fuel CHEVROLET CORVAIR 1986 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine STANDARD NO. III Rearview Mirrors
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements for
rearview mirrors to provide the driver with a clear and rea­
sonably unobstmcted view to the rear.
STANDARD NO. 203 Impact Protection for the Driver From the Steering Control System Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements for
steering control systems that will minimize chest, neck, and facial injuries to the driver as a result of impact.
STANDARD NO. 204
Steering Control Rearward Displacement
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
limiting the rearward displacement of the steering control
into the passenger compartment to reduce the likelihood of chest, neck, or head injury.
STANDARD NO. 205 Glazing Materials
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for glazing materials to reduce lacerations to the face, scalp, and neck, and to minimize the possibility of occupants being
thrown through the vehicle windows in collisions.
STANDARD NO. 206 Door Latches and Door Hinge Systems Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies load require­
m ents for door latches and door hinge systems to minimize
the probability of occupants being thrown from the vehicle
in a collision.
STANDARD NO. 207 Anchorage of Seats Purpose and Scope. This standard establishes requirements
for seats, their attachment assemblies, and their installation
to minimize the possibility of failure by forces acting on the seat as a result of vehicle impact.
5
STANDARD NO. 208
Seat Belt Installations
Purpose and Scope. This standard establishes requirements
for seat belt installations.
STANDARD NO. 2090
Seat Belt Assemblies
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for seat belt assemblies.
STANDARD NO. 210
S ea t Belt Assembly Anchorages
Purpose and Scope. This standard specifies the requirements
for seat belt assembly anchorages to ensure proper location
for effective occupant restraint and reduce the likelihood
of failure in collisions.
STANDARD NO. 211
Wheel Nuts, Wheel Discs, and Hub Caps
Purpose and Scope. This standard precludes the use of wheel nuts, wheel discs, and hub caps that constitute a hazard to
pedestrians and cyclists .
STANDARD NO. 301 Fuel Tanks, Fuel Tank Filler Pipes, and Fuel Tank Con-
nections
Purpose
and Scope. This standard specifies requirements
for the integrity and security of fuel tanks, fuel tank filler
pipes, and fuel tank connections to minimize fire hazard as
a result of collision.
PUBLIC LAW 87·637 (1962) * An Act to provide that hydraulic brake fluid sold or shipped in commerce for use in motor vehicles shall meet cer­
tain specifications prescribed by the Secretary of Commerce. The requirements of this law were issued as standards when the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966
was enacted.
"The Sea t (Lap) Belt and Brak e fluid standards are applicable
to all 1968 models of affected vehicles.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
I
YOUR CORVAIR'S FIRST FEW HUNDRED MILES OF DRIVING
Sound design and precision manufacturing methods
will permit you to operate your new Corvair without
adhering to a formal "break-in" schedule. However,
during the first few hundred miles of driving you can,
by observing a few simple precautions, odd to the future
performance and economy of your cor.
It is recommended that your speed during the first
500 miles be confined to a maximum of 60 MPH, but
do not drive for extended periods at anyone constant
speed,
either fast or slow. During this period, ovoid full
throttle starts and unnecessary, quick abrupt stops .
Gentle braking during the first few hundred miles of
operation will result in longer broke life and better
future performance. Avoid unnecessary, hard stops espe ­
cially during the first 200 miles of operation since broke
misuse during this period will destroy much future broke
efficiency.
Always drive at a moderate speed until the engine
has completely warmed up.
DRIVING FOR ECONOMY
Proper maintenance and wise operation will com­
bine to help you achieve maximum fuel economy with
your Corvair. Your Authorized Chevrolet Dealer can
properly tune and maintain your car but wise operation
is your responsibility. Give the cor sufficient warm-up
time, do not make "Full Throttle" storts or unnecessary
severe stops,
and drive at reasonable speeds and as
steady as traffic permits to gain the benefits of all the
economy built into your Corvair.
CAUTION: Avoid inhaling exhaust gases especially in an enclosed area such as a garage. Exhaust gases
contain
a percentage of carbon monoxide which is a potentially lethal gas that, by itself, is tasteless, color ­
less, and odorless. The exhaust system should be inspected for proper mounting, leaks and missing or damaged
parts each time the vehicle is raised for lubrication or oil change service.
7

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine All driving instruments are grouped in the instrument
cluster which
is located immediately in front of the driver
to provide quick
reading and maximum convenience and
accessibility. The TEMP-PRESS and GEN-FAN indicators
provide important information concerning the condition
of the engine and should be observed regularly during
operation of the car. The information on these pages
will help you understand the operation of these instru­
ments . The illustrations
here and on page 14 will ac­
quaint you with the instrument cluster and the instrument
panel as a whole.
FUEL GAUGE
This electrically operated
gauge indicates the amount
of fuel in the fuel tank only
when the ignition switch is
in the ON position. When
the ignition is "off", the in­
dicator pointer
will not nec­
essarily return to the empty
IE) mark, but may stop at
I
13
INSTRUMENTS
any point on the gauge. Therefore, always be sure that
the ignition switch is "on" when reading the fuel gauge.
SPEEDOMETER
Conveniently located in the instrument cluster di­
rectly ahead of the driver, the speedometer shows at a
glance the speed of the car in miles per hour. The
odometer, encircled within the speedometer dial, reg­
isters accumulated vehicle
mileage.
TEMP-PRESS AND GEN-FAN INDICATORS
These indicators provide a check on the operating
condition of the engine and the generator. Both indi­
cators
should light with the ignition switch ON before
starting the engine and should go out after the engine
is started. The lights should remain out while engine is

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine inches to assure that the lid lock mechanism is en­
gaged.
For proper engine cooling keep the vents located
below the
rear window free of ice, snow and leaves.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
The luggage compartment is located beneath the
lid at the front of the car.
• To open the luggage compartment, pivot the spring
loaded emblem to reveal lock, insert the key and,
holding the lid down to r~lieve the tension on the
lock, turn the key fully clockwise
and allow the coun­
terbalanced lid to open. To close, slam the lid firmly.
29
GAS CAP
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
The gas cap is concealed beneath the spring loaded
door on the left front fender.
The fuel tank, filler pipe and all tank connections
have been carefully designed to reduce fuel
leakage
after termination of certain collisions. This design reduces
fire hazards in these collisions.
CAUTION: Gasoline is extremely flammable
and highly explosive under certain conditions.
Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or
allow open flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.
If gasoline fumes are noticed
while driving,
the cause should be determined
and corrected without delay.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your Corvair is designed to operate efficiently on
"Regular" or "Premium" grade fuels, commonly sold in
the United States and Canada, depending on the engine
installed in your car. The table below indicates the fuel
grade requirements for various Corvair engines.
ENGINE
95 H.P. TURBO-AIR
110 H.P. TURBO-AIR
140 H.P. TURBO-AIR
FUEL GRADE
Regular
Premium
Premium
Use
of a fuel which is too low in anti-knock quality
will result in "spark knock." Since the anti-knock quality
of all regular grade or of all premium grade gasolines
is not the same and factors such as altitude, terrain and
air temperature affect operating efficiency, knocking may
result even though you are using the grade of fuel rec­
ommended for your engine. If persistent knocking is en­
countered, it may be necessary to change to a higher
grade of gasoline and, If knocking continues, consult
your authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
In any case, continuous or excessive knocking may
result in engine damage and constitutes misuse of the en­
gine for which the Chevrolet Motor Division is not re­
sponsible under terms of the Manufacturer's New Vehicle
Warranty.
32
Operation in a Foreign Country
If you plan to operate your Corvair outside the con­
tinental limits of the United States or Canada, there is
a possibility that the best fuels available are so low in
anti-knock quality that excessive knocking and serious
engine damage may result from their use. To minimize
this possibility,
write to Chevrolet Motor Division, Gen­
eral Motors Corporation, Owner Relations Department,
Detroit,
Michigan 48202, giving: (1) The compression
ratio of your engine (see page 44 or obtain from your
dealer); (2) The vehicle identification number (see page
44); (3) The country or countries in which you plan to
travel.
You
will be furnished details of adjustments or
modifications which should be made to your engine by
your Chevrolet Dealer prior to your departure.
Failure to make the necessary changes in your car and
subsequent operation under conditions of continuous or
excessive knocking is considered misuse of the engine for
which the Chevrolet Motor Division is not responsible un­
der terms of the Manufacturer's New Vehicle Warranty.
After arriving in a foreign country, contact the near­
est authorized General Motors Dealer for brand names
of the best fuels available and advice as to where they
may be purchased.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS
Engine Oil Recommendations
Use only "first line" oils which, according to the
label on the can, are (1) intended for service MS, and
(2) pass car makers' tests
(including
General Motors
Standard GM 6041-M. The
oil
change interval, as rec­
ommended in this section on
oils,
is based on the regular
use of oil of this quality of
engine oil. The majority of
the suitable oils currently
available are multi-viscosity
(e.g., 10W-30) products.
NOTE: Non-detergent and
other low quality oils are
specifically not recommended. The use of proper engine
oils and oil change intervals are your best assurance of
continued reliability and performance from your Corvair
engine.
The use of "break-in" oils, "tune-up" compounds,
"frictIon-reducing" compounds, etc., in your Corvair
engine are not recommended. However, there are
additive supplements available that can be helpful
under certain conditIons. For example, if higher deter­
gency is required to reduce varnish and sludge deposits,
a thoroughly tested
and approved concentrate-"High
Detergency Concentrate" * -is available at your Corvair 'or "Engine Oil Supplement"'
33
dealer who can advise you regarding its use.
NOTE: When checking or adding oil, be care­
ful to avoid spilling or dropping oil onto the
engine shrouding .
Recommended Oil Viscosity: The following chart will
serve
as a guide in selecting the proper oil viscosity.
The
proper viscosity helps assure good cold starting
by reducing friction and thus increasing cranking speed.
ANTICIPATED RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY OIL
TEMP. SINGLE VISCOSITY MULTI-VISCOSITY Above Freezing (+32° F.) SAE-20W SAE-10W-30 Below Freezing and Above 0° F. SAE-10W SAE-10W-30 Below 0° F. SAE-5W SAE-5W-20
NOTE: When changing oi/ consider the anticipoted temperatures for the next 4 months.
SAE 5W and 5W·20 oils are not recommended for sustained high speed driving.
SAE 30 and SAE· 20W-40 oils may be used at temperatures above 90°F. SAE 5W-30 oils may be used at temperatures be/ow 32°F . SAE IOW-40 oils may be used at temperatures between 0 and 90~F.
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 accumulation in the
engine to drain back to the crankcase. To ch~eck the

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
The time or mileage intervals on the following pages
are intended as a general guide for establishing regular
maintenance and lubrication periods for your Corvair.
Sustained heavy duty or high speed operations or oper-
A WORD ABOUT VEHICLE EMISSIONS
All new 1968 Corvairs are certified by the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare as
conforming to the requirements of the regulations for
the Control of Air Pollution from New Motor Vehicles
and New Motor Vehicle Engines.
General Motors has developed control systems which
are highly effective in reducing undesirable crankcase
and exhaust emissions. It is very important that the owner make certain that the engine is serviced regularly
in order to maintain its efficiency and to keep emissions
below maximum allowable limits.
The emission control system on
your 1968 Corvair is
relatively easy to maintain, requiring only specific serv­
ices as recommended by Chevrolet. To function properly,
this system must be inspected periodically and engine
tune-up performed at specified intervals by qualified
repairmen. For ready reference, pertinent information regarding ignition timing and idle speed and fuel mix­
ture specifications is shown on a sticker affixed under
the hood of your vehicle. Following the prescribed main-
37
ation under adverse conditions may necessitate more
frequent servicing. For specific recommendations for con­
ditions under which you use your vehicle, consult your
authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
tenance services
will help assure cleaner air and will
provide better running, longer lasting engines for greater
all-around satisfaction, economy and performance.
POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (P.C.V')
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation system, which is
standard equipment on your vehicle, prevents emission
of gases from the crankcase. The P .C.V. system connects
the crankcase and intake manifold of the engine and
crankcase gases are returned through this system to the
combustion
chamber where they are burned. Periodic
inspection
and required servicing of your P.C.V. system
assures a cleaner, better-performing, longer-lasting
engine. A plugged P.C.V. system results in a loss of
crankcase ventilation which can cause condensation of
blow-by gases in the crankcase, resulting in the forma­
tion of acids, sludge build-up and oil dilution. This also
results in
an increase in exhaust emissions due to car­
buretor enrichment. Every 12,000 miles or 12 months,
whichever occurs first, the PCV valve should be replaced.

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 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 SPECIFICATIONS
SERIAL AND UNIT NUMBERS
Engine Number Stamped on the engine block behind and to the left of
the fuel pump.
Body
Number-Stamped on a plate attached to top of rear rail to left
of engine mount, within the engine compartment .
Serial
Number-Stamped on vehicle identification plate attached to
left
rear side rail, within the engine compartment.
DIMENSIONS
Length .•...............•.•.•..................•... 183.3 in.
Width
.......•....•. . ....•..••......•.............• 69.7 in.
Height: Sport
Coupe ......•...••• ..•..••............•..•• 51.3 in.
Convertible
..........•.....••..•...•............. 51.5 in.
Wheel Base
...................•..•...•.... , ........ 108.0 in.
Turning Diameter .
.•..........•............... ........ 37.2 ft.
CAPACITIES
U.S. Measure Imperial Measure
Gasoline Tank (approximate) ...... .
14 gal. 11 % gal.
Crankcase Refill •....•..... ...... 4 qt. 3~ qt.
Add for Filter Change ......... . 1 pt. 3,4 pt.
Transmission
and Rear Axle
(manual) 3-and 4-speed ........ . 4 qt. 3~ qt.
Cooling System .....••...................... Air Cooled Engine
Air Conditioning System
Compressor Oil (525 Vis.) ...•............. ......... " 11 oz.
Refrigerent
R12 Charge ( •......•................•.... 4 Ibs.
44
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Horsepower:
95 hp Turbo-Air 164 ......••.•.•........•.•• 95 @ 3600 rpm
110 hp Turbo-Air 164 ........................ 110 @ 4400 rpm
140 hp Turbo -Air 164 ........................ 140 @ 5200 rpm
Compression Ratio:
95 hp Turbo-Air 164 •...•........•.•.••••.•...••.•••. 8.25:1
110 hp and 140 hp Turbo-Air 164 ...................... 9.25:1
Displacement
......•....••••••..••••••...•..•.••\
•.•• 164 cu. In.
Bore and Stroke (all engines) ................. .... 3.4375"x2.94"
Firing Order •.........•..•••••••..•.•.••.•\
..••..•. 1-4-5-2-3·6
Spark Plugs.
95 hp Turbo-Air 164 (Gop .035)
.................... AC-46-FF
110
hp and 140 hp Turbo-Air 164 (Gop .030) .......... AC- 44-FF
Idle
Speed:
95 and 110 hp Turbo-Air 164 wi manual trans. (in Neutral) 700 rpm
95
and 110 hp Turbo-Air 164 w/Powerglide (in Drive) 600 rpm
140 hp Turbo-Air 164 wi manual trans. (in Neutral) ...... 650 rpm
140 hp Turbo-Air 164 w/Powerglide (in Drive) .......... 550 rpm
Ignition Timing:
95 hp Turbo-Air 164 wl164 manual trans •..•...•.•••.•. 8· ATDC
95 hp Turbo-Air 164 w/Powerglide ••.•..•••.••••..•••• 0·
110 hp Turbo-Air 164 wi manual Irons •....•..•..••....•. 0·
110 hp Turbo-Air 164 w/Powerglide •.••..•••.•..•••••.. 4· BTDC
140 hp Turbo-Air 164 All Trans ....................... 4° BTDC