engine oil CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 1973 2.G User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine leaded or low-lead gasolines are
not available, gasolines containing
more than 0.5 grams per gallon
may be used.
In states using the Gasoline Per­
formance and Information
System
of fuel designation, unleaded or
low-lead fuels having an anti-knock
designation of
"2" or higher are
recommended.
Gas Cap-The fuel tank filler cap
has a new two-step removal and
installation procedure plus a
pressure-vacuum safety relief.
valve. It is equipped with a double
set of locking tangs.
To remove:
• Rotate cap one-half tum coun­
terclockwise to clear the first set
of tangs from the slots inside
the filler neck.
This, will allow
any residual pressure to escape.
• Pull the cap outward and rotate
one-quarter
tum counterclock­
wise to clear second set of tangs
and remove the cap.
• To install, reverse this pro­
cedure.
NOTE: If this cap requires a re­
placement, only a cap with these
same features should be used. Fail­
ure to use the correct cap can
result in a serious malfunction of
the system. Correct replacement
caps may be obtained from
your
authorized Chevrolet Dealer.
Engine Oil and Filter
Recommendations
• Use only SE engine oil.
• Change oil each 4 months or
6,000 miles. If more than 6,000
miles are driven in a 4-month
period, change oil each
6,000
miles.
• Change oil each 2 months or
3,000 miles, whichever occurs
51
first, under the following con­
ditions:
- driving in dusty conditions
- trailer pulling
- extensive idling
- short-trip operation
at freez-
ing temperatures (engine not
thoroughly warmed-up).
• Operation in dust storms may
require an immediate oil change.
• Replace the oil filter at the first
oil change, and every second oil
change thereafter.
AC oil filters
provide excellent engine pro­
tection.
See your Chevrolet dealer for
advice
on the frequency of oil and
filter changes under unusual driv­
ing conditions.
The above recommendations
apply to the first change as well as
subsequent oil changes. The oil
change interval for your Monte
Carlo engine
is based on the use of

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine SE oils and quality oil filters. Oil
change intervals longer than those
listed above will seriously reduce
engine life and may affect Chevro­
let's obligation under the provisions
of the New Vehicle Warranty.
A high quality
SE oil was in­
stalled in your engine at the factory.
It is not necessary to change this
facory-installed oil prior
to the rec­
ommended normal change period.
However, check the oil level more
NOTE: Non-detergent and other
low quality oils are specifically not
recommended.
Only the use of SE
engine oils and proper oil and filter
change intervals assure you of con­
tinued proper lubrication of your
Chevrolet engine.
frequently during the break-in pe­
riod since higher oil consumption
is normal until the piston rings be­
come seated.
Recommended Viscosity
Select the proper viscosity from the following chart:
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY NUMBER
I ,.
.... ~.-."'). ... .II ••• :.; I
-30 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE, OF.
NOTE: SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is recommended for all seasons in
vehicles normally operated in Canada.
SAE 5W-20 oils are not recom­
mended for sustained high-speed driving.
SAE 30 oils may be used at temperatures above 40oP.
The proper oil viscosity helps
assure good cold and hot starting.
NOTE: The oil gauge rod is also
marked,
"Use SE Engine Oil" as
a reminder to use only SE oils.
52
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine drain back in the crankcase. To
check the level, remove the oil
gauge rod (dip stick), wipe
it
clean and reinsert it firmly for an
accurate reading. 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 tak­
ing 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
example, if higher detergency is
required to reduce varnish and
sludge deposits resulting from some unusual
operational difficulty, a
thoroughly tested and approved
additive
- "Super Engine Oil Sup­
plement " -
is available at your
Chevrolet dealer.
In the event of
an operational problem, consult
your dealer for advice before using
supplemental additives.
Drive Belts
Every 6,000 miles or 4 months
-inspect drive belts for wear,
fraying, cracking, and tension.
Belts which are in poor condition
should be replaced immediately.
Check tension by applying
moderate thumb pressure midway
between pulleys.
If the center-to­
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
~ inch.
Loose belts should be retensioned
to give the correct deflection.
It
is recommended that belts be
53
replaced every 24 months or 24,000
miles, whichever occurs first.
Flame Arrester -Every 12,000
miles-Clean the arrester (located
in the base of the air cleaner) with
kerose:le or a suitable solvent. Dry
with compressed air.
Air Cleaner
Rear
Axle
Standard-Every 4 months or
6,000 miles, whichever occurs first,
check lubricant level and add lubri­
cant, if necessary, to
fill to level of
filler plug hole.
Use SAE 80 or
SAE 90 GL-5 Gear Lubricant.
(For vehicles normally operated in
Canada use
SAE 80 GL-5 Gear
Lubricant.)
Positraction -Drain and refill
after
12,000 miles. Then maintain

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine same as standard axle but use only
the special positraction lubricant
available from your Chevrolet
Dealer.
Manual Transmissions
3-Speed -Every 6,000 miles or
4 months-Check at operating tem­
perature and
fill as necessary to
level of filler plug hole with SAE
80
or SAE 90 GL-5 Gear Lubri­
cant.
(For vehicles normally operated in
Canada use
SAE 80 GL-5 Gear
Lubricant.)
If temperatures below 32°F. are
expected, use
SAE 80 GL-5 Gear
Lubricant only.
Clutch Cross-Shaft -Every
36,000 miles or sooner if necessary
-Remove the plug, install a lubri­
cation fitting and lubricate with
water resistant
EP Chassis Lubri­
cant which meets GM Specific
a-
tion 6031M.
Automatic Transmissions
Fluid Recommendations
Use only automatic transmission
fluids identified with the mark
DEXRON ®. These fluids have been
specially 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:
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.
54
5. 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 (such
as taxicab,
limousine or patrol car service)
where the engine idles for long
periods, should change fluid every
12,000 miles.
Changing Fluid -Remove fluid
from the transmission sump and

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brakes
Brake linings should be periodi­
cally inspected for wear by a quali­
fied technician. The frequency of
this inspection depends 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 maintain
~ " 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 resistant
EP Chassis Lubricant which meets
GM Specification 6031 M, to park­
ing brake cable at cable guides and
at all operating links and levers.
Power
Steering System
Check the fluid level in the
pump reservoir at each oil change
period. Add GM Power Steering
Fluid (or
DEXRON® Automatic
Transmission Fluid)
as necessary
to bring level into proper range on
filler cap indicator depending upon
fluid temperature.
If at operating temperature (ap­
proximately
150 °F - hot to the
56
"HOT" MARK
"COLD" MARK
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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
NOTE: On vehicles equipped with
a
Pour Season Air Conditioning
System, the system will not operate
below ambient temperatures of
300P. regardless of control posi­
tion.
the summer,
see your Chevrolet
Dealer immediately if you suspect
the system
is not performing as it
should .
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-
57
erating temperatures. The recovery
tank collects coolant that expands
with rising temperature that would
otherwi se 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 factory
with a high-quality , inhibited, year­
around coolant that meets the stan­
dards of General Motors Specifica­
tion 1899-M. This coolant solution
provides freezing protection to
-20oP (-32° P in Canada), and
it has been formulated to be used
for two full calendar years or
24,000 miles, whichever first oc­
curs, of normal operation without
replacement.
Cooling System Care
Check the coolant level in the
'see thru' coolant recovery tank

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine and in the radiator at least as fre­
quently
as engine oil changes.
NOTE: Do not remove radiator
cap when coolant
is hot and under
pressure.
Level should be at the
"FULL
COLD"
mark on the recovery tank
and at the bottom of the radiator
filler neck when the system
is cold.
During normal warm weather op­
eration the coolant should be at
the
"FULL HOT" mark on the re­
covery tank.
If the recovery tank is
empty or coolant is below the
"FULL COLD" mark the radiator
level should be checked and cool­
ant added to the radiator and re­
covery tank
as needed. Use a 50/50
mixture of high-quality ethylene gly­
col antifreeze and water for coolant
additions.
If regular additions are
required see your dealer for a cool­
ing system check.
NOTE: If recommended quaIily
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 radi­
ator cap for proper pressure
holding capacity (15 psi).
If
replacement of cap is re­
quired, use the special AC
cap designed for coolant re­
covery systems, specified for
your car model.
4. Tighten hose clamps and in­
spect all hoses. Replace hoses
58
whenever swollen, checked or
otherwise deteriorated.
5. Clean frontal area of radiator
core and air conditioning
condenser.
Every two years or
24,000 miles,
whichever first occurs, the cooling
system should be flushed and re­
filled using the following recom­
mended procedure:
1. Run engine, with radiator cap
removed, until normal operat­
ing temperature
is reached
and upper radiator hose
is hot
(indicates thermostat
is open.)
2. Stop engine and open radiator
drain valve to drain coolant.
(To speed this operation, the
drain plugs in the block can
also be removed.)

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine • Maintain cooling system freeze
protection at
.;...200 F or below
to ensure protection against
corrosion and loss of coolant
from boiling , even though freez­
ing temperatures are not
ex­
pected.
• Add ethylene glycol base cool­
ant that meets GM Specification
1899-M when coolant additions
are required because of coolant
loss or to provide additional
protection against freezing at
temperatures lower than
_200 F
(_320 F in Canada).
NOTE: Alcohol or methanol base
coolants or plain water are not
recommended for your Monte
Carlo at any time.
Radiator Pressure Cap
The radiator cap, a 15 lb. pres­
sure type, must be installed tightly,
otherwise coolant may be lost and
damage to engine may result from
overheating. Radiator pressure caps
should be checked periodically for
proper operation.
If replacement is
required specify AC.
Thermostat
The cooling system is protected
and controlled by a thermostat in­
stalled in the engine coolant outlet
to maintain a satisfactory operating
temperature of the engine. This
thermostat
is designed for continu­
ous use through both winter and
summer and need not be changed
seasonally . When replacement
is
necessary, Delco parts are recom­
mended.
60
Tires
The factory installed tires on
your car
as shown on the following
Tire Usage chart are designed to
provide the best all around per­
formance for normal vehicle op­
eration. When inflated
as recom­
mended on the tire pressure plac­
ard, located on the left door of
your vehicle, they have the load
carrying capacity to operate satis­
factorily at all normal highway
speeds.
Tire Care
Tires should be checked regu­
larly for proper inflation pressure,
wear, and damage. The following
information will assist you in prop­
erly caring for your tires:

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 cor. The chart, designed to point out
possible solutions to several of the most common automotive mal­functions 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 recom­mended 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 cor will not start,
check Steps A through D below. NOTE: If continual "f1ooding" 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 Checlcing Fuel Flow
68
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 engine will not start. (B) If the fuel tank is not empty, you may check further to see whether the fuel is reaching the carburetor_ Disconnect the fuel line at the carburetor and remove the center (ground the secondary coil
terminal or disconnect the primary wire from the coil to the dis­tributor at the coil) wire from the coil tower. Place a jar or cup under the open line and briefly "crank" the engine by means of the starter. If fuel spurts from the fitting, 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
line to the carburetor, remove the FUEL FILTER from the carburetor inlet and check its condition. If it appears to be clean, replace it and reconnect the fuel line. Re­place the filter if it appears to be plugged. (0) If the fuel seems to be reaching the carburetor properly, the problem may be: an EMPTY Fuel Filter
CARBURETOR BOWL caused by a "stuck shut" carburetor; a flOODED CARBURETOR caused by a "stuck open" condition and evidenced by gasoline seeping down and around outside of the carburetor; or a stuck CHOKE valve. Remove the air cleaner from
the carburetor. Check that the choke valve moves freely and is not
stuck. (Don't mistake normal spring tension for a stuck valve.) Tap the side of the carburetor sharply several times with a light tool such

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine as a screwdriver handle or pliers. Replace the oir cleaner 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, a malfunctioning AUTOMATIC CHOKE or an extremely dirty and blocked AIR CLEANER ELEMENT. Replace paper element air cleaner if necessary. Idle adjustment or automatic choke service (other than that outlined in paragraph 0 above) 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. NOTE: Never'remove Delcotron bat lead without first disconnecting battery ground cable. IF) 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 or Park position (manual transmission
must have clutch depressed all the way to floor) before the engine
can be starfed. Turning the IGNITION SWITCH rapidly back and forth several times will sometimes correct a poor internal switch
contact.
(GI 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 operation. Occasionally, however, a long drive will recharge the battery. . , •
NOTE: If the baHery is determined to be dead, and for no apparent reason, have your :Aflthori~ed Chevrolet Dealer check the baHery, the GENERATOR and the VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
GENERATOR trouble shqiJld already have been indicated by
69
the generator indicator light on the instrument panel.
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 con­nections 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.
(HI 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 the Fuel Systems Checks listed previously.
(II With a clean dry cloth wipe the ce-amic portions of the spark plugs dry. In particularly damp or rainy weather dampness may be the cause of not starting, espe­
cially when the engine is cold.
(JI Check the cables at the top
of the distributor and coil as well as each spark plug cable for
tightness.
(KI 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 Distributor and Coli Cables