lock OPEL GT-R 1973 Service Manual

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 17
seating and to prevent turning.The ends of she//s
must never be tiled flush with parting surface of
crankcase or bearing cap.Crankshaft bearings are the precision type which do
not require reaming to size. Shims are not provided
for adjustment since worn bearings are readily re-
placed with new bearings of proper size. Bearings for
service replacement are furnished in standard size
and undersizes. Under no circumstances should
crankshaft bearing caps be tiIed to adjust for wear in
old bearing.After removal of oil pan, pipe and screen assembly,
perform the following removal, inspection and in-
stallation operations on each crankshaft bearing in
turn so that the crankshaft will be well supported by
the other bearings.
If crankshaft has been removed to check straightness
the following procedure is suggested. Rest crank-
shaft on “V-blocks” at number one and number live
main bearing journals. Check indicator runout at
No. 3 main bearing journal. Total indicator reading
should not exceed
.C012”.1. Since any service condition which affects the
crankshaft bearings may also affect the connecting
rod bearings, it is advisable to inspect connecting rod
bearings
first. If crankpins are worn to the extent
that crankshaft should be replaced or reground, re-
placement of crankshaft bearings only will not be
satisfactory.
If replacement of cylinder block or crankshaft is re-
quired, always check main bearing clearance with
plastic-type gauge to obtain specified limits.
2. Remove one bearing cap, then clean and inspect
lower bearing shell and the crankshaft journal. If
journal surface is scored or ridged, the crankshaft
must be replaced or reground to insure satisfactory
operation with new bearings. Slight roughness may
be polished out with tine grit polishing cloth
thoroughly wetted with engine oil, and burrs may be
honed off with a tine stone.
3. If condition of lower bearing shell and crankshaft
journal is satisfactory, check the bearing clearance
with a plastic-type gauge.
4. When checking a crankshaft bearing with plastic-
type gauging material, turn crankshaft so that oil
hole is up to avoid dripping of oil on the gauge
material. Place paper shims in lower halves of adja-
cent bearings and tighten cap bolts to take the weight
of crankshaft
off the lower shell of beating being
checked.5. If bearing clearance exceeds
.C03”, it is advisable
to install a new bearing; however, if bearing is in
good condition and is not being checked because ofbearing noise, it is not necessary to replace the bear-
ing.6. Loosen all crankshaft bearing cap bolts
l/2 turn,
and remove cap of bearing to be replaced.
7. Remove upper bearing shell by inserting Bearing
Shell Remover and Installer J-8080 in oil hole in
crankshaft, then slowly turning crankshaft so that
the tool rotates the shell out of place by pushing
against the end without the tang. See Figure
6A-27.When turning crankshaft with rear bearing cap
removed hold oil seal to prevent it from rotating out
of position in crankcase.
8. The crankshaft journal cannot be measured with
an outside micrometer when shaft is in place; how-
ever, when upper bearing shell is removed the jour-
nal may be checked for out-of-round by using a
special crankshaft caliper and inside micrometer.
Figure 6A-27 Removing and Installing Crankshaft
Bearing Upper Shell
The caliper should not be applied to journal in line
with oil hole.
If crankshaft journal is more than
.M)12” out-of-
round, the crankshaft should be replaced since the
full mileage cannot be expected from bearings used
with an excessively out-of-round crankshaft.
9. Before installation of bearing shells make sure that
crankshaft journal and the bearing seats in crankcase
and cap are thoroughly cleaned.
10. Coat inside surface of upper bearing shell with
engine oil and place shell against crankshaft journal
so that tang on shell will engage notch in crankcase
when shell is rotated into place.
11. Rotate bearing shell into place as far as possible
by hand, then insert Installer J-8080 in crankshaft oil
hole and rotate crankshaft to push shell into place.
Bearing shell should move into place with very little

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 21
2.. Expand a telescope gage to fit the cylinder bore at
right angles to the piston pin 2-l/2” from top. See
Figure 6A-33.cylinders, the glazed cylinder walls should be slightly
dulled without increasing the bore diameter by
means of the finest grade honing stones.
TELESCOPE GAUGE1
Figure 6A-33 Checking Cylinder Bores
TELESCOPE/GAUGE
MICROMETER
Figure
6A-34 Measuring Telescope Gage3. Measure the piston to be installed. See Figure6A-32. The piston must be measured at right angles
to the piston pin
2-l/2” below the top of piston. The
piston must be between
.C008” and .0012” smaller
than the cylinder bore.
Both block and piston must be at approximately the
same temperature when measurements are made or
expansion errors will occur. A
dif.ference of 10 de-
grees F between parts is sufficient to produce a varia-
tion of .0005”.
Fitting New Piston RingsWhen new piston rings are installed without reboringNew piston rings must be checked for clearance in
piston grooves and for gap in cylinder bores; how-
ever, the flexible oil rings are not checked for gap.
The cylinder bores and piston grooves must be clean,
dry, and free of carbon and burrs.
To check the end gap of compression rings, place the
ring in the cylinder in which it will be used and
square it in the bore by tapping with the lower end
of a piston. Measure the gap with feeler gages.
Piston ring end gap should be
,014” - ,022” (top) and
,014” - ,022” (2nd) and the oil ring end gap should
be
.015” - ,055”.
If gap is less than specified, file the ends of rings
carefully with a smooth tile to obtain proper gap.
Install piston rings as follows:
1. Upper ring is chrome plated and can be installed
either way up. Number two (2) ring has to be in-
stalled with the marking “top” up. Oil ring can be
installed either way
up. See Figure 6A-35.
1. PISTON
2. NO.
I COMPRESSION RING - INSTALLED
WITH EITHER SIDE UP.
3. NO. 2 COMPRESSION RING - INSTALLED
WITH “TOP” MARKING TOWARDS THE TOP.
4. UPPER AND LOWER STEEL BAND RING
-
INSTALLED WITH EITHER SIDE UP.5. INTERMEDIATED RING
- INSTALLED WITH
EITHER SIDE UP.
6A-35
Figure 6A.35 Arrangement of Piston Rings2. Install piston rings so gaps are positioned as shown
in Figure 6A-36.

6A- 24 1973 OPEL SERVICE: MANUAL
on front side of timing chain to permit reinstallation
in original position.
Timing Chain Cover and Timing
Chain installation
Reinstall timing chain cover by reversing removal
procedures, pay particular attention to the following
points.
1. Clean all parts, check for wear and replace as
required. The Parts Department supplies either the two sprockets complete with chain or the chain
alone. It is not permissible to replace sprockets alone.
The chain tensioner is, with the, exception of the
tensioner body, only available as a complete unit.
2. Turn crankshaft so that key for sprocket is on top
and vertical. Assemble chain’, with camshaft
sprocket, then put chain on crankshaft sprocket al-
ready installed. Be sure paint dot
on chain is in front
so that chain moves in same direction as prior to
disassembly.
3. Make sure camshaft sprocket mark is in alignment
with mark on support and chain in parallel with
damper block.
4. To install new timing case oil seal, drive out oil
seal from the rear using a drift. Coat circumference
of oil seal sparingly with suitable sealer and press seal
in, using tool J-22924. Take care not to damage tim-
ing case. See Figure
6A-40. 5. Inspect chain tensioner for proper operation and
reusability.
6. Install timing case rubber gaskets to cylinder
block. Stick on with grease as necessary. Gaskets will
somewhat overlap with oil pan gasket.
7. Position timing cover onto guide pin in upper left
corner of cylinder block and insert centering bolt
through timing chain cover into lower right corner
of cylinder block. See Figure
6A-40A. No sealing is
required.
SA-40.4
Figure 6A-40A Installing Timing Chain Cover
INSTALLER
Figure 6A-40 Installing Timing Cover Oil Seal onProtector
It is not necessary to use crankshaft bolt to install
seal when cover is off engine. 8. Install cylinder head
After sprocket has been attached to camshaft, re-
check alignment
LO see that chain has not slipped. At
this time both No.
1 and No. 4 pistons will be at TDC
position. No. 4 piston will be in tiring position and
No. 1 piston up on exhaust stroke. To time engine to
fire on No. 1 cylinder, rotate crankshaft 360 degrees.
This will position the timing mark 180 degrees from
original alignment of camshaft sprocket and support
bracket, and will completely close No. 1 intake and
exhaust valves. Also, the timing mark on the fly-
wheel
(ball) and cylinder block (pointer) will coin-
cide. See Figure
6A-41.
Replacing Timing Cover Oil Seal
(Engine Installed)
1. Remove fan belts.
2. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt and remove pulley. 3. Insert screwdriver behind seal and rest screw-
driver on crankshaft pin. Pry out oil seal.

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 251, CAMSHAFT SPROCKET
2. CAMSHAFT SPROCKET SUPPORT
3. LONG DAMPER BLOCK
4. CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET
5. CHAIN AND DAMPER BLOCK
IN PARALLEL
6. CRANKSHAFT KEY
7. PAINT MARK ON FRONT
8. TIMING CHAIN
9. MARK ON CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET SUPPORT
IO. MARK ON CAMSHAFT
SPROCKET
6A-41Figure 6A-4 1 Valve Timing Marks
Removal4. Lubricate new oil seal and place on installer
J-
22924.1. Remove cylinder head.
5. Place installer J-22924 on crankshaft. Using
crankshaft bolt and washer install seal into cover. See
Figure 6A-42.2. Loosen self-locking rocker arm nuts and swing
rocker arms off valve lifters.
6. Install crankshaft pulley, bolt and washer. Torque
bolt to 72
Ib.ft.3. Remove valve lifter. Place lifters in a suitable hold-
ing fixture so that they may be reinstalled in original
position.
7. Install belts and torque to proper tension 45
lb.ft.4. Remove cover from access hole on left side andFigure 6A-42 Installing Timing Chain Cover Oil Seal
Replacing Distributor Drive Gear
On Crankshaft1. Remove fan belt.
2. Remove fuel pump. Plug end of fuel line with a
suitable stop.
3. Remove spark plug wires, distributor hold down
clamp. Remove distributor.
4. Turn crankshaft so key is on top.
5. Pry oil seal out of timing chain cover.
6. Insert a screwdriver through opening for fuel
pump and push out distributor drive gear, which has
a push tit on crankshaft, through oil seal seat in
timing cover.
7. Install new gear. Be sure key tits in
keyway. When
installing components, use new gaskets as required.
8. Install new oil seal.
9. Connect parts removed in steps 1 thru 3.
CAMSHAFT

6A- 261973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
rear of cylinder head. Remove camshaft toward
front, supporting camshaft with one hand through
access hole and taking care not to damage bearing
surfaces. See Figure 6A-43.12345 6
I. OLD PRESSURE
4. COVER GASKET
RELIEF
~~- \SSEMBLY5. COVER 8 VALVE
ASSEMBLYVALVE I
2. TIMING CASE
6. COVER ATTACHING
3. OIL PUMP GEARS
SCREWS
123” 45Figure 6A-44 Oil Pump Components
1.CAMSHAFT
2. FRONT ACCESS HOLE
3. LATERAL ACCESS HOLE
4. CYLINDER HEAD
5. REAR ACCESS HOLEISA-43
Figure 6A-43 Removing Camshaft
Installation
1. Liberally lubricate camshaft journals and install
camshaft from front into cylinder head. Support
shaft through access hole in left side of head to pre-
vent damaging bearings.
2. Reinstall valve lifters, rocker arms and self- lock-
ing rocker arm nuts.
3. Install rear and side access plates.
4. Reinstall cylinder head.
OIL PUMP COVER AND GEARSRemoval and Installation of Oil Pump
Cover and Gears
1. Remove screws attaching oil pump cover assembly
to timing chain cover. Remove cover assembly and
slide out oil pump gears. See Figure 6A-44.
2. Wash off gears and inspect for wear, scoring, etc.
Replace any gears not found serviceable. Discard
pump covers scored by gear action. If pump housing
or distributor drive shaft bushing are worn (this is
only possible after a long service life), the timing case
together with all exchangeable pump parts have to be
discarded.In isolated cases, timing cases are installed in pro-
duction having
.008 in. oversize bores for pump gears
and shafts. Oversize bores may exist either for one or
both gears; these timing cases are identified by the
number “0.2” stamped into pump flange on left and-
/or right-hand side. Oversize replacement gears
should be selected according to Part Catalog specifi-
cations.
3. Liberally lubricate spindles and gear teeth and use
new cover gasket. Install oil pump cover.
If new gears are installed, their end clearance in a dry
pump housing should be checked with a straight
edge and a feeler gauge. The gears must not protrude
more than X04 in. over pump housing. See Figure6A-45.
FEELER
AUGESTRAIGHTIEDGE
Figure 6A-45 Checking Oil Pump Gear End Clearance

ENGINE MECHANICAL AND MOUNTS6A- 27
With feeler gauge, check gear backlash. It should be
between
.I?04 in. and .C!OS in. See Figure 6A-46.3. Remove (2) bolts holding pipe and screen assem-
bly to cylinder block. See Figure 6A-47.
FEELERGAUGE6A-46
Figure 6A-46 Measuring Oil Pump Gear Backlash
Checking Oil Pump Relief Valve
For Proper Functioning
1. Unscrew plug and check spring and relief valve
plunger in oil pump cover for dirt particles and free
operation. If required, carefully clean plunger and
seat. Pressure relief plunger sticking as a result of
foreign material or sludge build-up in the oil pump
cover can cause loss of oil pressure.
Removal and Inspection of Oil Pump
Pipe and Screen Assembly
1. Remove oil pan.
2. Clean oil pan. Make sure the gasket surfaces and
pan and block are clean.
Figure 6A-47 Installation of Pipe and Screen
Assembly4. Clean the screen and housing thoroughly in sol-
vent and blow dry with air stream.
Installation of Oil Pump and Screen Assembly
Install by reversing removal procedures, paying par-
ticular attention to the following points.
1. Make sure oil pump pipe flange gasket surface of
block is smooth and free of dirt.
2. Use a new gasket and install assembly.
3. Tighten pan bolts evenly. Do not over-tighten.
Torque to 5 lb. ft.
SPECIFICATIONSBOLT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Use a reliable torque wrench to tighten all parts listed, to insure proper
tightness without straining or distorting parts. These specifications are for
clean and lightly-lubricated threads only; dry or dirty threads produce in-
creased friction which prevents accurate measurement of tightness.

6A- 28 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Part
ConnectingRod Bolts..........................................................
Crankshaft Main Bearing Bolts
..........................................
FlywheeltoCrankshaft AttachingBolts..........................
Cylinder Head Attaching Bolts....Cold 72 -Warm 58
Camshaft Sprocket Attaching Bolts................................
Generator Bracket to Cylinder Block
Attaching Bolts ..................................................................
Generator Bracket to Timing Case Attaching Bolts
....
Crankshaft Pulley Attaching Bolts ....................................
Rocker Arm Stud in Cylinder Head ..................................
Spark Plugs ........................................................................\
....
Clutch Housing to Cylinder Block Attaching Bolts
......
Timing Case to Cylinder Block AttachingBolts ............
Water Pump to Timing Case AttachingBolts................
Engine Support to Cylinder Block Attaching Bolts
......
Rear Engine Suspension to Transmission Rear Bearing Retainer Bolts ....................................................
Transmission to Clutch Housing Attaching Bolts
........
Starter to ClutchHousing AttachingBolts....................
Support to Starter Attaching Nut
....................................
Intake and Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Attaching Bolts ..................................................................
Unless Otherwise Noted:
10
@i Bolt (15 MM Hall.....................................................................- -
36
72
43
18
;i
72
29
30
36
14
11
40
22
29
40
4
33 ............30
8 MM Bolt (13 MM Head)........................................................................\
........................................................................\
........................................15
6 MM Bolt (10 MM Head)
30 Lb.In.
Torque
Lb.Ft.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Type - No. of Cylinders
Valve Arrangement........................................................................\
........................................................................\
......................................................I;nlinzai
Bore and Stroke Piston Displacement Cu. In.
........
3.66 x1:;:;
Compression Ratio......................................................................................\
........................................................................\
........................................................................\
........................................
\fô\
²…..............7.6:1Octane Requirement........................................................................\
..........
Firing Order........................................................................\
........................
Regular - Lo;-?::
....................Cylinder Block Material....... ...............................................................................\
..............................................Cast Iron
Crankshaft Bearings Number and Type 5 Removable Steel Backed
In-Metal Babbitts
Bearing Which Takes End Thrust
........................................................................\
...................5
Connecting Rod Bearing Material
........................................................................\
..................
Steel Backed Tri-Metal Babbttts
Piston Material and Surface Aluminum Alloy, Lead Coated
Piston Pin Offset
........................................................................\
............,031 In. to the RightCompression Rings Material and Surface Treatment
No.
1....... ........... ............... ........ ............. ................Chrome-plated, Cast Iron
- Rectangular
No. 2
........................................................................\
..............................Cast Iron - Tapered
Oil Ring
........................................................................\
..................Chrome-plated, Cast Ir?n
Location of All Piston Rings
........................................................................\
Above Ptston Pm
Camshaft Material
........................................................................\
....................Alloy Cast Iron
Camshaft Drive........................................................................\
........................................Chajn
Number and Type of Camshaft Bearings 4 Steel-Backed Babbttt
Valve Lifter Type
..............................................................................................\
..........................................~..........Hydraulic
Oiling System Tvoe........................................................................\
Circulatmg High Pressure
Oil
&ppiied to: - .
Bearing Surfaces, Crankshaft, Camshaft and Connecting Rods............................Pressure
Piston, Pins
........................................................................\
............................................Vapor
Cvlinder Walls........................................................................\
..........................Nozzle Spray
Rocker Arms _,,,..,,....,._..___.,,..,,..............,,,,...,.......,..,,,.,.,,.....\
....,,...,.,.................~...... Pressure
Oil Reservoir Capacity
- Quarts .,,,...,,__.,,..,..,,..,...,..,,,...,,..............,,,... 3 l/4 With Dry Fdter
Oil Filter
- Type ,,....,__.,,...,....,....,,..,,,..,,...........,........................\
............ Throw Away Element

GA. xl1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Valve Seat and Correction Angle in Cylinder Head
Intake
Valve Seat Angle ..,._,..__....,,..,,,..,.,.,.,..............,............................................................... 45”Outer Correction
.,,,.,,._.,._..___,,,.,,,,,.......,,.,..,...,,..,..,,..,,..,,,.............................................. 30”
Exhaust
Valve Seat Angle
,,,.,,.__,.__..___.,..,,..,...,,....,..,..,..,,..,..,...,..,,,...,,......................................... 45”
Outer Correction
.,,..,,...,._.,.__....,,,.....,,,........................................................................... 30”
Valve Face Angle
,,..,,,..,.__..__.._..,,,..,,...,,......,.,..,..,..,,.,,,..,..,,,..,,,..,,,...,,................................ 44”Valve Seat Width in Cylinder Head
Intake
. . . . . . . . . . .._..._._.................,,..,.....,,..,............,...,..,,,..,,..,,...,,...,,,..,..................049-,059 In.
Exhaust
.,..,,,..,,.___..,,..,,...,..,,,..,,...,,...,,...............,,..,,..........,,....,,...,..................... .063-,073 In.Valve Head Contact Area
,,..,,,..,,___.__.,,..,,..,.,,..........,...,,..,,............,,,...,....... Aim at Centricity
Valve Clearance at 176°F. Coolant and 140°F. to 176”
Oil Temperature
Intake and Exhaust
_.,,..,,,,,,..,,....,...,,,.,.,,,.,..........................,,,..,,,,.... Zero Plus One Turn
Cranking MechanismMax. Permissible Out-of-Roundness of Connecting Rod Bearing
Journals
.....................................................................................................................OC02 In.
Max. Permissible Taper of Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Bearing
Journals
.....................................................................................................................ooO4 In.
Max. Permissible Radial Runout of Center Main Bearing
JournalsWhenSupportedinEndBearings
...........................................................0012In.Max. Permissible UnparalYelism of Connecting Rod Bearing
Journals When Crankshaft is Placed in V-Blocks so That
Main Bearing Journals Next to Each Other Are Supported
................................0005 In.
Max. Permissible Runout of Crankshaft to Flywheel
Contact Area
...........................................................................................................0008 In.
Crankshaft End Play
.........................................................................................GOl7-.CO61 In.
MainBearingClearance
.....................................................................................ooO9-.@I25In.Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
.................................................................ooO6-.0025 In.
Connecting RodEnd PlayonBearing Journal
...............................................0043-.0095In.Connecting Rod Bearing Length
.......................................................................7785-.7992 In.
CrankshaftThrustBearingLength
..............................................................................1.08In.
Valve MechanismCamshaft Bearing Clearance
.................................................................................OOl-,003 In.
Camshaft End Play
...............................................................................................004-038 In.
Max. Permissible Radial Runout of Camshaft Center Bearing
- Camshaft Supported in Outer Bearings................................................................,001 In.
ValveLifter Clearance in Cylinder HeadBore
...............................................0003-.OOl3In.
Engine Lubricating SystemOil Pump Gear Backlash
......................................................................................0%.008 In.
Oil Pump Gear End Play in Housing
........................................Gears Protruding Over Edge
of Housing: Not More Than
,004 In.
Clearance of Spindle in Bore of Oil Pump Driven
Gear
...............................................................................................................OCO3-.0015 In.
Clearance Between Oil Pump Drive Gear and
Bushing
.........................................................................................................00035-.OOl5 In.
Oil Pump Relief Valve Spring Pressure at a Spring Length
of
.8 In..................................................................................................................44-.66 Lbs.

66.321973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
COOLING SYSTEM
CONTENTS
Subject
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION:
Cooling System and Water Pump
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIAGNOSIS: (Not Applicable)
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS:
Checking and Filling Cooling System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Draining
andFlushingCoolingSystem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Conditioning the Cooling System
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Using and Testing Anti-Freeze Solutions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fan Belt Adjustment or Replacement
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Radiator Thermostat Inspection and Test
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MAJOR REPAIR:
Water Pump Removal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Radiator
Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIFICATIONS:
Cooling System Capacities
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page No.
68-32
6B-32
68-32
68-33
68-33
68-33
68-33
68-34
68-34
6B-35
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
COOLING SYSTEM AND WATER PUMPThe coiling system is of the conventional pressurized
type. A centrifugal pump arranged in timing case
serves to circulate the coolant.
When the thermostat is closed, the coolant will re-
turn to the pump via a by-pass for swift and uniform
warming up of the engine the coolant circulates
through the radiator, only when the engine has
reached normal operating temperature.
The heater system branches off the cooling system
ahead of thermostat in flow direction so that the
heater is in operation before engine has reached full
operating temperature.
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS
Checking and Filling Cooling SystemThe coolant level should be checked only when the
engine is cold and only enough coolant should be
added to bring the level halfway between core andtank top. It is unnecessary and undesirable to remove
the radiator cap and check the coolant level each
time the car stops at a filling station for gasoline or
oil, since the engine is usually hot at such times.
WARNING: Never remove the radiator cap quickly
when engine is HOT Sudden release of cooling
sys-
tern pressure may cause the coolant to boil and some
of it may be ejected from the radiator
filler neck,
resulting in
inl’ury to persons or damage to the car
finish.If it is necessary at any time to remove the radiator
cap when engine is hot, rotate the cap counterclock-
wise until first stop is reached. Leave cap in this
position until all pressure in cooling system has been
released, then turn cap past the first stop and remove
it.
Draining and Flushing
Cooling SystemThe cooling system should be completely drained
and the recommended coolant installed every two (2)
years.To drain the cooling system, remove radiator cap,
remove lower radiator hose from the lower tank and

COOLING SYSTEM6B- 33
remove drain plug on right.side of cylinder block. Set
heater temperature control valve at full heat posi-
tion. After the cooling system is drained, and plugs
reinstalled, fill the system with clean water. Run the
engine long enough to open the thermostat for com-
plete circulation through the system, then com-
pletely drain the cooling system before sediment has
a chance to settle.
Conditioning the Cooling System
“Rust Inhibitor and Stop Leak”, or equivalent listed
under Group 8.800 is recommended for use in the
cooling system, particularly when preparing for in-
stallation of anti-freeze solution. This material stops
small seepage leaks, has rust preventive properties
and its soluble oil is effective in eliminating a squeal-
ing noise which sometimes develops at the water
pump seal washer. Instructions for its application are
printed on the conditioner bottle.
It is very important to make certain that the cooling
system is properly prepared before an anti-freeze so-
lution is installed, otherwise loss of solution through
leakage may occur or seepage may result in damage
to the engine. The cooling system should be drained
and flushed as described under Draining and Flush-
ing Cooling System. All joints should be checked for
leakage and corrected, and the conditioner described
above should be added with the anti-freeze solution.
Inspect the water pump, radiator core, heater and
defroster cores, water jacket plugs, and edge of cylin-
der head gaskets for evidence of water leaks. Tighten
all hose clamps in the cooling and heating systems
and replace any deteriorated hoses.
Using and Testing Anti-Freeze
Solutions
Inhibited year around (ethylene glycol type) engine
coolant solution which is formulated to withstand
two full calendar years of normal operation without
draining or adding inhibitors should be used at all
times. Freeze protection should be provided to pro-
tect against corrosion. When adding solution due to
loss of coolant for any reason or in areas where tem-
peratures lower than minus 20 degrees F. may be
encountered, a sufficient amount of any of the sev-
eral brands of year around coolant (Ethylene Glycol
base) compatible to GM Specification 1899-M avail-
able on the market should be used. Water or alcohol
base coolants are not recommended for this vehicle
at any time.
If for any reason water only is used as a coolant in
an emergency, it is extremely important that Buick
Heavy Duty Cooling System Protector and Water
Pump Lubricant or equivalent be added to the cool-
ing system as soon as possible. If any other cooling
System protector is used, be certain it is labeled toindicate that it meets General Motors Specification
GM 1894-M. It should be recognized that this is only
a temporary measure. The manufacture intends that
permanent type coolant solution be used year around
in the cooling system.
The cooling system should be completely drained
and the recommended coolant installed every two (2)years.It is advisable to test the anti-freeze solution at inter-
vals during the winter to make certain that the solu-
tion has not been weakened. Use only hydrometers
which are calibrated to read both the specific gravity
and the temperature, and have a table or other means
of converting the freezing point at various tempera-
tures of solution. Disregarding the temperature of
the solution when making the test may cause an error
as large as 30 degrees F. Care must be exercised to
use the correct float or table for the particular type
of anti-freeze being tested.
Fan Belt Adjustment or Replacement
A tight fan belt will cause rapid wear of the alterna-
tor and water pump bearings. A loose belt will slip
and wear excessively and will cause noise, engine
over-heating, and unsteady alternator output. A fan
belt which is cracked or frayed, or which is worn so
that it bottoms in the pulleys should be replaced. The
fan belt may be replaced by loosening the alternator
brace at alternator, slightly loosening the alternator
mounting bolts and moving alternator inward to pro-
vide maximum slack in the belt.
The alternator must be moved outward to adjust the
fan belt. After the generator brace and mounting
bolts are securely tightened, the fan belt tension
should be 45 lb. using Tensioner J-23600.
WARNING: Zfa
fan blade is bent or damaged in any
way, no attempt should be made to repair and reuse
the damaged part. A bent or damaged fan assembly
should always be replaced with a new
fal. assembly.
It is essential that fan assemblies remain in proper
balance and proper balance cannot be assured once
a fan assembly has been bent or damaged. A fan
assembly that is not in proper balance could fail and
fly apart during subsequent
we creating an ex-
tremely dangerous condition.
Radiator Thermostat Inspection and Test
A sticking radiator thermostat will prevent the cool-
ing system from functioning properly. If the thermo-
stat sticks in the open position, the engine will warm
up very slowly. If the thermostat sticks in the closed
position, the engine will overheat.
The thermostat may be removed for inspection and