This factory service and repair manual for the 1986 Chevrolet P30 lists the chassis first and the two-door van second, which fairly reflects how the truck was sold: as a rolling platform in Base Stripped form or as a delivery body in Base Delivery form. Four engines are covered, from the 4.8L inline-six through the 5.7L and 7.4L gasoline V8s to the 6.2L diesel. Procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics are set out system by system for each of them.
Engines covered
- 7.4L V8 (454 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 6.2L V8 (379 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, diesel
- 4.8L inline-six (292 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 5.7L V8 (350 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- Chassis
- 2-door van
Trims covered
- Base Delivery
- Base Stripped
Known issues on the 1986 P30. Two recalls are on the federal record for this year. One reaches the P30 through replacement oil filters that seal poorly, letting the engine lose its oil with fire as the possible end of it. The other is a left lower control arm that can crack and release the ball joint, ending steering control without warning. Three owner complaints are recorded, single entries on the fuel system, air bags and engine cooling. Lubrication, front suspension and fuel system work all carry their own specifications and torque values here.
LEFT HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM CAN CRACK AND COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE LOWER BALL JOINT TO SEPARATE FROM THE CONTROL ARM.
LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT INA CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
REPAIR OR REPLACE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP. WHILE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS
DT: USE MOTOR HOME AND THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT WORK PROPERLY. DEALER MADE SURE THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION. DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THE AIR BAGS THAT WERE NOT WORKING WAS NOT A SA
LEFT EXHAUST IS TOO CLOSE TO THE OIL FILTER. OWNER WANTS TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A RECALL.
