Need a road map for an engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Need a road map for an engine
Hope a lot of you guys made into my neck of the woods for Carlisle weekend. Great cars, bad weather.
I have tackled some of my own interior work in the year I've had my car but am now looking to do some of my own maintenance on the engine.
I am man enough to admit I know almost nothing about engines, but I'm going to get dirty. I was going to start with an oil change and checking fluids. If I can do it on my mower, I should be able to handle a car (maybe).
So some ideas/advice/and questions for a true engine newbie:
1. What is recommended oil for the job?
2. I was going to get a set of ramps to do the work. Anything else needed to get her off the ground?
3. I assume (always dangerous) I can take the air filter into the local autozone, etc. and ask "do you have one of these?"
4. Anything else I should change, check, top off?
I'm going to do some reading in owners manual and books I have but you guys are always a wealth of good info. Let me know of any other tips and of course, wish me luck as I will likely need it.
Thanks in advance and don't bash me too bad (well okay go ahead).
I have tackled some of my own interior work in the year I've had my car but am now looking to do some of my own maintenance on the engine.
I am man enough to admit I know almost nothing about engines, but I'm going to get dirty. I was going to start with an oil change and checking fluids. If I can do it on my mower, I should be able to handle a car (maybe).
So some ideas/advice/and questions for a true engine newbie:
1. What is recommended oil for the job?
2. I was going to get a set of ramps to do the work. Anything else needed to get her off the ground?
3. I assume (always dangerous) I can take the air filter into the local autozone, etc. and ask "do you have one of these?"
4. Anything else I should change, check, top off?
I'm going to do some reading in owners manual and books I have but you guys are always a wealth of good info. Let me know of any other tips and of course, wish me luck as I will likely need it.
Thanks in advance and don't bash me too bad (well okay go ahead).
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Rick,
You can CERTAINLY do your own oil change, lubrication and filters. Having ramps will make it lot easier.
I'd start by buying the GM 69 CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL which begins with oil and lube information, tune-up information and then lots of other information you'll find interesting as you become more familiar with your car.
Many of the venders sell it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
You can CERTAINLY do your own oil change, lubrication and filters. Having ramps will make it lot easier.
I'd start by buying the GM 69 CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL which begins with oil and lube information, tune-up information and then lots of other information you'll find interesting as you become more familiar with your car.
Many of the venders sell it.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Be aware that the Corvette has a long low overhang in front. Some ramps are not long enough to drive the car up on without adding some length to the approach of the ramps.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Thanks Alan,
I actually have a Chilton 63-82 repair manual that I am trying to learn with. In addition to that I'm looking for additional advice, tricks, info that may help me avoid trouble. Most of all I don't want to make a major mistake.
Rick
I actually have a Chilton 63-82 repair manual that I am trying to learn with. In addition to that I'm looking for additional advice, tricks, info that may help me avoid trouble. Most of all I don't want to make a major mistake.
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Chilton's manual is OK...but you need the Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual and the Assembly Instruction Manual (A.I.M.) for you year if you are going to do any real work on your car. But, we can only advise you of the best direction to go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,647
Likes: 1
From: East Aurora N.Y.
St. Jude Donor '10
Doing an oil change is cake on a C3......You will need an oil filter removal tool, 5 quarts of oil , a pan to drain the old oil into, and a GOOD oil filter. Don't cheap out on the filter. Just ask the parts guy for the best one he has for a , I'm assuming, a 350ci. motor. Get a PCV valve also as well as a new air filter.....
I have a slight drop in the threshold of my barn door , so I have 3 2x12's stacked and staggered so as to be able to drive up on them.There is plenty of room under there for me to drain the oil and remove the filter with just those .
VERY IMPORTANT: When you replace the new filter, smear some new or used oil on the gasket of the oil filter. Hand snug the filter and then give it a little snug with the tool....
I have a slight drop in the threshold of my barn door , so I have 3 2x12's stacked and staggered so as to be able to drive up on them.There is plenty of room under there for me to drain the oil and remove the filter with just those .
VERY IMPORTANT: When you replace the new filter, smear some new or used oil on the gasket of the oil filter. Hand snug the filter and then give it a little snug with the tool....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Thanks all. Any advice on brand/type of oil? Should I be using synthetic or is standard oil fine?
I see a recent good post with discussion on different opinions on getting the car off the floor. Looks like most like stand jacks. Looks like Sears might have some on sale over the weekend.
I see a recent good post with discussion on different opinions on getting the car off the floor. Looks like most like stand jacks. Looks like Sears might have some on sale over the weekend.
