CONTENTS OF THIS SECTION
Figure Index
Unit Serial Number Locations
General Lubrication
Engine Crankcase Oil
Oil Filter V-8 Engine
Engine Fuel
Generator
Starter Motor
Battery Terminal Washers
Distributor
Electrical accessory lubrication
Rear Axle, Conventional Transmission and Overdrive
Gearshift Idler Lever Bushing
Powerglide Transmission
Turboglide Transmission
Universal Joints
Front Wheel Bearings
Rear Wheel Bearings
Steering Gear
Chassis Lubrication
Body Lubrication
Assembly Manual
Figure Index
Fig. 1 - Lubrication Diagram
Fig. A - Vehicle Serial Number
Fig. B - Six Cylinder Engine Unit Number
Fig. C - Eight Cylinder Unit Number
Fig. D - Body Style, Body Number
Fig. E - Rear Axle Serial Number
Fig. F - Conventional Transmission Unit Number
Fig. G - Turboglide Transmission Unit Number
Fig. H - Powerglide Transmission Unit Number
Fig. I - Battery Code Number
Unit and Serial Number Locations
For the convenience of servicemen when writing up certain business papers such as L.&M.R.'s, D.B.M.R.'s, Product Information Reports, or reporting product failures in any way, we are showing below the location of the various unit numbers. These unit numbers and their prefixes are necessary on these papers for various reasons-such as accounting, follow-up on production, etc.
The prefixes on certain units identify the plant in which the unit was manufactured, and thereby permits proper follow-up of the plant involved to get corrections made when necessary.
Always include the prefix in the serial number.
Vehicle serial number located on left front body hinge pillar. Fig. A
Six cylinder engine unit number located on pad on right hand side of cylinder block at rear of distributor. Fig. B
Eight cylinder engine unit number located on pad at front, right hand side of cylinder block. Fig. C
Body style, body number, trim type and paint combination located on the dash panel directly beneath the windshield wiper motor. Fig. D
Rear axle serial number located on front, right side of differential carrier. Fig. E
Conventional transmission unit number located on rear face of case in the upper right corner. O.D. unit, same identification. Fig. F
Turboglide transmission unit number located on the back of the right rear motor mount boss. Fig. G
Powerglide transmission unit number located on rear face of case in the lower right corner. Fig. H
Battery code number located on cell cover, top of battery. Fig. I
The selection of the proper lubricant and its correct application at regular intervals does much to increase the life and operation of all moving parts of the vehicle. Consequently, it is important that the correct grade of oil or grease, as noted in the following pages, be used.
Engine Crankcase Oil
First 1000 Miles
After 1000 Miles
Types of Oils
SAE Viscosity Oils
Maintaining Oil Level
When to Change Crankcase Oil
First 1000 Miles
The engine crankcase of all new vehicles is filled with a light body, heavy duty oil. This oil will assure the proper "mating-in" of the engine components. Use this oil only during the first 1000 miles. Check frequently and maintain the proper level. If it is necessary to add oil, use one of the light body oils described under "SAE Viscosity Oils." At the end of the first 1000 miles, drain the original oil when hot and refill with an oil of the Viscosity Number and Type indicated below.
After the first 1000 miles the crankcase oil should be selected to give the best performance under the climatic and driving conditions in the territory in which the vehicle is driven.
During warm or hot weather, an oil which will provide adequate lubrication under high operating temperatures is required. During the colder months of the year, an oil which will permit easy starting at the lowest atmospheric temperature likely to be encountered, should be used.
When the crankcase is drained and refilled, the crankcase oil should be selected, not on the basis of the existing temperature at the time of the change, but on the lowest temperature anticipated for the period during which the oil is to be used.
Unless the crankcase oil is selected on the basis of viscosity or fluidity at the anticipated temperature, difficulty in starting will be experienced a each sudden drop in temperature.
SAE Viscosity Numbers indicate only the viscosity or body of the oil, that is, whether an oil is a light or a heavy body oil, and do not consider or include other properties or quality factors.
The lower SAE Viscosity Numbers, such as SAE 5W and SAE 10W which represent the light body oils, are recommended for use during cold weather to provide easy starting and instant lubrication. The higher SAE viscosity Numbers such as SAE 20 and SAE 20W, which represents heavier body oils, are recommended for use during warm or hot weather to provide improved oil economy and adequate lubrication under high operating temperatures.
Oils are available which are designed to combine the easy starting characteristics of the lower SAE Viscosity Number with the warm weather operating characteristics of the higher SAE Viscosity Number. These are termed "multi-viscosity oils;" SAE 5W-10W, SAE 5W-20, SAE 10W-20W, and SAE 10W-30.
The following chart will serve as a guide for the selection of the correct SAE Viscosity Number for use under different atmospheric temperature ranges, and suggests the appropriate SAE Viscosity Numbers when multi-viscosity oils are used.
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Viscosity Oils
If the lowest anticipated The following SAE
temperature, during the Viscosity Oils
interval in which the are
oil will remain in the RECOMMENDED:
crankcase, is:
32°F SAE 20W or
SAE 20
0°F SAE 10W
Below 0°F SAE 5W
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Multi - Viscosity Oils
If the lowest anticipated Multi-Viscosity
temperature, during the Viscosity Oils
interval in which the are
oil will remain in the RECOMMENDED:
crankcase, is:
32°F SAE 10W-30 or
SAE 10W-20
0°F SAE 10W-20 or
SAE 10W-30
Below 0°F SAE 5W-10 or
SAE 5W-20
NOTE: For sustained high speed driving, when the prevailing daylight temperature is above 90F., S.A.E. 30 may be used.
In service, crankcase oils may form sludge and varnish and under some conditions, corrosive acids unless protected against oxidation. To minimize the formation of these harmful products and to supply the type of oil best suited for various operating conditions, the oil industry markets several types of crankcase oils. These types have been defined by the American Petroleum Institute as follows:
"Service ML" (Comparable to former Regular Type) -Generally suitable for use in internal combustion engines operating under light and favorable service conditions.
"Service MM" (Comparable to former Premium Type) -Oil having the characteristics necessary to make it generally suitable for use in internal combustion engines operating under moderate to severe service conditions which present problems of sludge, varnish or bearing corrosion control when crankcase oil temperatures are high.
"Service MS" and "Service DG" (Comparable to former Heavy-Duty Types)-Oils having the characteristics to make them generally suitable for use in internal combustion engines operating under unfavorable or severe types of service conditions.
For maximum engine protection under all driving conditions, oils designated "For Service MS" or "For Service DG" are recommended.
The oil gauge rod is marked "Full" and "Add Oil." These notations have broad arrows pointing to the level lines. The oil level should be maintained between the two lines, neither going above the "Full" line nor under the "Add Oil" line.
Check the oil level frequently and add oil when necessary.
NOTE: It is advisable, when taking a long trip, to recheck the oil level after the first 100 miles of the trip. This is a precautionary measure, due to the possibility of crankcase dilution which would give a false oil level reading. The diluents which are usually the result of incomplete engine warm-up (traveling short distances) are driven out of the crankcase with high speed driving or sustained normal engine operating temperatures.
When to Change Crankcase Oil Specified Conditions
Crankcase Dilution
Automatic Control Devices to Minimize Crankcase Dilution
When to Change Crankcase Oil Specified Conditions
Oils have been greatly improved, driving conditions have changed and improvements in engines, such as the crankcase ventilating system, have greatly lengthened the life of good lubricating oils. However, to insure continuation of best performance, low maintenance cost and long engine life, it is necessary to change the crankcase oil whenever it becomes contaminated with harmful foreign materials. Under normal driving conditions draining the crankcase and refilling with fresh oil every 2000 miles is recommended.
It is always advisable to drain the crankcase only after the engine has become thoroughly warmed up or reached normal operating temperature. The benefit of draining is, to a large extent, lost if the crankcase is drained when the engine is cold, as some of the suspended foreign material will cling to the sides of the oil pan and will not drain out readily, with the cold, slower moving oil.
Under the driving conditions described in the following paragraphs, it may become necessary to drain the crankcase oil more frequently.
High Temperature Operation
Frequent long runs at high speed, or continuous driving with heavy load, with the resultant high engine operating temperatures, may oxidize the oil and may result in the formation of sludge and varnish. While no definite drain periods can be recommended under these conditions, they should be more frequent than under normal driving conditions.
Dust Area Operation
Driving over dusty roads or through dust storms introduces abrasive material into the engine. Carburetor air cleaners decrease the amount of dust that may enter the crankcase. The frequency of draining depends on severity of dust conditions and no definite draining periods can be recommended, but should be more frequent than under normal driving conditions. The use of an oil-bath type air cleaner is recommended for use under dusty driving conditions.
Low Temperature Operation
Short runs in cold weather, such as city driving and excessive
idling, do not permit thorough warming up of the engine and water, fuel
and acid may accumulate in the crankcase. Water in the crankcase may
freeze and interfere with proper oil circulation. These factors also
promote corrosion and sludge formation and may cause clogging of oil
screens and passages. Under normal driving conditions this water is
removed in the form of vapor by the crankcase ventilator. However, if
crankcase diluents accumulate, they should be removed by draining the
crankcase as frequently as may be required.
Crankcase Dilution
Probably the most serious phase of engine oil deterioration is that of crankcase dilution which is the thinning of the oil by fuel vapor leaking by pistons and rings and mixing with the oil and by condensation of water on the cylinder walls and crankcase.
Leakage of fuel, or fuel vapors, into the oil pan occurs mostly during the "warming up" period when the fuel is not thoroughly vaporized and burned. Water vapor enters the crankcase through normal engine ventilation and through exhaust gas blow-by. When the engine is not completely warmed up, these vapors condense, combine with the condensed fuel and exhaust gases and form acid compounds in the crankcase.
As long as the gases and internal walls of the crankcase are hot enough to keep water vapor from condensing, no harm will result. However, when the engine is run in low temperatures moisture will collect and unite with the gases formed by combustion resulting in an acid formation. The acid thus formed is likely to cause serious etch or pitting which will manifest itself in excessively rapid wear on piston pins, camshaft bearings and other moving parts of the engine, oftentimes causing the owner to, blame the car manufacturer or the lubricating oil when in reality the trouble may be traced back to the character of fuel used, or a condition of the engine such as excessive blowby or improper carburetor adjustment.
Automatic Control Devices to Minimize Crankcase Dilution
The Chevrolet engine is equipped with automatic devices which aid greatly in minimizing the danger of crankcase dilution.
The thermostat, mounted in the cylinder head water outlet, restricts the flow of water to the radiator until a predetermined temperature is reached, thus minimizing the length of time required to reach efficient operating temperature, reducing the time that engine temperatures are conducive to vapor condensation.
A water by-pass is included in the cooling system, utilizing a hole in the front of the cylinder block. This allows a limited circulation of coolant, by-passing the thermostat until thermostat opening temperatures are reached. This system provides a uniform coolant temperature throughout the engine, eliminating localized hot-spots, improving exhaust valve life, provides fast warm-up of lubricating oil and fast temperature rise in the coolant which provides fast heater operation in cold weather.
A thermostatic heat control on the exhaust manifold during the warming up period, automatically directs the hot exhaust gases against the center of the intake manifold, greatly aids in proper vaporization of the fuel.
An automatic choke reduces the danger of raw or unvaporized fuel entering the combustion chamber and leaking into the oil reservoir.
An efficient crankcase ventilating system drives off fuel vapors and aids in the evaporation of the raw fuel and water which may find its way into the oil pan.
A full flow oil filter, provided as optional equipment, filters all of the oil delivered by the oil pump; for this reason the interval of cartridge change is very important. The oil filter cartridge should be replaced every 6000 miles.
NOTE: The oil filter cartridge should be replaced at the time of the initial oil change.
Changing of Oil Filter Cartridge (V-8 Engine)
Unscrew cartridge container center bolt to remove filter cartridge.
Before installing new cartridge clean out cartridge container and place new seal in position in oil filter body casting.
NOTE: Oil filter center bolt should be tightened 20-25 ft. lbs. of torque.
Consider the refinery or marketer in choosing the gasoline for
Chevrolet engines. Most gasoline will provide satisfactory performance,
but under some conditions such as high temperatures or carbon
accumulation, use of a premium gasoline will result in less detonation
or "spark rap." Normal detonation or "spark rap" is
not harmful. With Chevrolet six cylinder engines, regular fuel must be
used. while the compression ratio of the Chevrolet V-8 engine is
sufficiently high to fully utilize premium fuel.
Electrical Accessory Lubrication
Every 1000 miles the oiler on each end of the generator should be filled to the top of the cap with a light engine oil.
NOTE: Over oiling at the front oiler may result in damage to the generator.
Starting motor end frames are equipped with oil-less bearings which do not require lubricant.
Battery terminals have felt washers between top of case and cable connections to minimize corrosive action of battery acid. These felt washers should be saturated with engine oil every 1000 miles.
6-Cylinder Models
Lubricant cup located on side of housing is filled with chassis lubricant. Turn cup down one turn every 1,000 miles.
Distributor cap should be removed every 5,000 miles. Apply a small amount of Delco-Remy cam and ball bearing lubricant or other suitable high melting point non-bleeding grease on distributor cam surface. Add a few drops of light engine oil to the breaker lever pivot.
8-Cylinder Models
An oil cup on the side of the distributor housing should be filled with light engine oil every 1,000 miles.
Apply 1/2 drop of light engine oil on the breaker lever pivot.
NOTE: Do not use any lubricant on the cam lubricator wick. Replace wick whenever contact points are replaced or at 25,000 miles.
The passenger car operates under the most severe lubrication conditions at high speed and requires a hypoid lubricant which will meet this condition.
Recommended Lubricants
Rear Axles- S.A.E. 90 "Multi-Purpose" gear lubricant.
Transmissions- S.A.E. 90 Straight Mineral Oil gear lubricant.
S.A.E. 90 "Multi-Purpose" gear lubricant.
CAUTION: Straight Mineral Oil gear lubricants must not be used in hypoid rear axles.
The S.A.E. 90 viscosity grade is recommended for year round use. However, when extremely low temperatures are encountered for protracted periods during the winter months, the S.A.E. 80 viscosity grade may be used.
Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricants
Gear lubricants that will satisfactorily lubricate hypoid rear axles have been developed and are commonly referred to as "Multi-Purpose" gear lubricants.
These lubricants can also be satisfactorily used in transmissions and steering gears requiring a fluid lubricant.
Multi-Purpose gear lubricants must be manufactured under carefully controlled conditions and the lubricant manufacturer must be responsible for the satisfactory performance of his product. His reputation is the best indication of quality.
Lubricant Additions
The lubricant level in the axle and transmission housings should be checked periodically. (Every 1,000 miles.)
It is recommended that any additions required to bring up the lubricant level be made using the same type lubricant already in the housing.
When checking lubricant level in transmission or rear axle the unit being checked should be at operating temperature. With unit at operating temperature the lubricant should be level with bottom of the filler plug hole. If the lubricant level is checked with the unit cold the lubricant level should be 1/2 inch below the filler plug hole.
Lubricant Changes
The rear axle assembly should be drained and refilled every 10,000 miles or seasonally. When refilling is necessary, refill with lubricants recommended above.
NOTE: The rear axle, when received from the factory, is filled with a special lubricant which should be drained at the end of 1000 miles.
A few drops of light engine oil should be used on the gearshift idler lever bushing every 1000 miles. Lubrication of this point will facilitate
shifting of second and high gear.
Check oil level every 1,000 miles, with engine idling, parking brake set, transmission warm and control lever in Neutral (N) position. Add only Automatic Transmission Fluid Type "A," bearing an AQ-ATF number when level reaches "add 1 qt." mark on oil level rod. Do not allow dirt to enter filler tube.
Drain and refill the Powerglide transmission every 25,000 miles. Before draining, warm transmission up to operating temperature. Complete draining is accomplished as follows:
Check transmission oil level every 1,000 miles, with transmission warm, transmission selector in Neutral and engine idling. Remove gauge rod located under right side of the hood, wipe dry with a clean cloth, then reinstall to full depth. Remove rod and note oil level.
If oil level is below the "FULL" mark on the gauge rod, add enough oil to raise the fluid level to the "FULL" mark. Use only "Automatic Transmission Fluid Type "A" bearing an AQATF number embossed in the lid of the can. DO NOT OVERFILL.
Drain and refill the Turboglide transmission every 25,000 miles. Before draining, warm up transmission to operating temperature. Complete procedure as follows:
The universal joints are lubricated and sealed at the factory. It is recommended that they be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated every 25,000 miles with a high-melting point, wheel bearing type lubricant.
It is necessary to remove the wheel and hub assembly to lubricate the bearings. The bearing assemblies should be cleaned before repacking with lubricant. Do not pack the hub between the inner and outer bearing assemblies or the hub caps, as this excessive lubrication results in the lubricant working out into the brake drums and linings.
Front wheels of all passenger car models are equipped with ball bearings and should be packed with a high melting point front wheel bearing lubricant.
The proper adjustment of front wheel bearings is one of the important service operations that has a definite bearing on safety. A car with improperly adjusted front wheel bearings lacks steering stability, has a tendency to wander or shimmy and may have increased tire wear. The adjustment of these bearings is very critical. The procedure is covered in Section 3 of this manual under Front Wheel Bearings-Adjust.
No special attention or lubrication is required. These bearings are lubricated by the lubricant in the rear axle assembly.
The steering gear is filled at the factory with a special all-season gear lubricant. Seasonal change of this lubricant is unnecessary and the housing should not be drained. Whenever required, additions should be made using a lubricant which, at low temperatures, is fluid and will not "channel" or cause "hard steering" and which will provide satisfactory lubrication under extreme summer conditions. Steering gear lubricants are marketed by many oil companies and either a winter grade chassis lubricant or a special steering gear lubricant is satisfactory to use.
The pipe plug is installed in its particular location in the steering gear housing to prevent overlubrication, generally occasioned by the use of a pressure gun. Over lubrication of this unit might result in forcing lubricant up the steering gear tube to the horn button and steering wheel.
On models equipped with power steering gear, check fluid in pump reservoir. Add Automatic Transmission Fluid "Type A" bearing an AQATF number to bring level to full mark on dipstick.
For chassis lubrication, consult the lubrication chart. It shows the points to be lubricated and how often the lubricant should be applied.
The term "chassis lubricant" as used in this manual, describes a semi-fluid lubricant designed for application by commercial pressure gun equipment. It is composed of mineral oil (300 to 500 seconds Saybolt Universal viscosity at 100°F) combined with approximately 8% soap, or soaps which are insoluble in water.
Many of the annoying squeaks and noises that occur in closed bodies are due to neglecting a very important maintenance service which all bodies should receive regularly.
The movable mechanical parts of the body are lubricated at the factory for easy operation and to eliminate squeaks caused by frictional contact. This lubrication should be maintained and replenished at periodic intervals.
Most body lubrication points do not carry heavy loads like the chassis, and for this reason many of the points do not require as heavy nor as frequent lubrication as the chassis points.
For body lubrication, a specific kind of lubricant, the one best suited for individual points, should be used. Knowing what to use and where to use it, together with a little care and cleanliness, will bring many returns in the satisfaction and pleasure of driving a car properly serviced.
The following parts should be lubricated twice a year.
Application Lubricant
Instrument Compartment Door Hinge-Dripless
Front Door Hold Open Clips-Lubriplate or Equivalent
Door Jamb Light Switch-Lubriplate or Equivalent
Door Lock Bolt Housing-Stick Type Lubricant
Door Lock Striker Teeth-Stick Type Lubricant
Rear Door Hinge and Hold Open - Lubriplate
Deck Lid Hinge and Torque Rod Ends-Lubriplate or its Equivalent
Deck Lid Lock Bolt-Lubriplate or its Equivalent
Gas Filler Door Hinge-Dripless Oil
Folding Top Linkage Bearing Points-No. 10 Engine Oil
Side Roof Rail Mechanical Sealing Strip Gasket-Silicone Emulsion
Weather Strips-Rubber Lubricant
Parts to be lubricated when access to parts can be obtained.
Windshield Wiper Motor and Transmission Spools-Lubriplate
Door Lock Parts-Lubriplate
Window Regulator Rack and Cam Channels-Lubriplate
Seat Adjusters and Seat Track-Lubriplate
Wipe off all lubrication points before applying new lubricant. Remove all excess lubricant to prevent staining of trim parts where necessary.
Excessive lubrication of body parts usually causes more complaints than lack of lubrication. If a soft, dark grease is applied to a door lock bolt or a dovetail wedgeplate on the exposed face of the door, a slight brush across this soft grease may ruin a gown and spoil the entire evening for the owner and others. Too much lubrication applied to exposed parts serves no good purpose.
It is not only a waste of material but is a contribution to serious complaints.
Lubricate only where squeaks develop, or where conditions indicate that the addition of lubricant is desirable for easier operation of individual units or points.