I went to check and add fluid on my 79 today(first time) only to find out the pump is directly under the bracket for the altenator. I couldn't even remove the cap on the pump. Is there an easier way of doing this besides removing the whole darn altenator and bracket? Seems like a crazy spot for the cap to be.   \

I sympathize, Mike--I had the same reaction the first time I went to check the fluid on my '78.

You actually CAN get the cap off--you just have to angle it around under the alternator. If you play around with it enough, you'll discover the right angle. Basically, you end up tipping it on its side and sliding it out that way.

Maddening, huh?

Maddening to say the least, I will give it a go again tomorrow, How reliable is the reading on the stick after having to snake the cap out from underneath

We all feel your pain here - worst    design     ever.

I'm reminded too that if you need to add fluid, be careful; the reservoir will fill up very quickly. So add (pour in) small amounts, slowly.

And that's another fun part: snaking a funnel in down there!

Ah, the joys of C3 Corvette care!

I use a funnel with a hose on it to reach down there.

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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

Not bad really once you get the hang of it.  A funnel is a must.

I have used a transmission funnel in the past. They have a long thin taper to them and are about 2 feet long. Like everyone says, go easy when adding. It will fill up fast. If you do over fill, just use a Turkey Baster to suck some fluid back out with. I guess you could probably use a turkey baster to add fluid with also, never tried it though. The fluid may drip out. 

All of the above are great tips. I use a small funnel with a piece of clear tubing attached. I have to add fluid regularly since I have a control valve that loves to leak fluid.

Well I tried again by trying to angle the cap and slide it out but to no avail. It seems that the clearance is just not enough, not more than the thickness of the cap. I think it has to do with the way the pump is mounted when the belt was tightened, I do have the funnel with the clear tube that I used to put the fluid back in the rear during a recent fluid change. The funnel works fine with the pump but I am still going need to get out the wrenches to check the fluid

A friend of mine has the same problem with his '80 vette.  I've tried every which way to get the PS cap out. There is physically not enough space to allow the cap to even be tilted enough to remove it.  The alternator and bracket on this particular car has to be removed to get a proper reading.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

FUN FUN HAVE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 76

Had the same problem with my 72, I notched the bracket to remove the cap. Gotta love the flex shaft on a dremmel tool.

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