1987 Chevrolet Spectrum Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 1987 Chevrolet Spectrum has two versions of the same displacement to separate: a naturally aspirated 1.5L SOHC inline-four of 92 cubic inches and a turbocharged one of the same size. Five trims are covered, Base, CL, CL Plus, Express and Turbo, across a four-door sedan and a two-door hatchback. Since induction is what divides the two engines, the fuel, ignition and boost-related specifications have to be read against the engine actually fitted.

Engines covered

• 1.5L inline-four (92 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
• 1.5L inline-four (92 cu in) — SOHC, turbocharged, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan
• 2-door hatchback

Trims covered

• Base
• CL
• CL Plus
• Express
• Turbo

Known issues on the 1987 Spectrum. Two recalls are on the federal record. In one, the positive crankcase ventilation valve passes too little air at low engine load, so a water and oil mixture collects in the hose between the oil separator and the air inlet duct and can freeze solid in cold weather, blocking the duct and raising crankcase pressure. In the other, the fuel tank or its feed pipe can corrode through and leak fuel, which can lead to a fire without warning. Owners have logged 12 complaints, three on vehicle speed control, three on engine and engine cooling and two on seat belts.