recommended oil CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1994 Owners Manual

Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with deposit control additives will help prevent
deposits from forming
in your engine and fuel system. That helps keep your
engine in tune and your emission control system working properly. It’s good
for your vehicle, and you’ll be doing your part for cleaner air.
Many gasolines are now blended with oxygenates. General Motors
recommends that you use gasolines with these blending materials, such as
MTBE and ethanol. By doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in
those parts of the country that have high carbon monoxide levels.
In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated
gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle
emissions. General Motors recommends that you use reformulated gasoline.
By doing
so, you can help clean the air, especially in those parts of the
country that have high ozone levels.
You should ask your service station operators if their gasolines contain
deposit control additives and oxygenates, and
if they have been
reformulated to reduce vehicle emissions.
Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
Some states and provinces have restrictions on the purchase of diesel fuel
for light-duty vehicles and require you to
buy permits or pay special taxes.
Some of these restrictions apply only to residents, and others apply to both
residents and visitors. These restrictions can change.
To learn the current
restrictions
in any state or province, contact your auto club, the police or
other officials.
Fuel Requirements
NOTICE:
Diesel fuel or fuel additives not recommended in this manual
could damage your fuel system and engine, Your warranty
wouldn’t cover this damage, And:
0 Diesel fuel that has been mixed with engine oil could damage
your engine and emission controls. Always check with your
service station operator to make sure his diesel fuel has not
been mixed with engine oil.
If you ever run out of diesel fuel, it can be difficult to restart
your engine. “Running Out of Fuel,” later in this section,
tells
you how to get it started again. To avoid all this, try never to
let your tank get empty.
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You should look for this on the front of the oil container, and use only oils
that display this new symbol.
You should also use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle, as shown in
the following chart:
LIGHT DUTY EMISSIONS -GAS ENGINES
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAL VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
F
+ 100 '
+80.
+60
+4a.
+20 -
0-
C

- +38
. +27
-+16
.+4
'-7
- 18
I
SAE SW-30
PREFERRED
LOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
SAE 1OW-30
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE
OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30
GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE
40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
DO NOT USE SAE 1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 1OW-30 if it's going to be 0°F (- 1 8 O C) or above. These
numbers on
an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 1OW-40 or SAE 20W-50.
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HEAVY DUTY EMISSIONS -GAS ENGINES
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE
VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
"F "C
+loo - - +38
+80 --+27
+60 - - +16
t40--+4
+20 ---I
0 - --18
LOOK FOR
ONE OF THESE
LABELS
I
I
SAE 1OW-30
PREFERRED
SAE
5W-30
COLD
WEATHER
IF NEITHER SAE 5W-30 NOR SAE 1OW-30
GRADE OILS ARE AVAILABLE, SAE 30
GRADE MAY BE USED AT TEMPERATURES
ABOVE
40 DEGREES F (4 DEGREES C).
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
DO
NOT USE SA€
1OW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
As shown in the chart, SAE IOW-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60°F ( 16°C) before your
next oil change. When it's
very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30. These
numbers on
an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE lOW-40 or SAE 20W-50,
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DIESEL ENGINES
I RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY GRADE ENGINE OILS
SELECT THE SAE GRADE 011 BASED ON
THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
I BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
HOT
WEATHER
+loo -
+60 - - +16
+32 -- 0
0 - - -18
-20 - - -29
________
COLD
WEATHER
LABEL
SAE 1OW-30
SAE 15W-40
PREFERRED
above 0°F (-18%)
- SAE r 30
DO NOT USE SAE 1DW-40, SAE 2OW-50 OR
ANY OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
SAE 15W-40
As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15 W-40 is best for your vehicle.
However, you can use
SAE low-30 if it’s going to be colder than
32°F (0°C) before your next oil change. When it’s very cold, below
0°F (-1 8”C), you should use SAE IOW-30 to improve cold starting.
Also, SAE 30 may be used at temperatures above freezing, 32°F (0°C).
These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do
not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50.
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WOW to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of transmission
fluid to use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants’’ in the Index.
If the fluid level
is low, add only enough of the proper fluid to bring the
level up to the
COLD area for a cold check or the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn’t take much fluid, generally
less than a pint. Don’t overfill. We
recommend you use
only fluid labeled DEXRON@-I11 or DEXRON@-IIE,
because fluids with that label are made especially for your automatic
transmission. Damage caused
by fluid other than DEXRON@-I11 or
DEXRON@-IIE is not covered
by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under “How to
Check.”
When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back in all
the way; then flip the handle down to lock the dipstick
in place.
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is changed. However,
the fluid
in your manual transmission doesn’t require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may choose to have this
done at a
GM dealership Service Department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions here, or you could
get
a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your transmission. Too
much can mean that some of the fluid could come out and fall on
hot engine parts or exhaust system, starting a fire. Be sure to get
an accurate reading if
you check your transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the vehicle is parked on
a level place and the transmission is cool enough for you to rest your fingers
on the transmission case.
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Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how often to check the
lubricant and when to change
it. See “Scheduled Maintenance Services” in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
If the level is below
the bottom of the filler
plug hole, you’ll need
to add some lubricant.
If the differential is at
operating temperature
(warm), add enough
lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
If the differential is cold, add enough lubricant to raise the level to
1/2 inch
(12 mm) below the filler plug hole.
What to use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what kind of lubricant to
use. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index.
Engine Coolant
The following explains your cooling system and how to add coolant when it
is low. If you have a problem with engine overheating, see “Engine
Overheating”
in the Index.
The proper coolant for your vehicle will:
Give freezing protection down to -20°F (-29”C), or -34°F (-37°C) in
Give boiling protection up to 258°F (1 25°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Canada
and for vehicles with the cold climate option.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
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Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for a while, inspect the surface under the
vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other fluids. Water dripping from the air
conditioning system after it has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected at once.
Lubrication
Accelerator Control System
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often the accelerator linkage
pivot points must be lubricated. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants”
in
the Index for the proper lubricant to use.
Accelerator cables and cruise control cables should not be lubricated. Any
cables that are worn or
are hard to pull should be replaced.
Hood Latches and Hood Hinge
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate the hood
latch and hood hinge assembly. See the Index under “Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” for the proper lubricant to use.
Propeller Shaft Slip Splines
See your maintenance schedule to find out how often the slip splines must
be lubricated. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for
the proper lubricant to use.
Constant Velocity Joints
See your maintenance schedule to find out how often the constant velocity
joints must be lubricated. See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the
Index for the proper lubricant to use.
Normal
use of your vehicle will cause metal to metal wear at some points on
the cab and body if they are not lubricated.
For exposed surfaces, such
as door checks, door lock bolts, lock striker plates,
dovetail bumper wedges, etc., a thin
film of engine oil should be applied.
The seat adjusters and seat track should be lubricated
with chassis grease.
Door weather strips and rubber hood bumpers should be lightly coated with
a rubber lubricant.
Never use too much of any lubricant and be sure to wipe up any extra
lubricant when you are finished.
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Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate these items.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
Lock Cylinders
To be sure your locks operate properly, they must be lubricated. Your
vehicle’s maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate them.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
You should not use penetrating oils because they could wash out the factory
installed lubricant and cause the lock to bind. De-icers which contain
alcohol could
also wash away the lubricant, so be sure to lubricate the lock
after using a de-icer of this type.
Tailgate Handle
The tailgate handle pivot points on your vehicle should be lubricated to keep
it working smoothly.
Your maintenance schedule will tell you how often to lubricate the handle.
See “Recommended Fluids and Lubricants” in the Index for the proper
lubricant to use.
Battery
Every new GM vehicle has a Delco Freedom@ battery. You never have to
add water to one of these. When it’s time for a new battery, we recommend
a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the catalog number shown on
the original battery’s label.
Vehicle Storage
If you’re not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or more, take off the
black, negative
(-) cable from the battery. This will help keep your battery
from running down.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle for longer storage
periods.
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Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last longer, seal better, and
not stick or squeak. Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least every
six months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent application may
be required. (See “Recommended Fluids
& Lubricants’’ in the Index.)
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to the parts
repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Foreign Material
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, and other foreign
matter can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted surfaces.
Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired
right away. Bare metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major
repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up materials available
from your dealer or other service outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can
be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on
the underbody. If these are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can
occur
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and
exhaust system even though they have corrosion protection.
At least every spring,
flush these materials from the underbody with plain
water. Clean
any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Dirt packed
in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Your
dealer or an underbody vehicle washing system can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a chemical fallout.
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted surfaces on your
vehicle. This damage can take two
forms: blotchy, ringlet-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark
spots etched into the paint surface.
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25. BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION? - When the engine oil is
changed, inspect the
lines and hoses for proper hookup, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Check
the parking brake adjust, and the fluid level
in the master cylinder.
A low fluid level can indicate worn disc brake
pads which may need to be serviced.
When the wheels are removed for rotation, inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, parking brake, etc., at
the same time. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel and mounting surfaces before mounting
the wheel.
Inspect brakes more often if driving habits or conditions resul\
t in
frequent braking.
Owner Checks and Services
Listed below are owner checks and services which should be made at the
time period specified to help ensure proper safety, emission performance,
and dependability of your vehicle.
Be
sure any necessary repairs are completed at once. Whenever any fluids
or lubricants
are added to your vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones,
as shown in this Section.
At Least Once a Month
Tire inflation pressure check - Check the tires for proper inflation. If
they are low, inflate them to the level specified on the Certificatiomire
label or on the tire inflation charts. See “Loading Your Vehicle” or
“Inflation-Tire Pressure”
in the Index.
At Least Once a Year
Key lock cylinder lubrication - Lubricate key lock cylinders with engine
oil. See the “Recommended Fluid and Lubricants” chart
in this section.
Transmission neutral or clutch start switch operation -
?A fluid loss in these systems may indicate a problem. Have them inspected
and repaired at once.
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