check transmission fluid OPEL GT-R 1973 Service Manual

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE OC-7SERVICESLUBE AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Vehicle operation under conditions such as heavy
dust, continuous short trips, use of other than un-
leaded or low lead fuels or pulling trailers, is not
considered normal use and therefore more frequent
maintenance will be required. Such additional
maintenance requirements are included where appli-
cable.
Engine OilChange each 4 months or
3,COO miles, whichever
occurs first, or each 2 months or
3,ooO miles when
the vehicle is operated under the following condi-
tions: (a) driving in dusty conditions, (b) trailer pull-
ing, (c) extensive idling or (d) short-trip operation at
freezing temperatures (with engine not thoroughly
warmed-up).Engine oils have a definite effect on ease of starting,
oil economy, combustion chamber deposits and en-
gine wear. It is recommended that a” oil which,
according to the label on the can is; (1) intended for
service SE and (2) passes car makers’ tests be used.
Oils confotming to these types contain detergent ad-
ditives. -
Select the proper oil viscosity from Figure OC-3.
Engine Oil FilterReplace at the first oil change and every other oil
change thereafter using Part No. 7965051 or equiva-
lent.
ChassisLubricate transmission shift linkage, hood latch and
parking brake cable guides and linkage.
Fluid LevelsCheck level of fluid in brake master cylinder, battery,
engine, axle, transmission and windshield washer.
Engine coolant also should be checked for proper
level and for corrosion and freeze protection to at
least -20°F or to the lowest temperature expected
during the period of vehicle operation. Proper engine
coolant also provides corrosion protection.
Any significant fluid loss in any of these systems or
units could mea” that a malfunction is developing
and corrective action should be taken immediately.
A low fluid level in the brake master cylinder front
reservoir could also be a” indtcator that the disc
brake pads need replacing.
The engine oil should be maintained 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 NORMAL OIL ACCUMULA-
TION IN THE ENGINE TO DRAIN BACK IN
the crankcase. To check the level, remove the oil
gauge rod (dipstick), wipe it clean, and reinsert it for
a” accurate reading. The oil level should be main-
tained in the safety margin, neither going above the
“FULL” mark “or below the “ADD OIL” mark.
See Figure OC-4.
DIP STICK MUST BE
INSERTED TO STOP
---L- -FULL+, 1 OT. ,-ADD
OIL
Figure OC-4 Engine Oil Dipstick
All models are equipped with tandem brake cylin-
ders. Maintain fluid level between MIN and MAX
marks on reservoir. See Figure OC-5. When adding
fluid use Delco Supreme No. 11 or equivalent.
TiresTo equalize wear, rotate tires as illustrated in Figure
OC-6.Adjust clutch when necessary as indicated by the
clutch warning lamp on Opel 1900 and Manta or

IoC-91973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure OC-5 Brake Master Cylinder
I
Figure OC-6 Tire Rotation Methods
when the clutch pedal has in excess of 1
l/4 inch fr&
travel. See Figure OC-7.
Rear Axle
Change lubricant every
12,ooO miies when vehicle is
used for pulling a trailer.
Cooling SystemCheck at 12-month or
12,000~mile intervals, wash
radiator cap and filler neck with clean water, pres-
sure test system and radiator cap for proper pressure
holding capacity (tighten hose clamps and inspect
condition of all cooling and heater hoses). Replace
hoses every 24 months or 24,000 ,miles or earlier :if
checked, swollen or otherwise deteriorated.
Also each 12 months or
12,ooO miles, clean exteribr
of radiator core. Every 24 months or
24,OCO miles,Floor-Pan
-Clutch Pedal
Figure OC-7 GT Clutch Lash
drain, flush, and refill the cooline svstem with a new
coolant so&ion of permanent
6~; anti-freeze and
water for protection-of -20°F.
D-6 NOT REMOVE
RADIATOR CAP WHEN SOLUTION IS HOT
AND UNDER PRESSURE.
Wheel BearingsClean and repack front wheel bearings with a lubri-
cant as specified on the lubrication chart, Figure
oc-1.
Automatic Transmission FluidUnder normal driving conditions, change the trans-
mission fluid every 24,000 miles. Under unusual con-
ditions such as constant driving in heavy city traffic
during hot weather, trailer pulling, etc., this service
should be performed at
12,COO mile intervals.
General Motors DEXRON Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid, which has been especially formulated and
tested for use in your automatic transmission, is
recommended. Other automatic transmission fluids
identified with the mark DEXRON are also recom-
mended.
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 (approximately
180-190’F.)2. Park car on a level surface.
3. Place selector lever in “Park” and leave engine
running.

LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE OC-9
4. Remove dipstick and wipe clean.
5. Reinsert dipstick untip cap seats.
6. Remove dipstick and note reading.
If fluid level is at, or below the ADD mark, add
sufficient fluid to rais the level to the FULL mark.
One pint raises the level from ADD to FULL. Do
not overfill.
3OC8Figure OC-8 Automatic Transmission Dipstick
SAFETY MAINTENANCE
Brake Lines and HosesCheck for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing,
deterioration, etc. Any questionable parts noted
should be replaced or repaired immediately. When
abrasion or wear is evident on lines or hoses, the
cause must be corrected.
Tires and WheelsCheck tires for excessive wear, nails, glass, cuts or
other damage. Make certain wheels are not bent or
cracked and wheel nuts are tight. Uneven or abnor-
mal tire wear may indicate the need for alignment
service. Tire inflation pressure should be checked by
the owner at least monthly, or more often if daily
visual inspection indicates the need.
Exhaust SystemCheck complete exhaust system and nearby body
areas and trunk lid for broken, damaged, missing orm&positioned parts, open seams, holes loose connec-
tions or other deterioration wiuch could permit ex-haust fumes to seep into the trunk or passenger
compartment. Dust or water in the trunk may be an
indication of a problem in one of these areas. Any
defects should be corrected immediately. To help
insure continued integrity, exhaust system pipes and
resonators rearward of the muftler must be replaced
whenever a new mufIler is installed. Use genuine
GM parts specified for the vehicle.
Engine Drive BeltsAdjust belts driving fan, alternator and other acces-
sories at first 4 months or
6,ooO miles of vehicle
operation. At each subsequent 4 month/6,000 mile
interval, check belts for cracks, fraying, wear and
tension. Adjust or replace as necessary. It is recom-
mended that belts be replaced every 24 months or
24,C00 miles, whichever occurs first.
Suspension and SteeringCheck for damaged, loose or missing parts, or parts
showing visible signs of excessive wear or lack of
lubrication in front and rear suspension and steering
system. Questionable parts noted should be replaced
without delay.
Safety Checks to be Performed by OwnerListed below are the safety checks that should be
made by the owner (items a thru t). These checks
should be made at least every 4 months or
6,ooOmiles, whichever occurs first, or more often when the
need is indicated. Any deficiencies should be brought
to the attention of your dealer or another service
outlet, as soon as possible, so the advise of a qualified
mechanic is available regarding the need for repairs
or replacements.
A. Steering Column Lock
_ Check for proper operat-
ion by attempting to turn key to LOCK position and
turning steering wheel with car stationary. Steering
wheel should turn as long as key remains in lock.
When key is removed steering wheel should lock.
Key should be removable only in LOCK position.
B. Lap and Shoulder Belts
- Check belts, buckles,
retractors and anchors for cuts, fraying or weakened
portions, loose connections, damage, and for proper
operation. Check to make certain that anchor
mounting bolts are tight.
C. Steering
- Be alert to any changes in steering
action. The need for inspection or servicing may
beindicated by “hard” steering, excessive free play or
unusual sounds when turning or parking.
D. Windshield Wipers and Washers
- Check operat-
ion of wipers, as well as condition and alignment of

CC-10 1973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
wiper blades. Check amount and direction of fluid
sprayed by washers during use.,
E. Defrosters - Check performance by moving con-
trols to “DEF” and noting
am$nmt of air directed
against the windshield.
I
F. Wheel Alignment and
Balabce - In addition to
abnormal tire wear, the need fbr wheel alignment
service may be indicated by a pull to the right or
!eftwhen driving on a straight and level road. The need
for wheel balancing is usually
iddicated by a vibra-
tion of the steering wheel or
se;+ tihile driving at
normal highway speeds.I
IG. Brakes
- Be alert to illumiriation of the brake
warning light or changes in braking action,
SUCK as
repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when
braking or increased brake pedal travel. Any of thesecould indicate the need for
brakk system inspection
and/or service.
H. Parking Brake and Transmission “PARK”
Mechanism
- Check parking brake holding ability by
parking on a fairly steep hill and restraining the vehi-
cle with the parking brake only.
eon cars with auto-
matic transmissions, check the holding ability of the
“PARK” mechanism by releasing all brakes after
the transmission selector lever hak been placed in the“P” position.
I. Glass
- Check for broken, scrritched, dirty or da-
maged glass on vehicle that
coulld obscure vision’or
become an injury hazard.
J. Lights and Buzzers
- Check all instrument panel
illuminating and warning lights,’ seat belt reminder
light and buzzer, ignition key
b&er, interior lights,
license plate lights, side marker! lights, headlamps,
parking lamps, tail lamps, brake lights, turn signals,
backup lamps, and hazard warding flashers. Have
someone observe operation of
&ach exterior light
while you activate the controls: The operation of
instrument panel warning lights is covered in the
“Starting and Operating“ section of your
Own&%
Manual.K. Transmission Shift Indicator
‘- Check to be sure
automatic transmission shift
indiCator accurately i”-
dicates the shift position selected.
I
CAUTION: Before making thk check below,I
be sure to have a clear dist&e ahead and:
behind the car, set the parking brake and
firmly apply the foot brake.
Do not depress
accelerator pedal. Be prepared to
turn off ’
ignition switch
immediat+y if engine
should start.L. Starter Safety Switch (Automatic Transmissibn
Cars)
- Check starter safety switch by placing the
transmission in each of the driving gears while
at-tempting to start the engine. The starter should oper-ate only in the Park (“P”) or Neutral (“N”)
positions.
M. Horn
- Blow the horn occasionally to be sure thatit works. (Ignition switch must be in the “ON” posi-
tion.)
N. Seat Back Latches
- Check to see that seat back
latches are holding by pulling forward on the top of
each folding seat back.
0. Rearview Mirrors and Sun Visors
- Check that
friction joints are properly adjusted so mirrors and
sun visors stay in the selected position.
P. Door Latches
- Check for positive closing, latch-
ing and locking.
Q. Hood Latches - Check to make sure hood closesfirmly by pressing on the hood at the latching point
after each closing. Check also for broken, damaged
or missing parts which might prevent secure latch-
ing.R. Fluid Leaks
- Check for fuel, water, oil or other
fluid leaks by observing the ground beneath the vehi-cle after it has been parked for a while. If gasoline
fumes or fluid are noticed at any time, the cause
should be determined and corrected without delay
because of the possibility of fire.
S. Exhaust System
- Be alert to any change in the
sound of the exhaust system or a smell of fumes
which may indicate a leak.
Head Restraints
- Check that no head restraint
components are missing, damaged or loose. (Does
not apply to GT Models).
Disc BrakesCheck brake pads and condition of rotors while
wheels are removed during tire rotation. (Note belowregarding more frequent checks also applies to disc
brakes.)
Parking and Drum BrakesCheck drum
brake linings and other internal brake
components at each wheel (drums, wheel cylinders,
etc.). Parking brake adjustment also should be
checked whenever drum brake linings are checked.
NOTE: More frequent checks should be
made if driving conditions a.nd habits result
in frequent brake application. When brakes
require relining, it is recommended thatyou use those genuine General Motors
parts specified for your car,and Delco fluid
as required.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7C- 95
12. Place suitable jack under transmission and
remove transmission support bolts.
13. Lower transmission enough to remove detent
cable and modulator vacuum line.
14. Remove speedometer cable.
15. Remove selector lever.
16. Mark flywheel and converter for reassembly in
same position, and remove converter to flywheel
bolts. See Figure 7C-106.17. Remove converter housing to engine bolts and
tiller tube.
18. Pry transmission loose from engine.
19. Keep rear of transmission lower than front to
prevent converter from falling and install converter
holding fixture J-21366. Lower transmission and
move to bench.
Installation. Opel 1900 and Manta1. Assemble transmission to suitable jack and raise
transmission into position. Rotate converter to per-
mit coupling of fly wheel and converter with original
relationship. Remove J-21366.
2. Install tiller tube and converter housing to engine
block bolts. Torque to 35 lb. ft. DO NOT over
torque.
3. Install flywheel to converter bolts. Torque to 30 lb.
ft.4. Install detent cable to transmission.
5. Connect oil cooler lines.
6. Install lower bolt on starter. Torque to 40 lb. ft.
7. Connect shift linkage to transmission.
8. Connect modulator line.
9. Connect speedometer cable.
10. Install transmission support.
11. Install drive shaft. Torque U-Bolts to 18 lb. ft.
12. Install flywheel cover pan. Torque to 15 lb. ft.
13. Install engine support brackets.
14. Reconnect exhaust system.15. Attach stabilizer supports and tighten stabilizer
bolts in lower control arms.
16. Lower car.
17. Install starter bolts. Torque to 40 lb. ft.
18. Reconnect battery.
19. Fill transmission with fluid as described in
Specifications. Check selector lever and detent cable
adjustment.
Removal GT1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove dipstick.
3. Pull throttle control rod off ball pin.
4. Remove screws from fan shroud.
5. Raise car and provide support for front and rear.
6. Remove heat protection shield from right side to
make room for exhaust pipe removal.
Figure 7C-957. Detach exhaust pipe from manifold flange.
8. Unhook damper rings on front muffler and tail
pipe from brackets on body floor panel. Place ex-
haust pipe assembly onto rear axle. See Figure 7C-
96.9. Remove propeller shaft. Make sure that spring in
front universal joint does not get lost.

7C- 981973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
Figure 7C-105Figure
7C-106Installation GT
1. Assemble transmission to suitable jack and raise
into position. Rotate converter to permit coupling
with flywheel in original relationship. Remove hold-
ing fixture.
2. Install tiller tube and converter housing to engine
bolts. Torque to 35
lb.ft.3. Install flywheel to converter bolts. Torque to 30
lb.ft.4. Install detent cable.
5. Connect oil cooler lines.6. Install lower bolt on starter. Torque to 40 lb.ft.
7. Connect modulator line.
8. Connect speedometer cable.
9. Connect shift linkage.
10. Install transmission support.
11. Install drive shaft. Torque U-bolts to 18 lb.ft.
12. Install flywheel cover pan.
13. Reconnect exhaust system and heat shield.
14. Install engine support brackets.
15. Lower car,
16. Install starter bolts, Torque to 40
lb.ft.17.
C:onnect battery.
18. Fill transmission with fluid, as described in
Specifications. Check selector lever and detent cable
adjustment.
DISASSEMBLY, INSPECTION AND REASSEMBLY
Transmission Installation Into Holding FixtureI. Remove transmission tiller tube.
2. With transmission on cradle of portable jack,
remove converter assembly by pulling straight out.
Converter contains a large amount of oil.
3. Install holding fixture, J-8763-01, on transmission.
4. Install holding fixture and transmission into hold-
ing base tool J-3289-20 with bottom pan up. See
Figure
7C-107. Do not overtighten.
Figure
7C-107

7C-1101973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALHSEAL
REVERSE CLUTCH
Figure
7C-151Figure 7C-153Figure
7C-15230. Install new oil seals on reverse clutch piston. See
Figure
7C-153.31. Install reverse clutch piston onto rear face of oil
pump using liberal amount of transmission fluid. See
Figure
7C-154.32. Inspect reverse clutch piston springs. Evidence of
extreme heat or burning in the area of the clutch may
have caused the springs to take a heat set and would
justify replacement of the springs.
33. Install the twenty-four reverse clutch piston re-
turn springs.Figure
7C-15434. Install retaining seat.
35. Compress return springs using second and re-
verse clutch piston spring compressor tool J-2590-12
with adapter J-21420-1. Care should be taken not to
damage retainer should retainer catch in snap ring
groove. See Figure 7C-155.
36. Install snap ring using snap ring pliers such as
J-8059. See Figure 7C-155. Do not air check reverse
clutch as the clutch is not complete and damage to
the return spring retaining seat may occur.

7C-1141973 OPEL SERVICE MANUAL
4. Cracking
5. Charring
6. Chips or metal particles imbedded in lining
If a composition drive plates exhibits any of the
above conditions, replacement is required.
B. Wipe steel plates dry and check for heat discolora-
tion. If the surface is smooth and an even color smear
is indicated, the plates should be reused. If severe
heat spot discoloration or surface scufftng is in-
dicated, the plates must be replaced.
23. Install second clutch plates into second clutch
drum with cushion plate (wave washer) first, then
steel plate, composition plate, steel plate, etc. Use
liberal amount of transmission fluid. See Figure 7C-
166.
-I
DRUM
7c-167Figure 7C-167
Disassembly, Inspection and Reassembly of Third
Clutch1. Compress third clutch sprag race and retainer
assembly retaining ring, and remove assembly from
third clutch drum. See Figure
7C-168. Third clutch
hub and input sun gear assembly will be removed at
the same time.
Figure 7C-16624. Install second clutch spacer plate into second
clutch drum. If necessary, expand spacer plate with
screw driver until ends of spacer are evenly butted
together seating tightly into drum. See Figure 7C-
159.
25. Install second clutch spacer retaining ring
26. Install ring gear into second clutch drum.
Figure 7C-168
27. Install ring gear retaining ring.
28. Air check second clutch assembly. See Figure7C- 167.2. Remove input sprag race and retainer assembly
from third clutch hub and input sun gear assembly.
See Figure
7C-169.

7C.1161973 OPEL SERVICE MANUALDRUM
THIRD CLUTCH
PISTON
70174Figure 7C-174
damaged, replace piston. Install new lip seal on pis-
ton. See Figure
7C-175.
CHECKTHI
Figure 7C-175
12. Install new oil lip seal on input shaft inside of
third clutch drum. See Figure
7C-176.13. Inspect steel thrust washer on front face of third
clutch drum. Replace if scored or damaged. See Fig-
ure 7c-177.
14. Install third clutch piston into third clutch drum
using a
.020 music wire crimped into a piece of cop-
per tubing and a liberal amount of transmission fluidFigure 7C-176
Figure 7C-177
so that lip seal is not damaged upon installation. See
Figure
7C-178.15. Install the 12 third clutch piston return springs
onto piston.
16. Install retaining seat.
17. Using compressor tool J-23075 on retaining seat,
compress piston return springs. Care must be taken
so that retaining seat does not catch in snap ring
groove and damage retainer.
18. Install snap ring using snap ring pliers such as J-
8059.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7C-117WIRE CRIMPED
INTO COPPERTUBING
Figure 7C-178
19. Inspect condition of the third clutch composition
and steel plates. Do not diagnose a composition
drive plate by color,A. Dry composition plates with compressed air and
inspect the composition surface for:
1. Pitting and flaking
2. Wear
3. Glazing
4. Cracking
5. Charring
6. Chips or metal particles imbedded in lining
If a composition drive plate exhibits any of the above
conditions, replacement is required.
B. Wipe steel plates dry and check for heat discolora-
tion. If the surface is smooth and an even color smear
is indicated, the plates should be reused. If severe
heat spot discoloration or surface
scutXng is in-
dicated, the plates must be replaced.
20. Install third clutch plates into third clutch drum
beginning with a steel plate, composition plate, steel
plate, composition plate, etc. Use a liberal amount of
transmission fluid.
21. Inspect thrust washer and needle thrust bearing
for damage. Replace if necessary.
22. Install thrust washer and bearing onto input
shaft. Secure with petroleum jelly (unmedicated).23. Inspect sprag assembly for wear, damage orsprags that freely fall out of cage. Inspect input sun
gear for chipped or nicked teeth or abnormal wear.
Replace part if necessary.
24. Install sprag onto third clutch hub with groove
on sprag cage outer diameter toward input sun gear.
See Figure
7C-179.Figure 7C-179
25. Install sprag race and retainer assembly over
sprag assembly. Holding input sun gear with left
hand, sprag race and retainer assembly should “lock
up” when turned with right hand in a clockwise
direction and should rotate freely when turned coun-
terclockwise. See Figure
7C-180.Figure 7C-180