G EN ER A L IN F O R M A T IO N A N D LU B R IC A TIO N 0-8
Evaporation Emission Control (E.E.C.) This system is designed to reduce fuel vapor em ission th at norm ally vents to the atm osphere from the gasoline tan k and carburetor fuel bow l. Every 12 m onths or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first, (m ore o ften under dusty conditions), the filter in the base o f the canister m ust be replaced and the canister inspected. All o th e r parts are serviced as a com plete replacem ent as outlined in Section 8.
ENGINE TUNE-UP, EMISSION CONTROL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CHECKS Fuel and electrical system s are subject to wear and co n tam in ation and require periodic cleaning and adjustm ents to m aintain m axim um econom y and perform ance. Proper adjust m ent o f engine idle speed, idle fuel m ixture, ignition timing and operation o f the Positive Crankcase V entilation Valve (PCV) are im p o rtan t to con tro l hydro-carbon and CO emis sions w ithin governm ent legislated levels. These adjustm ents and an operational check o f the PCV Valve should be m ade at th e first oil change (4 m onths or 6 ,000 miles, whichever occurs first). The above fuel and electrical system checks also are included in engine tune-ups w hich are recom m ended at one year or 12,000-m ile intervals.
Manifold Heat Control Valve Check m anifold heat control valve for freedom o f o per ation. If shaft is sticking, free it up w ith GM M anifold Heat C ontrol Solvent or its equivalent.
Drive Belts Every 6000 m iles-In sp ec t drive belts for wear, fraying, cracking, and tension (See “ Engine Tune-Up C hart” in Specifi cations section). Belts w hich are in poor condition should be replaced im m ediately.
Electrical system C A U T IO N : Headlamp aim should also be checked periodically. I t is im portant th at any malfunctions be corrected prom ptly fo r safety.
Distributor C orrect distributor point gap is very im portant. The d istrib u to r points are cleaned and adjusted as part o f a good engine tune-up. If their condition is questioned, release the distrib u to r cap clam ps, remove cap and lift o ff ro to r. Separate the points and inspect them for being badly burned. Clean the points w ith a breaker point file. If the points do n o t clean up w ith a few strokes o f the file they should be replaced. A djust ignition tim ing after points have been replaced. R o tate the cam lubricator Vi tu rn on 6 cylinder m odels or tu rn lubricator end fo r end on 8 cylinder models. Replace the lubricator a t 24,000 mile intervals.
Battery (Energizer) C A U T IO N :
Disconnect battery ground strap when
charging battery to prevent accidentally reverse polarizing the charging system and causing damage to the system.
The liquid level in th e b attery should be checked periodi cally b y inspecting the second b attery cap from the positive term inal. If the “ ey e” has a dark appearance, the liquid is at a proper level. The “eye” will glow if th e liquid level is low. N orm ally, w hen the “ ey e” indicates a low liquid level con dition, the oth er five cells should be checked. If the liquid level is fo u n d to be low , w ater should be added to each cell until th e liquid level rises to th e b o tto m o f the split ring. DO NOT O V ER FIL L . If the b attery is continually low , have generator regulator checked. D istilled w ater should be used in order to elim inate the possibility o f harm ful im purities being added to the electrolyte. DO NOT ADD ANY SUBSTANCE TO THE ELECTRO LY TE EXCEPT WATER. In freezing w eather th e vehicle m ust be driven after adding w ater to properly m ix it w ith the electrolyte and prevent freezing. B attery—Gas Warning
Since norm al b attery or Energizer chemical reaction gener ates hydrogen gas w hich is explosive w hen m ixed w ith air, never expose the b attery to an open flame or electric spark. Also, avoid getting b attery fluid, which is a sulfuric acid solution, on skin, on clothing or other fabrics, or on painted surfaces. Eye p ro tectio n should be w orn while w orking on the battery for any reason. Battery Terminals
The bolt-on b attery cable term inals m ust be clean and tight. When corrosion appears on the term inals th ey should be cleaned in a solution o f baking soda and w ater or am m onia and w ater. A fter cleaning, the to p o f th e b attery should be flushed o ff w ith clean w ater. S aturate term inal washer w ith engine oil every 6 0 0 0 miles.
Generator The connections in the entire charging system m ust be k ep t tight and free from corrosion or anything th a t will cause high resistance in the circuit. NOTE: Never remove Delcotron " b a t" lead w ith out first disconnecting battery ground cable. C A U T IO N : D o not short across or attem pt to polarize system.
Spark Plugs Clean the spark plugs thoroughly, using an abrasive type cleaner. I f the porcelain is badly glazed or blistered, the spark plugs should be replaced. All spark plugs m ust be o f the same m ake and heat range.
Starting Motor Check the solenoid m ounting an d starting m o to r m ounting attaching bolts periodically.
Headlight Aiming Proper aiming o f the headlights is m ost im p o rtan t to assure sufficient illum ination o f the highway w ith o u t blinding other m otorists.
C H E V Y V A N SHOP M A N U A L
