Fix It

The original catalytic converter on the 1988 Chevy K2500 was a flat, broad, pellet-filled component. Chevy used this style converter until the mid 1990s. The bottom of the converter featured a fill plug that would often erode from exposure and leak the ceramic pellets out from inside the shell. While replacement plugs were available, most aftermarket companies replaced the converter with a canister-shaped direct-fit converter with an internal ceramic honeycombed substructure.

Instructions

1

Park the 1988 Chevy K2500 on a level surface, turn the engine off and apply the parking brake.

2

Put on the safety glasses and crawl under the passengers side of the vehicle (behind the front tire) with the shop light or a flashlight.

3

Follow the exhaust tubing on the passengers side to the engine connection. The front pipe of the K2500 features a Y-pipe connected to both the drivers side and the passengers side of the engine.

4

Follow the Y-pipe back to the next component behind it. It will either be a large, broad, flat component or a round canister with an external heat shield spot-welded to the outer shell. This component is the catalytic converter. Depending on the size of the wheel base of the K2500, behind the converter there may be a small to medium length connector pipe leading to the muffler and the tailpipe. The connector pipe routes over the rear axle and out toward the rear bumper, all on the passengers side.

The ignition switch on a 1977 Chevrolet truck is mounted on the steering column and is designed to trigger the starter motor and start the engine. This assembly can wear out over time. You then would have to remove the switch and replace it with a new one. This task can take about 30 minutes.

Instructions

1

Unbolt the steering column from the dashboard with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Caully lower it away from the dashboard to access the top of the ignition switch.

2

Unplug the wiring to the switch. Insert the key in the ignition and put it into the "Lock" position.

3

Unscrew the switch from the column using the Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the switch off of the column and replace it with a new unit.

The 1992 Chevy Silverado 4x4 is a pickup truck that allows users to haul or tow heavy trailers or loads. If you are having problems with your 1992 Chevy Silverado, you will need an OBD (on-board diagnostic) machine to check the engine. Gaining access to an OBD machine will require you to rent one from a body shop or auto repair center. After you get the troubleshooting code from the OBD scan tool, you will be able to fix your Silverado.

Instructions

1

Look in the footwell of the drivers side of the truck for the 16-pin plug. This runs off of the main wiring harness on the left of the fuse panel.

2

Plug the OBD cord into the plug. Turn on the OBD machine and then turn on the ignition in the truck so that the electrical panel comes on.

3

Press the "Start" button on your scan tool and then wait for the machine to send you a troubleshooting code.

4

Unplug the OBD pin from the truck and then turn the truck off.

5

Compare the code against the code explanation in your ODB erence manual to find out the problem with the engine. The erence manual comes with the machine rental. It allows you to look up the troubleshooting code for the specific reason your truck is not working properly.

Chevrolet designs, manufactures, and markets the Silverado, a full-sized pick-up truck. The term "Silverado" was first used to describe a trim package on Chevrolet pick-up trucks beginning in 1975. For repair and maintenance of Silverado pick-up trucks, owners need to be able to find the correct parts.

Instructions

1

Go to the Auto Parts Giant website. (See Resources.) Select the "Year," "Make," "Model," "Sub model (if applicable)" and "Engine Size" for your Silverado. Press "Go." Type the part that you are looking for into the "Search" box. Press "Search." Review the results and identify the part you are looking for. The part number appears in the product description.

2

Go to the Napa website. Click "Select a Vehicle" and click the features that match your Silverado truck, such as "Year." Enter the part you are looking for in the "Part Number Search" box. Press "Search." The results display the part number.

3

Launch the Auto Zone web page. Click "Manage My Vehicle" and "Add A Vehicle." Select the details for your Silverado truck and "Look Up Parts." Click on the appropriate category and the specific part to view the part number.

You can install a windshield in your 1987 Chevy truck right at home, which should save you some money. If you see a long crack or significant chips in your windshield, you know its time to replace it. It is important to maintain the integrity of your trucks windshield because it protects you. Besides keeping debris out of your face while youre driving, the windshield keeps you from being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident.

Instructions

1

Wipe rust and dirt from the windshield frame with a damp towel. Put the new gasket in the sun until it feels looser and softer.

2

Fit the gasket snugly around the windshield. Make sure the side of the gasket that has the slit faces outside the Chevy. Locate the channel closest to the outside perimeter of the gasket. Run a thin line of sealant along this channel.

3

Spread petroleum jelly into the outer groove on the gasket. Put a little extra at the top center and bottom center. Insert a nylon cord into this outer groove. Start at the bottom center, leaving two long ends of cord hanging out in the center.

4

Place the windshield in the opening as you stand outside the vehicle. Make sure the cords hang inside the vehicle. Have your helper sit inside the vehicle to assist you in putting the windshield in place.

5

Ask your helper to pull one cord end slowly out and around the frame to bring the rubber lip of the gasket into place while you press the rubber gasket around the outside edge of the vehicle.

6

Wipe off the extra petroleum jelly. Allow the sealant to dry for two days before driving the truck.

A catalytic converter is an important part of the emissions system in your vehicle, but its also a consumable product. Eventually, it will wear out and break, and when it does, it has to be replaced by a new unit. Thats because its illegal in most states to sell used emissions equipment. Its also not easy to replace, as it requires welding into the exhaust system. Removing a catalytic converter from a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, however, is as easy as cutting the exhaust.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle with the jack, and secure it on jack stands. Double-check that the vehicle is secure before you crawl underneath it. Make sure there is enough room for you to fit underneath the truck while using the reciprocating saw. Put on the eye protection and hearing protection.

2

Locate the catalytic converter on the exhaust. Its shaped like a rectangle with rounded corners and has a flat flange down the sides. Cut the exhaust tubing about 2 inches forward of the catalytic converter, using the reciprocating saw with the metal blade.

3

Cut the exhaust tubing about 2 inches behind the catalytic converter, using the reciprocating saw with the metal blade. Then spray the penetrating fluid in the exhaust hanger attached to the catalytic converter, and use the 24-inch pry bar to remove the hanger and, with it, the catalytic converter.

The Chevrolet Aveo is a subcompact car manufactured by GM Daewoo since 2002 and marketed under the Chevrolet brand. The most common engine for the Chevrolet Aveo in the United States is a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine with a double overhead camshaft. The timing belt on this vehicle synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft with the rotation of the camshafts. The most important part of the timing belt installation process is keeping the crankshaft and camshafts properly aligned during the procedure.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Disconnect the front cover for the timing belt and remove the mounting bolts for the power steering pump if your vehicle is so equipped.

2

Place a socket wrench on the crankshaft bolt and turn the crankshaft clockwise. Align the timing mark on the crankshaft gear with the timing mark on the rear cover of the timing belt.

3

Loosen the retaining bolts on the water pump slightly. Turn the water pump counterclockwise with Special Tool J-42492-A to relieve the tension on the timing belt. Detach the timing belt from its gears.

4

Disconnect the cover for the engine with a socket wrench and detach the electrical wiring from the spark plugs. Remove the crankcase ventilation tubes and camshaft position sensor from the valve cover. Disconnect the valve cover and its gasket.

5

Hold the intake camshaft in place and remove the mounting bolt for the intake camshaft gear with a socket wrench. Disconnect the camshaft gear from the intake camshaft. Remove the camshaft gear for the exhaust camshaft in the same manner.

6

Install the camshaft gear for the intake camshaft while holding the camshaft in place. Tighten the mounting bolt for the camshaft gear to 49 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Install the camshaft gear for the exhaust camshaft in the same manner.

7

Replace the valve cover and its gasket with a socket wrench. Attach the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft ventilation tube to the valve cover. Connect the electrical wiring for the spark plugs and attach the engine cover.

8

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing marks for the crankshaft and camshafts. Place the new timing belt onto the gears.

9

Turn the water pump clockwise with Special Tool J-42492-A to align the adjusting arm of the timing belt tensioner with the notch on the tensioner bracket. Tighten the retaining bolts for the water pump with a socket wrench.

10

Turn the crankshaft two complete turns clockwise with a socket wrench, and align the timing marks for the crankshaft and camshaft again. Repeat Step 9 and tighten the retaining bolts for the water pump to 89 inch-pounds with a torque wrench.

11

Install the mounting bolts for the power steering pump with a socket wrench and replace the front cover for the timing belt. Attach the cable for the negative terminal of the battery.

You may need to get behind the front center grill on your 97 Chevy Tracker to access the sensors or headlight assemblies, or you may wish to upgrade to an after-market grill to give your Tracker a customized look. If your grill becomes damaged in an accident, you may have to remove it, too. In any case it is a quick and easy job that only requires one tool purchased from a hardware store.

Instructions

1 Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the upper corner of your Chevy Trackers front grill. Work the screwdriver from the corner to the middle of the grill.
2Repeat for each corner of the grill, working toward the middle each time. This will loosen the eight retaining clips.
3 Pull the grill out from the front of the Tracker and set it aside.

The Chevy 454 is a popular and reliable hot-rodding engine that has been around since the 70s. Cubic inches translate into horsepower every day of the week, and the 454-cubic-inch Chevy engine creates a lot of horsepower. The Chevy 454 engine is traditionally known as the Rat motor (as are the 396 and the 427 engines), whereas Chevys smaller engines are referred to as the small block. The 454 lifters will last a long time with proper oil changes.You can remove a lifter from a Chevy 454 engine without any specialty tools.

Instructions

1

Lift the hood and prop it open. Slide a drain pan under the radiator and open the drain cock. Drain the coolant from the radiator. Remove the top radiator hose from the radiator and the intake manifold.

2

Snap a photo of the top of the engine with your cell phone camera. This will to aid reassembly.

3

Remove the air cleaner. Disconnect the fuel line and the throttle cable, or the linkage if so equipped, from the carburetor.

4

Remove the distributor cap from the distributor. Make a mark on the distributor housing corresponding with the electrode on the end of the rotor button. This makes it easy to realign the rotor button with the distributor when reinstalling the distributor. Unplug the distributor, loosen the distributor hold down clamp and slide it back, and lift the distributor shaft out of the intake manifold.

5

Loosen and remove the bolts that attach the valve covers to the cylinder head. Remove the 12 bolts that attach the intake manifold to the cylinder heads. Tap a straight screwdriver blade between the intake manifold and the block. The intake manifold is sometimes glued down with gasket cement.

6

Loosen the rocker arms on all the valves that need the lifters replaced. Record the number of full and partial turns the rocker nuts are turned on each rocker to ease reinstallation.

7

Remove the push rods from the top of lifters that are to be removed. Record where each push rod was located so that you can reinstall them in the same place in the same position.

8

Grip the top edge of the lifter to be removed with a vise-grip pliers and rotate it while pulling up on it. Sometimes the bottom of the lifter gets a build-up of varnish on it, and it takes a bit of rotating and pulling to remove the lifter from its bore.

9

Reinstall the new lifters. Reposition the push rods in the exact same hole they were in, in the same position. Replace the rocker arm on top of the push rod and valve stem. Thread the rocker arm nuts back onto the studs the same amount of turns needed to remove them.

The Chevy Impala has enjoyed three runs with the GM corporation from 1958 to 1985, from 1994 to 1996 and from 2000 to the present. This full size car may have a single pipe system or a double pipe system, which is important to know when replacing the muffler. If you find holes in your muffler or it starts making loud noises, then its time to replace it.

Instructions

1

Spread out an old blanket or a large piece of cardboard on the ground to lay on as you replace the muffler. For an easier time repairing, you might consider jacking the car up and placing it on jack stands instead.

2

Purchase a new muffler. It must have a 2.25-inch center inlet/outlet, be 4 inches thick by 9.75 inches wide, and 13 inches long. Make sure it is the right one according to the model year of your vehicle.

3

Look over the old muffler. Spray the fasteners generously with a penetrating lubricant before you loosen them. The penetrating lubricant will help you to remove the screws and bolts with ease.

4

Loosen the bolts at the bottom of the muffler strap. Its okay to let the muffler hang. Using a hacksaw, saw the stock muffler completely off of the pipe, leaving 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches of straight pipe at the muffler inlet, if you have a single pipe system. Alternately, if you have a dual pipe system, take of the U-bolt clamp found on the front of the muffler and remove the muffler from the exhaust pipe.

5

Take of the tailpipe clamps and then remove the tailpipe. After taking off the muffler and tailpipe, inspect all the hangers and replace any that are damaged.

6

Put the muffler into place under the vehicle. Make sure the muffler inlet slips over the exhaust pipe with ease. Put sealer on the connecting surfaces and then straighten the muffler over the pipe. Tighten the muffler clamp on the muffler inlet using a flathead screwdriver and then tighten all clamps starting at the front of the muffler and working youre way back.

7

Lower the car, start the vehicle and carefully inspect the muffler for leaks and loud sounds. If there are any, youll need to tighten the bolts more. However, the clamps should be loose enough to allow the muffler to move a little with the movement of the car.

You can reset the computer on your 2001 Chevrolet Venture right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The computer in your Venture, known as an OBD or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores error codes. These codes can be read using an OBD scan tool. This tool is also used to erase the codes and reset the computer. This small hand-held computerized device can be purchased from any auto parts store. Most stores will even loan you a scan tool for the purpose of resetting your computer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the left side of the fuse panel. This port is the same size and shape as the connector end of the OBD scan tool.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port. Dont force it into the port or you may damage the pins.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position.

4

Wait for the scan tool to stop flashing. When it has, this means it has cleared the codes. Some OBD scan tools require you to press "Reset," "Delete" or other similar command to clear the codes. Consult the manual that came with the scan tool for exact instructions.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have turned off. The computer is now reset.

You can look up trouble codes for your Chevy truck right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. You only need one tool to do the job: an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) I or II code scanner. If your Chevy truck was manufactured in 1996 or later, you need to use an OBD II code scanner; if its an earlier model, use the OBD I code scanner. The On-Board Diagnostics computer monitors all the functions of the vehicle. It stores trouble codes received from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When it detects a code, it alerts you to the issue by illuminating a warning or service light on the vehicles instrument panel. Code scanners can be purchased from any auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Locate the trapezoidal-shaped Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) port under the drivers side dashboard. This is usually just left of the steering column.

2

Plug the OBD code scanner into the DLC port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it two clicks forward, taking care not to start the engine. Wait for this to power on the scanner or find the on/off button and press it.

4

Select the command "Read Codes" or something similar to this.

5

Wait for the codes to display and write them down on a piece of paper.

6

Look up the codes in the code scanners manual to get the exact diagnosis.

7

Unplug the code scanner and have your car serviced or repaired based on the trouble codes.

A flex plate connects to the crankshaft of an engine to the clutch of a manual transmission. For the flex plate to function correctly, it must be the correct diameter and match the bolt pattern on the crankshaft. Taking both measurements accurately will ensure the flex plate functions as designed without damaging the clutch, transmission or crankshaft.

Instructions

1

Lay the flex plate flat on a work table.

2

Hook the end of a tape measure on the outside edge of the flex plate. Pull the tape measure across the face of the plate. Read the dimension where the point of a flex plate tooth intersects the tape measure. Write down the diameter of the plate.

3

Hold the end of the tape measure on the center of a mounting hole located off the center of the flex plate. Pull the tape measure over a second center mounting hole. Read the number sitting in the center of the mounting hole. Write down the center hole measurement.

To replace the mirror on a 2000 Chevy Cavalier, you must remove the interior door panel. Cavaliers in this model-year were equipped with either manual or power windows. The procedure for removing the door panel differs between the two variations. While replacing a mirror is not a common repair, doing it yourself will save time and money.

Instructions

1

Open the door of your 2000 Chevy Cavalier that requires mirror replacement.

2

Power the window down if the Cavalier is so equipped. If it has manual windows, after rolling the window down, use the window crank snap ring tool to dislodge the snap ring from under the crank handle. Align the tool so it is parallel to the window crank then push the blade between the crank and the door panel. The snap ring will pop off or even fly off. To prevent losing it, place a hand in front of the base of the window crank to catch it or prevent it from flying off.

3

Remove the six retaining screws on the door panel with the Phillips head screwdriver. One is located on the side view mirror sail (on the interior side opposite the mirror), two are in the door pull cup, two are on the bottom edge of the door panel, and the last one is on the outer lower edge of the door panel.

4

Use a metric Allen wrench to loosen the set screw then disconnect the power mirror control module on the inside of the side view mirror sail. Set the mirror sail aside.

5

Unclip the inner snap retainers holding the door panel to the door frame (starting at the bottom) with a trim panel pry tool. Work the pry tool up both sides of the door frame once the bottom panel is released.

6

Lift the door panel slightly upward then slightly outward to release it from the upper lip of the door frame.

7

Reach behind the panel and disconnect the power door lock wire harness connection by pulling the release tab back with a finger. Set the door panel aside.

8

Lift up the release tab on the power mirror wire harness connection, if so equipped, using a flat head screwdriver, then pull the two plugs apart.

9

Remove the three 10 mm retaining nuts on the side view mirror with a ratchet and socket. Keep your hand under the mirror when removing the last nut so the old mirror does not fall and scratch the exterior door paint.

10

Pull the powered mirror wire harness, if so equipped, through the access hole and remove the old mirror.

11

Reverse the removal procedure to install the replacement mirror.

General Motors, manufacturer of the Chevy Lumina, has issued one recall due to wiring problems with the vehicle as of January 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports multiple complaints regarding other wiring problems that havent prompted recalls, however, and concerned Lumina owners should verify with the NHTSA whether repair compensation is available.

Windshield Wipers

In 1997, General Motors recalled certain 1995 Chevy Lumina vehicles for a wiring problem with the washer/wiper switch power feed wire, which could strain or separate, causing the wipers to malfunction. Inoperative windshield wipers pose an accident risk in inclement weather.

Turn Signal

The NHTSAs website shows that several complaints from owners of 1993 Luminas regarding turn signal wiring problems, with some consumers reporting smoke intermittently coming from the steering column.

Alternator

A few owners of 1993 Luminas report fires due to wiring problems in the alternator, according to the NHTSA, with one consumer citing two fires. Another driver reports having trouble starting the car because of the alternator wiring malfunction.

You can install weatherstripping on your 57 Chevy right from your home garage. You need a few inexpensive supplies that can be purchased from any auto parts store. Replacing the weatherstripping on a Chevy improves the seal between the door and the frame of the car. Weatherstripping prevents air and moisture from entering the car. Over time weatherstripping will crack and lose its ability to seal the door properly.

Instructions

1

Locate the clips holding the weatherstripping to the Chevy. Remove the clips with needle-nose pliers and put them in your pocket for later reinstallation.

2

Slide the weatherstripping off the door frame channel using your hands.

3

Apply degrease agent to a towel and wipe it on the door frame along the weatherstripping channel. This will remove all grease and dirt.

4

Slide the new weatherstripping onto the weatherstrip channel.

5

Reattach the clips to the weatherstripping and door frame by pushing them over the stripping and snapping them onto the Chevys door frame.

The two catalytic converters in a Chevy truck are connected to the exhaust system. They help reduce pollutants and control emissions in order to meet both federal and state regulations. If either catalytic converter is not working, it needs to be removed to check for any blockages, or for replacement.

Instructions

1

Raise and support the entire truck on jack stands. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery as a precaution.

2

Disengage the electrical connectors to the oxygen sensors. There are two oxygen sensors attached to each catalytic converter---a pre-converter sensor located near the front end of the converter and a post-converter sensor near the end.

3

Use a small ratchet wrench to remove the flange bolts connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe. Separate the pipe from the converter, and support the pipe. You can use the trucks floor jack, but place a board on top of the jack to keep it from damaging the pipe.

4

Remove the bolts that attach the converters header pipe to the exhaust manifold. The studs and nuts here often are rusty, so apply penetrating oil to them for easier removal.

5

Take off the catalytic converter and its pipe assembly. Repeat for the other converter if needed.

6

Clean away any carbon deposits built up on the mounting flanges with brake cleaner or the penetrating oil. Discard the gaskets; use new gaskets on the flanges when the new catalytic converter is installed.

The Chevrolet 283 was a small-block V-8 engine produced between 1957 and 1967. Said to be the first American-built engine to offer one horsepower per cubic inch of displacement, the 283 was designated for use in the Bel Air, the Impala, the Biscayne and Chevrolet station wagons, and also was an option in Checker Taxis between 1965 and 1967.

General Specs and Tune Up

The Chevrolet 283 displaced 283 cubic inches, with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. It turned out 170 horsepower at 4,200 rpm, and the maximum torque was 275 ft.-lbs. at 2,400 rpm. The normal oil pressure was 35 pounds. The engine had a 3.875-inch bore and a 3-inch stroke. The make of the spark plugs was AC 44, with a gap of .035 inches. When idling, the engine ran at 425 rpm.

Piston, Ring and Valve

The shim thickness of the pistons was .0015 inches and they measure between seven and 18 pounds on a pull scale. The diameter of the wrist pin was 0.9271 inches. The ring end gap compression was 0.01 inches. With mechanical valve lifters, the valve had a hot operating clearance of 0.012 inches for the intake and 0.018 inches for exhaust. With hydraulic valve lifters and one carburetor, the valve had no operating clearance. The valve seat angle measured 46 degrees. The inner valve spring pressure measured 160 pounds at 1.30 inches. The valve stem diameter for the intake measured 0.3336 inch, and the exhaust also measured 0.3336 inch.

Capacity

The Chevrolet 283s cooling system had a capacity of 17.5 quarts without a heater and 18.5 quarts with a heater. Oil capacity was four quarts, plus one for a filter change. The standard capacity for transmission fluid was two pints, but engines with overdrive had a capacity of three pints and automatic transmissions required 3.5 quarts. Four-speed transmissions held 1.5 pints.