1986 GMC Safari Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1986 GMC Safari documents a van sold in two three-door bodies, a standard cargo version and a standard passenger version, across the Base, SL, SLE and SLX trims. Under the hood the shop can expect one of two overhead-valve gasoline engines, the naturally aspirated 4.3L V6 at 262 cubic inches or the naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-four at 151. Both are covered to the same depth, with procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics organized system by system rather than by trim level.

Engines covered

• 4.3L V6 (262 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 2.5L inline-four (151 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 3-door standard cargo van
• 3-door standard passenger van

Trims covered

• Base
• SL
• SLE
• SLX

Known issues on the 1986 Safari. Two recalls are on the federal record here. The first concerns replacement fuel filters whose connection may not seal, allowing a leak that can find an ignition source and burn. The second is a seat problem: foam or vinyl caught between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame makes a soft joint, the bolts never hold their specified torque, and fatigue eventually breaks them so the seatback can drop backward. Ten owner complaints are on record, three of them on the seats, one on the service brakes and one on the body structure. Seat torque figures and brake diagnostics are both here.