1987 Chevrolet Service Manual

The 1987 Chevrolet Service Manual provides comprehensive technical information for servicing and maintaining 1987 Chevrolet vehicles. This manual covers engine systems, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and routine maintenance procedures for various 1987 Chevrolet models including Caprice, Celebrity, Cavalier, and truck models. Below are key sections for technical specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and repair guidelines.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Engine Systems 3. Transmission Service 4. Brake Systems 5. Suspension & Steering 6. Electrical Systems 7. Fuel System 8. Cooling System 9. Routine Maintenance 10. Troubleshooting Guide 11. Technical Bulletins

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for 1987 Chevrolet models including engine options, dimensions, and capacities.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	2.0L L4, 2.8L V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.8" - 117.5" depending on model
Curb Weight	2,800 - 3,600 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 - 22 gallons
Oil Capacity	4 - 5 quarts with filter
Coolant Capacity	12 - 16 quarts
Brake System	Front disc, rear drum with power assist
Electrical System	12-volt negative ground
Tire Size	P195/75R14 - P225/70R15

Engine Systems

Service procedures for 1987 Chevrolet engine systems including tune-up specifications and component replacement.

Spark plug gap: 0.035" for most models
Ignition timing: 6° BTDC for V6, 8° BTDC for V8
Valve clearance: Hydraulic lifters - no adjustment required
Compression pressure: 150-180 psi minimum
Oil pressure: 35-45 psi at 2000 RPM

WARNING! Always disconnect battery before performing engine service. Allow engine to cool before opening cooling system.

Transmission Service

Maintenance and repair procedures for automatic and manual transmissions.

Automatic transmission fluid: Dexron II
Fluid capacity: 11-13 quarts total
Manual transmission fluid: 80W-90 gear oil
Shift linkage adjustment: Neutral safety switch alignment
Band adjustments: Intermediate and low/reverse bands

CAUTION! Use only specified transmission fluids. Overfilling can cause damage.

Brake Systems

Brake Fluid: DOT 3
Pad Replacement: Front disc brakes - inspect every 12,000 miles
Drum Adjustment: Self-adjusting with parking brake application
Master Cylinder: Dual reservoir design
Bleeding Procedure: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front
Rotor Thickness: Minimum 1.230" for front discs
Brake Lines: Steel and rubber combination

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension: MacPherson strut or short/long arm. Rear suspension: Solid axle or independent.

Alignment Specifications: Camber: -0.5° to +0.5°, Caster: +1.5° to +3.5°, Toe: 0° to +0.2°

Steering gear: Recirculating ball or rack and pinion. Power steering fluid: Dexron II ATF. Ball joints: Check for wear every 15,000 miles. Shock absorbers: Replace in pairs when leaking or worn.

Electrical Systems

12-volt negative ground system with alternator and voltage regulator.

Battery: Group 24 or 26 with 450-550 CCA
Alternator output: 65-85 amps depending on model
Starter motor: Direct drive 1.4 kW
Fuse panel: Under dashboard left side
Wiring diagrams: Color-coded for circuit identification

Tip: Always disconnect battery negative cable first when working on electrical systems.

Fuel System

Carbureted and throttle body injection systems for 1987 models.

Fuel pump pressure: 5-7 psi (carbureted), 9-13 psi (fuel injection)
Fuel filter replacement: Every 15,000 miles
Carburetor adjustment: Idle speed 600-750 RPM in drive
Fuel injector service: Clean every 30,000 miles
Tank capacity: 14-22 gallons depending on model
Fuel lines: Steel with rubber connections
Vapor recovery: EVAP system with charcoal canister

WARNING! Relieve fuel pressure before servicing fuel system. No smoking or open flames.

Cooling System

Pressurized cooling system with radiator, water pump, and thermostat.

Routine Maintenance

Recommended service intervals and procedures for optimal vehicle performance.

3,000 Miles: Oil and filter change

6,000 Miles: Rotate tires, inspect brakes

15,000 Miles: Replace air filter, fuel filter

30,000 Miles: Replace spark plugs, coolant flush

CAUTION! Follow specified maintenance schedule to maintain warranty coverage.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, ignition, fuel	Check battery voltage, spark at plugs, fuel delivery
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat, water pump	Check coolant level, thermostat operation, water pump flow
Brake pull	Calipers, fluid, alignment	Inspect calipers for sticking, check brake fluid, verify alignment
Transmission slippage	Fluid level, bands, clutch	Check fluid level and condition, adjust bands if applicable
Electrical issues	Alternator, battery, grounds	Test charging system, check battery condition, clean grounds

Diagnostic Codes: Some models feature onboard diagnostics for engine systems.

Technical Support: Contact Chevrolet service department for complex issues.