AND 4-SPEED
Every 12,000 miles-Lubricate connector (indicated in the
illustration below) with
water resistant EP chassis
grease which meets General Motors Specification
#GM6031M.
. Every 12,000 miles-Remove tunnel cover under vehicle
and lubricate gearshift lever ball and socket with
Lubriplate.
TRANSMISSION-POWERGLIDE
Every 24,000 miles, more frequently depending on
engine idling, selector lever in neutral position,
parking brake set and transmission at operating
temperature. If fluid level is below full mark on
dipstick, add small amount of automatic transmis­
sion fluid. Recheck fluid level and again add a
small
amount of fluid if needed to bring level to
full mark. DO NOT OVERFILL
General Motors DEXRON Automatic Transmission
Fluid,
Part numbers 1050568, 1050569, 1050570
which has been especially formulated and tested for
40
use in your automatic transmission is recommended.
Other Automatic Transmission Fluids identified with
the mark
DEXRON are also recommended.
Every 24,000 miles, more frequently depending on
severity of service if vehicle is used to pull trailers,
carry full loads during high ambient temperatures,
operate in mountainous terrain or operate under
other severe
conditions-remove fluid from drain
plug hole and add approximately two (2) quarts
U. S. Measure, (1 % quarts Imperial Measure) of fresh
fluid.
Operate transmission thr'ough all shift ranges
and recheck fluid level as described above.
It is not necessary to remove the pan because a
drain plug is provided .
Lubricate shift linkage with
water resistant EP chassis
grease which meets General Motors Specification
#GM 6031M.
NOTE: From the "Add Oil" mark to the "Full"
mark on the dipstick indicates a difference of
only 1 pint of fluid.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine CHASSIS LUBRICATION
Every 6,000 miles o.r 4 months lubricate the chassis at
the points listed below, with a water resistant EP
chassis grease which meets General Motors Specifi­
cation #GM 6031 M. Front Suspension-4 Lubrication Fittings
Steering
Linkage-4 Lubrication Fittings
, WJ~P;=-
CLUTCH CROSS SHAFT
41
Clutch Cross Shaft
At 36,000 miles (or sooner if necessary)-Remove plug
and install lubrication fitting. Lubricate with a water
resistant EP chassis grease which meets General
Motors Specification #GM 6031 M.
REAR AXLE
Every 6,000 miles-Check and keep filled to level of
filler plug hole with SAE 80 or SAE 80-90 Multi­
purpose Gear Lubricant meeting requirements of
U.S. Ordnance Spec. MIL-L-21 05-B.
Check 3-or 4-speed lubricant level if the rear axle
lubricant level is low.
FUEL FILTER
The filter element located in the carburetor inlet is to
be replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles,
whichever occurs first.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR CLEANER
CAUTION: In addition to its function of filtering air
drawn into
the engine through the carburetor, the air
cleaner also acts as
a flame arrester in the event the
engine backfires. Because backfiring
may cause fire in
the engine compartment, the air cleaner should be in­
stalled at all times unless its removal is necessary for
repair or maintenance services.
Paper Element Type
The oil-wetted paper element is a long-life efficient air
cleaner and should not require replacement before
24,000 miles except under extreme adverse condi­
tions .
Inspect air cleaner at 12,000 miles for dust leaks,
holes
or other damage, replace if necessary . If
condition is satisfactory, rotate element 1800 from
originally installed position. Replace
at 24,000 miles.
Under extreme
adverse conditions inspect every 6,000 miles.
Oil Bath Type
Every 12,000 miles-Inspect and clean if necessary.
Refill with SAE 50 engine oil when lowest anticipated
temperature is above freezing; use SAE 20 if below
freezing.
BATTERY (ENERGIZER)
Every 6,000 miles-Clean and oil battery terminals and
oil felt washer. Check fluid level frequently. Keep
filled with distilled water to level of split ring in
42
vent tube. The electrolyte level indicator in the cap
of one cell will glow if the fluid level is low. In this
case each cell should be checked.
CAUTION: Since normal battery or Energizer
chemical action generates hydrogen gas which
is highly explosive when mixed with air, never
expose the battery to an open flame or electric
spark. Also, avoid getting battery fluid, which
is a sulfuric acid solution, on skin, on clothing
or other fabrics, or on painted surfaces . Eye
protection should
be worn while working on the
battery for
any reason.
DISTRIBUTOR CAM
LUBRICATOR
Every 12,000 miles­
Rotate cam lubricator
180 degrees.
Replace lubricator at
24,000 mile intervals.
The cam lubricator should
not
be oiled; damage to
ignition points may result
if
proper lubricant is not
used
on cam. 8RE,AKEIt PlATE ATTACHtNG SCREWS

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine AIR CONDITIONING
Have your Chevrolet Dealer check your air conditioning
system
at some time during the winter months to be
sure there has been no loss in cooling output. Dur­
ing
the summer, see your Chevrolet Dealer immedi­
ately if you suspect the system is not performing as
it should.
BRAKE LININGS
Brake linings should be periodically inspected for wear.
The frequency of this inspection depends upon driv­
ing conditions such
as traffic or terrain, and also
the driving techniques of individual owners. Your
Chevrolet Dealer is best qualified to advise you as
to how often this inspection should be performed.
When brakes require relining use genuine General
Motors Parts or equivalent.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
Every 6,000 miles-Check fluid level in each reservoir
and maintain % II below lowest edge of each open­
ing with G.M. Hydraulic Brake Fluid Supreme No. 11
PARKING BRAKE AND CLUTCH PULLEYS
AND CABLES
Every 12,000 miles-lubricate pulleys under dash. Re­
move. the tunnel cover under vehicle and lubricate
pulleys
and cable bearing points with a water resist­
ant EP chassis grease which meets General Motors
43
Specification #GM 6031 M. Lubricate gearshift lever
ball and socket (see page 38) at the same time.
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
Clean, repack with high melting point wheel bearing
lubricant, and adjust whenever the wheels and hub
are removed. Replace grease seals at the same time.
ENGINE OIL COOLER
Every 12,000 miles (more often under prolonged dusty
driving
conditionsl-Remove cover and brush or
blowout accumulated dirt.
NOTE: Material usually found in the oil cooler
consists primarily
of twigs, straw, chaff, and
leaves.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine MINOR TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCEDURES
The chart on the previous page, and the information on the pages
which follow, contains information designed to aid the average
driver to discover, and possibly correct, conditions resulting in minor
mechanical
difficulties in his car. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to
several of the most common automotive mal­
functions
and point out a logical checking sequence, will lead step
by step to the most likely causes and corrective procedures. If, after
making the checks and adjustments suggested, the source of the
trouble
has not been found and corrected, it is strongly recom­
mended
that an Authorized Chevrolet Dealer inspect the vehicle and
make whatever repairs or adjustments are necessary.
FUEL SYSTEM AND ENGINE
If the ignition switch will cause the engine to "turn over" or
"crank" but the car will not start, check Steps A through D below.
NOTE:
If continual "flooding" of the carburetor is evidenced by a
carburetor wet with fuel or black exhaust smoke, perform the
operation
suggested in paragraph 0 only .
(A) The first and most obvious,
and one of the most frequently
overlooked, items to check when
you
have- difficulty in starting your
car is the amount of fuel in the
tank.
Make it a habit to check the
FUEL GAUGE regularly and most
especially
at a time when the en­
gine will "turn over" but will not
start.
(8)
If the fuel tank is not empty, Checking Fuel Flow
47
you may check further to see whether the fuel is reaching the
engine. Disconnect the fuel lines
at the carburetor. Place a jar or cup
under open line and briefly "crank" the engine by means of the
starter. If fuel spurts from the line, you may assume that the FUEL
LINES are clear and the FUEL PUMP is operating properly. If no fuel
leaves the line, either the fuel lines
or fuel pump are at fault. See
your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
(C) Before reconnecting the fuel lines to the carburetor, remove
the
FUel FilTER from carburetor inlet and check its condition.
If it appears to be clean, replace it and reconnect the fuel lines. If
the filter appears to be plugged, clean it as well as possible by
scraping out the foreign material and cleaning in a solvent. Then
reinstall the filter
and repeat the procedure with the second carbu­
retor. Replace the filters with new ones as soon as possible .
(0) If the fuel seems to be reaching the carburetors properly, the
problem may
be: an EMPTY CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a
"stuck shut" float valve or a flOODED CARBURETOR caused by a
"stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline flowing down
the outside
of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve. Remove the
air cleaners from the carburetors. Check that the choke valves move
freely and are not stuck. Tap the side of the carburetors sharply
several times with a light tool such as a screwdriver handle or pliers.
Replace the
air deaners and attempt to start the engine in the
normal manner.
(E) If the car will start but stalls when hot or has a rough idle,
you
can suspect a faulty IDLE ADJUSTMENT, or extremely dirty

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine and blocked AIR CLEANER ELEMENTS. Replace the air cleaner ele­
ments
if necessary. Idle adjustment should be performed by your
Chevrolet Dealer.
If the above Fuel System checks and the checks suggested under
the Electrical System following do not correct the malfunction, it is
recommended that you turn to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer
for further checks, adjustments
or repairs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If, when the ignition key is turned to START, the engine will not
turn over, you have
good reason to suspect electrical trouble.
(F) When there is no response at all to attempts to start the car,
check the obvious-your AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR
LEVER must be in neutral position before the engine can be started.
Turning the IGNITION SWITCH rapidly back and forth several
times
will sometimes correct a poor internal switch contact.
(G) The BATTERY may be discharged. If so, lights will be dim and
the horn will have a poor tone if it will blow at all.
Usually
a garage recharge will be necessary to return the battery
to operotion. Occasionally, however, a long drive will recharge
the battery.
NOTE:
If the battery is determined to be dead, and for no apparent
reason, have
your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer check the
battery, the GENERATOR and the
VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
GENERATOR trouble should already have been indicated
by
the indicator on the instrument panel. Never remove generator
"BAT" lead without first disconnecting battery ground cable.
48
POOR BATTERY CONNECTIONS may be suspected if the car has operated properly a short time before and now not even the horn
will operate. Check both ends of both battery cables. If the con­
nections are corroded, a car may sometimes be restored to opera­tion by removing all cable ends, scraping all contacting surfaces
clean with a pen knife, and reassembling. If the cables are broken,
they must be replaced. The power supply should now be restored
unless the battery is dead.
(H) If, however, the lights and horn work properly but the starter will still not turn over, check the STARTER connections. A "click" from the starter solenoid indicates that the wiring to the starter is properly installed. If the wiring seems to be clean and tightly in­stalled, the trouble is probably in the starter itself and should be referred to your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
When the engine will "turn over" but will not start, the following
items may be checked along with Fuel System Checks listed previously.
(I) With a clean dry cloth wipe the ceramic portions of the spark plugs dry. In particularly damp or rainy weather dampness may be the cause of not sta rting, especi­ally when the engine is cold.
(J) Check the cables at the top of the distributor and coil as well as each spark plug cable for
tightness.
(K) If the car will still not start, 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 Distributor and Coil Leads

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine cup at the end of the spark plug
wire
and the tubular metal con­
nector inside of it. If the spark
plug wire is wet or oily, wipe it
dry.
Wrap a dry handkerchief or
facial tissue, folded several thick­
nesss, around the wire at least
three inches back from the end
and grasp wire at this point.
Hold the
bare wire about V4 inch
from the bare tip of the spark
plug from which you removed the
wire. When the engine is "turned Checking for Spork
over" a spark should jump across the V4 inch space, indicating
ample current supply.
If no spark jumps, the difflcultyis 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 checkd.
(L) Engine overheating will occur when the OIL LEVEL falls
dangerously low.
Check the oil level as a matter of course.
CAUTION: Never drive the car when the TEMP-PRESS indicator in
the instrument panel is lighted.
49
1M) Check the air intake louvers. Clean them if they are plugged
with leaves
or other foreign material.
IN) Condition of the FAN BELT
is very important, not only for en­
gine cooling but also for proper
generator operation. Check the
condition of the belt. Replace
it
if it is worn or frayed. Loosen the
idler
bracket bolts and move
the
bracket toward the engine
to remove and replace the belt.
Tighten the belt, whether new
or
old, by loosening the idler bracket
nuts, prying with a bar on the Checking Fan Be" Tension
bracket until the belt is tensioned properly, then retighten the
bracket bolts. Proper belt tension is such that, when belt is de­
flected downward with moderate thumb pressure at a point midway
between the
generator and fan pulleys, the belt will deflect about
:Va" to K6". Do not overtighten the belt.
(0) Another cause of engine overheating may be an inoperative
COOLING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT. If the thermostat should fail
in the closed position, it will not permit air to circulate through the
engine.
See your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer.