1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO ignition

ENGINE 6-2

remotely at the starter, with a special jumper

cable or other means, the primary distributor

lead must be disconnected from the negative

post on the coil and the ignition switch must be

in the "ON" position. Failure to do this will

result in a damaged grounding circuit in the

ignition switch.

3.
Crank engine through at least four compression

strokes to obtain highest possible reading.

4.
Check and record compression of each cylinder.

5.
If one or more cylinders read low tor uneven, inject

about a tablespoon of engine oil on top of pistons

in low reading cylinders (through spark plug

port).
Crank engine several times and recheck

compression.

• If compression comes up but does not necessarily

reach normal, rings are worn.

• If compression does not improve, valves are

burnt, sticking or not seating properly.

• If two adjacent cylinders indicate low compres-

sion and injecting oil does not increase compres-

sion, the cause may be a head gasket leak between

the cylinders. Engine coolant and/or oil in cylin-

ders could result from this defect.

NOTE: If a weak cylinder cannot be located

with the compression check, see "Cylinder Bal-

ance Test" under "Additional Checks and Adjust-

ments" in this section.

Service and Install Spark Plugs (Fig. 2)

1.
Inspect each plug individually for badly worn elec-

trodes,
glazed, broken or blistered porcelains and

replace plugs where necessary. Refer to spark plug

diagnosis information presented in Section 6Y for an

analysis of plug conditions.

2.
Clean serviceable spark plugs thoroughly, using an

abrasive-type cleaner such as sand blast. File the

center electrode flat.

3.
Inspect each spark plug for make and heat range. All

plugs must be of the same make and number.

4.
Adjust spark plug gaps to specifications using a

round feeler gauge.
PORCELAIN

INSULATOR

INSULATOR CRACKS

OFTEN OCCUR HERE

CENTER ELECTRODE

[FILE FLAT WHEN

ADJUSTING GAP-

[DO NOT BEND!
(PROPER GAP)

(BEND TO ADJUST GAP)

CAUTION:

adjust gap.
Fig.
2 - Spark Plug Detail

Never bend the center electrode to

Always adjust by bending ground or

side electrode.

If available, test plugs with a spark plug tester.

Inspect spark plug hole threads and clean before in-

stalling plugs. Corrosion deposits can be removed

with a 14 mm. x 1.25 SAE spark plug tap (available

through local jobbers) or by using a small wire brush

in an electric drill. (Use grease on tap to catch

chips.)

ADJUST DWELL

ANGLE SETTING OR

POINT OPENING

Fig.
1 - Checking Compression
Fig.
3 - Distributor (In Line)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE
6-3

(ROUND) Y~~fll^H

CENTRIFUGAL
A ^k

ADVANCE--jflgKpl

MECHANISM
UB|

CAM
KSK^2

LUBRICATOR
VlSMi

REPLACEMENT
^BK

-^ADJUST
SQUARELY

AND
JUST

TOUCHING
LOBE

OF
CAM
/ROTOR

HBB
__

I^BH^F
?
(SOUARE)

^K^ I /—
CAM

jKft^J / LUBRICATOR

H^T^
CAUTION!

QV NEVER
OIL

•L-^
CAM LUBRICATOR-

REPLACE
WICK

WHEN
NECESSARY
LATERAL

MISALIGNMENT
PROPER

LATERAL ALIGNMENT

Fig.
4- Distributor (V8)

CAUTION: Use extreme care
-when
using tap to

prevent cross threading. Also crank engine sev-

eral times to blow out any material dislodged

during cleaning operation.

7. Install spark plugs with new gaskets and torque to

specifications.

NOTE:
The following are some of the

greatest causes of unsatisfactory spark plug

performance.

•
Installation of plugs with insufficient torque to

fully seat the gasket.

•
Installation of the plugs using excessive torque

which changes gap settings.

•
Installation of plugs on dirty gasket seal.

•
Installation of plugs into corroded spark plug hole

threads.

8^ Connect spark plug wiring.

Service
Ignition System

1.
Remove distributor cap, clean cap and inspect for

cracks, carbon tracks and burned or corroded ter-

minals. Replace cap where necessary.

2.
Clean rotor and inspect for damage or deterioration.

Replace rotor where necessary.

3.
Replace brittle, oil soaked or damaged spark plug

wires.
Install all wires to proper spark plug. Proper

positioning of spark plug wires in supports is impor-

tant to prevent cross-firing.

4.
Tighten all ignition system connections.

5. Replace or repair any wires that are frayed, loose or

damaged.
Us
CORRECT
LATERAL MISALIGNMENT BY

j BENDING
FIXED CONTACT SUPPORT

[NEVER
BEND BREAKER LEVER

Fig.
5 - Point Alignment

Magnetic
Pulse(Breakerless)
Distributor

There are no moving parts in the ignition pulse ampli-

fier, and the distributor shaft and bushings have perma-

nent type lubrication, therefore no periodic maintenance

is required for the magnetic pulse ignition system. Refer

to Section 6Y for an analysis of problems and/or repair

procedures encountered on the Transistorized (Magnetic

Pulse) ignition system.

Standard
(Breaker Point) Distributor
(Figs.
3 or 4)

1.
Check the distributor centrifugal advance mechanism

by turning the distributor rotor in a clockwise direc-

tion as far as possible, then releasing the rotor to

see if the springs return it to its retarded position.

If the rotor does not return readily, the distributor

must be disassembled and the cause of the trouble

corrected.

2.
Check to see that the vacuum spark control operates

freely by turning the movable breaker plate counter-

clockwise to see if the spring returns to its retarded

position. Any stiffness in the operation of the spark

control will affect the ignition timing. Correct any

interference or binding condition noted.

3.
Examine distributor points and clean or replace if

riecessary.

DO
NOT SUCK

IN
TOO MUCH

ELECTROLYTE

TAKE
READING

AT
EYE LEVEL

Fig.
6 - Testing Specific Gravity of Battery

CHEVROtET
CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE 6-4

• Contact points with an overall gray color and only

slight roughness or pitting need not be replaced.

• Dirty points should be cleaned with a clean point

file.

Use only a few strokes of a clean, fine-cut con-

tact file. The file should not be used on other

metals and should not be allowed to become

greasy or dirty. Never use emery cloth or sand-

paper to clean contact points since particles will

embed and cause arcing and rapid burning of

points. Do not attempt to remove all roughness

nor dress the point surfaces down smooth.

Merely remove scale or dirt.

• Clean cam lobe with cleaning solvent, lubricate

cam lobe with "Delco Remy Cam and Ball Bearing

Lubricant" or its equivalent and rotate cam lubri-

cator wick 1/2 turn.

• Replace points that are burned or badly pitted.

NOTE: Where prematurely burned or badly

pitted points are encountered, the ignition sys-

tem and engine should be checked to determine

the cause of trouble so it can be eliminated.

Unless the condition causing point burning or

pitting is corrected, new points will provide no .

better service than the old points. Refer to

Section 6Y for an analysis of point burning or

pitting.

• Check point alignment (fig. 5) then, adjust distri-

. butor contact point gap to .019" (new points) or

.016"
(used points). Breaker arm rubbing block

must be on high point of lobe during adjustment.

NOTE: If contact points have been in service,

they should be cleaned with a point file before

adjusting with a feeler gauge.

• Check distributor point spring tension (contact
Fig. 8 - Manifold Heat Control Valve (In Line)

point pressure) with a spring gauge hooked to

breaker lever at the contact and pull exerted at 90

degrees to the breaker lever. The points should

be closed (cam follower between lobes) and the

reading taken just as the points separate. Spring

tension should be 19-23 ounces. If not within

limits,
replace.

Excessive point pressure" will cause excessive

wear on the points, cam and rubber block. Weak

point pressure permits bouncing or chattering,

resulting in arcing and burning of the points and

an ignition miss at high speed.

4.
Install rotor and distributor cap. Press all wires

firmly into cap towers.

Fig. 7 - Checking Fan Belt Tension
Fig. 9 - Manifold Heat Control Valve (V8)

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE 6-7

Tune Up should be checked whenever the Air Injection

Reactor System seems to be malfunctioning. Particular

care should be taken in checking items that affect fuel-air

ratio such as the crankcase ventilation system, the car-

buretor and the carburetor air cleaner. Carburetors and

distributors for engines with the Air Injection Reactor

System are designed, particularly, for these engines;

therefore, they must not be interchanged with or replaced

by a carburetor or distributor designed for an engine

without the Air Injection Reactor System.

Choke Adjustment (Fig. 11)

With Remote Choke

1.
Remove air cleaner and check to see that choke

valve and rod move freely.

2.
Disconnect choke r*od at choke lever.

Check choke adjustment as follows:

On all except 275 hp 327 cu. in. engines, hold

choke valve closed and pull rod up against stop. The

top of choke rod end should be 1/2 - 1 rod diameter
4.

5.
above top of hole in choke valve lever.

On 275 hp 327 cu. in. engines, hold choke valve

closed and push rod down against stop on thermostat

bracket. The top of the choke rod should be 1/2 - 1

rod diameter below the top of the hole in the choke

lever.

If necessary, adjust rod length by bending rod at off-

set. (Bend must be such that rod enters choke lever

hole freely and squarely.)

Connect rod at choke lever and install air cleaner.

3.
With Manual
Choke

1.
Remove air cleaner.

2.
Push hand choke knob in to within 1/8" of instrument

panel.

3.
Loosen choke cable at carburetor bracket and adjust

cable through the clip until the choke valve is wide

open.

4.
Tighten cable clamp at carburetor bracket and check

operation of choke valve to ensure full closed and

wide open positions.

INSTRUMENT CHECK-OUT

Instrument Hook Up

Connect vacuum gauge, dwell meter, tachometer and

timing light as recommended by the manufacturer of the

equipment being used.

Check and Adjust Dwell

1.
Start engine then ch^ck ignition dwell.

.2.
If dwell is not within specifications, adjust dwell as

follows:

V8 ENGINES

• With engine running at idle, raise the adjustment

screw window-and insert an Allen wrench in the

socket of the adjusting screw (fig. 12).

• Turn the adjusting screw as required until a dwell

reading of 30° is obtained. A 2° variation is al-

lowable for wear.

• Close access cover fully to prevent the entry of

dirt into the distributor.

NOTE: If a dwell meter is not available, turn
adjusting screw clockwise until engine starts to

misfire, then turn screw one-half turn in the op-

posite direction to complete adjustment.

IN LINE ENGINES

• Remove distributor cap and recheck point setting.

If dwell is still not within specifications check the

distributor as outlined in Section 6Y.

Check Dwell Variation

Slowly accelerate engine to 1500 rpm and note dwell

reading. Return engine to idle and note dwell reading. If

dwell variation exceeds specifications, check for worn

distributor shaft, worn distributor shaft bushing or loose

breaker plate.

WINDOW

"HEX" TYPE

WRENCH

Fig.
12 - Setting Point Dwell (V8)
Fig.
13 - Ignition Timing Marks

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE
6-8

Check
and
Adjust Ignition Timing
(Fig. 13)

1.
Disconnect
the
distributor spark advance hose
and

plug
the
vacuum source opening.

2.
Start engine
and run at
idle speed
(see
tune
up
chart).

3.
Aim
timing light
at
timing
tab.

NOTE:
- The
markings
on the
tabs
are in 2°

increments
(the
greatest number
of
markings
on

the
"A"
side
of the "O"). the "O"
markings
is

TDC
of
#1 cylinder
and all
BTDC settings fall
on

the
"A"
(advance) side
of "O".

4.
Adjust
the
timing
by
loosening
the
distributor clamp

and
,
rotating
the
distributor body
as
required, then

tighten
the
clamp.

5.
Stop engine
and
remove timing light
and
reconnect

the spark advance hose.

Adjust Idle Speed
and
Mixture
(Fig. 14)
(Except when

equipped with
Air
Injection Reactor System)

1.
As a
preliminary adjustment, turn idle mixture

screws lightly
to
seat
and
back
out 2
turns.

CAUTION:
Do not
turn idle mixture screw

tightly against seat
or
damage
may
result.

2.
With engine running
at
operating temperature (choke

wide open) adjust idle speed screw
to
bring idle

speed
to
specified
rpm
(automatic transmission
in
drive, manual transmission
in
neutral).

3.
Adjust idle mixture screw
to
obtain highest steady

idle speed
(1/4
turn
out
from lean roll).

4.
Repeat Steps
2 and 3 as
needed
for
final adjustment.

5.
Shut down
the
engine, remove gauges
and
install
air

cleaner.

Adjust Idle Speed
and
Mixture
(Fig. 14)
(With
Air

Injection Reactor System)

The recommended adjustment procedure
for Air
Injec-

tion Reactor System equipped engines
is as
follows:

1.
As a
preliminary adjustment, turn idle mixture

screws lightly
to
seat
and
than back
out 3
turns.

CAUTION:
Do not
turn idle mixture screw

tightly against seat
or
damage
may
result.

2.
With engine running
at
operating temperature, choke

wide open,
and
parking brake applied, adjust idle

specified idle speed (automatic

"drive"-manual transmission
in
to

in
screw

transmission

"neutral").

;3.
Adjust idle mixture screw (turn
in) to
"lean roll"

position; then turn screw
out 1/4
turn
(1/4
turn rich

from "lean roll").
The
definition
of
"lean roll" point

is
a 20 to 30 rpm
drop
in
engine speed, obtained
by

leaning
the
idle mixture.

4.
Repeat Steps
2 and 3 as
needed
for
final adjustments.

ADDITIONAL CHECKS
AND
ADJUSTMENTS

Testing Crankcase Ventilation Valve
(Fig. 15) 0

1.
Connect tachometer
and
vacuum gauge
as for
idle

speed
and
mixture adjustment.

2.
Set
parking brake, start engine
and
adjust idle speed

and mixture.

3.
Disconnect ventilation hose
at
valve, block opening
of

valve
and
read engine
rpm
change.

4.
A
change
of
less than
50 rpm
indicates
a
plugged

ventilation valve
-
replace
the
valve.

Cylinder Balance Test
(Fig. 16)

It
is
often difficult
to
locate
a
weak cylinder.
A com-

pression test,
for
example, will
not
locate
a
leaky intake

manifold,
a
valve
not
opening properly
due to a
worn

camshaft,
or a
defective spark plug.

With
the
cylinder balance test,
the
power output
of one

cylinder
may be
checked against another, using
a set of

grounding leads. When
the
power output
of
each cylinder

is
not
equal,
the
engine will lose power
and run
roughly.

Perform
a
cylinder balance test
as
follows:

1.
Connect
the
tachometer
and
vacuum gauge.

2.
Start engine
and run at 1500 rpm.

3.
Ground large clip
of
grounding leads
and
connect
in-

dividual leads
to all
spark plugs except
the
pair being

tested.

Divide
the
firing order
in
half
and
arrange
one
half

over
the
other.
The
cylinders
to be
tested together
ap-

pear
one
over
the
other.

L4 Firing Order
V8 Firing Order

1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

1-6, 8-5, 4-7, 3-2

1-3-4-2
= 1-3

4-2

L6 Firing Order

1-5-3-6-2-4
=
=
1-4. 3-2

1-5-3

6-2-4
1-6, 5-2, 3-4
1-8-4-3

6-5-7-2

4.
Operate engine
on
each pair
of
cylinders
in
turn
and

note engine
rpm and
manifold vacuum
for
each pair.

A variation
of
more than
1
inch
of
vacuum
or 40 rpm

between pairs
of
cylinders being tested indicates that

the cylinders
are off
balance.

Battery

The battery should
be
checked with special testing

equipment
and to the
equipment manufacturers specifica-

tions.
See
Section 6Y
for
complete information
on
battery

tests.

Ignition

The following additional ignition checks
may be
made

with
any of
several pieces
of
equipment available
for un-

covering
the
source
of
engine difficulties.
The
specific

operating instructions
of the
equipment manufacturer

should
be
followed:

Cranking voltage

Ignition switch

Distributor resistance

Secondary resistance

Ignition output
and
secondary leakage

Cranking Voltage
(Fig. 17)

1.
Disconnect coil primary lead
at the
coil negative

terminal
to
prevent engine from firing during

cranking.

2.
Connect voltmeter between primary terminal
of coi|

(resistance wire side)
and
ground.

3.
Operate starting motor.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE 6-10

Fig.
15 - Crank case Ventilation Valve

a. If voltage is 9 volts or more and cranking speed

is satisfactory, the battery, starter, cables,

starter switch and ignition circuit to coil (by-

passing resistance wire) are in good condition.

b.
If below 9 volts, check circuit until difficulty is

located.

Meter reading below specification—Weak bat-

tery; defective cables, connections, switch or

starter; defective ignition circuit to coil.

Cranking speed below normal--Excessive re-

sistance in cables or starting motor; excessive

mechanical drag in engine.

Uneven cranking speed—Uneven compression,

defective starter or starter drive.

Ignition Switch

With voltmeter connected as described for the Cranking

Voltage Test, turn ignition switch to ON. Voltage should

drop to 5 to 7 volts as current is now passing through

high resistance wire connected between ignition switch

and (+) positive terminal of coil. If battery voltage of

12 volts is obtained, the starter solenoid is by-passing

the high resistance wire connected between ignition

switch and (+) positive terminal of coil, thus the starter

solenoid is not functioning properly to bypass the ignition

resistance wire or the ignition circuit is incorrectly

wired.

Distributor Resistance

Use equipment as directed by manufacturer.

Excessive
(t n ti ft

Fig.
16 - Cylinder Balance Test
Fig.
17 - Testing Cranking Voltage

resistance in primary circuit must be eliminated before

continuing with test procedure.

Secondary Resistance

Use equipment as dire6ted by manufacturer.

• Uniform "normal readings" as specified by manu-

facturer indicate all secondary circuit components

are in good condition.

• If all readings are "below normal," check for cor-

roded coil tower terminal, poorly connected or

broken coil wire, center cap electrode or rotor tip

burned, or an open secondary in coil.

• If readings are "higher than normal" at two or more

plugs adjacent in firing order, cross firing is oc-

curring in distributor cap or between spark plug ca-

bles concerned.

• If meter reads off scale to left, the coil polarity is

reversed. Check for reversed coil primary wires,

wrong coil or reversed vehicle battery connections.

Ignition Output and Secondary Leakage

Use equipment as directed by manufacturer.

• GOOD readings indicate both ignition output and

secondary insulation are good.

• If all readings are BAD or if ignition test calibrator

cannot be adjusted to Set Line, check for high re-

sistance in primary circuit, defective distributor

points, coil or condenser.

e If readings are BAD when certain plug wires are

lifted off, check for cracks or carbon tracks in dis-

tributor cap or defective insulation on those plug

wires being lifted off.

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE 6-16

5.
Adjust ignition timing and carburetor idle speed and

mixture.

VALVE STEM OIL SEAL AND/OR VALVE SPRING

Replacement

1.
Remove rocker arm cover as outlined.

2.
Remove spark plug, rocker arm and push rod on the

cylinder(s) to be serviced.

3.
Apply compressed air to the spark plug hole to hold

the valves in place.

NOTE: A tool to apply air to the cylinder is

available through local jobbers or may be manu-

factured. In manufacturing this Tool a AC-46N

Spark Plug or its equivalent is recommended.

This will make the Tool universal for all

Chevrolet engines. Chisel the spark plug as

shown, then drive the porcelain out of the plug

by tapping the center electrode against a hard

block. Using a 3/8" pipe tap, cut threads in the

remaining portion of the spark ^>lug and assem-

ble as shown (fig. 3L).

4.
Using Tool J-5892 to compress the valve spring, re-

move the valve locks, valve cap, valve shield and

valve spring and damper (fig. 4L).

5.
Remove the valve stem oil seal.

6. To replace, set the valve spring and damper, valve

shield and valve cap in place. The close coiled end

of the spring is installed against the cylinder head.

Compress the spring with
Too^
J-5892 and install oil

seal in the lower groove of the stem, making sure the

seal'is flat and not twisted.

NOTE: A light coat of oil on the seal will help

prevent twisting.

7.
Install the valve locks and release the compressor

tool, making sure the locks seat properly in the

upper groove of the valve stem.

NOTE: Grease may be used to hold the locks

in place while releasing the compressor tool.

8. Install spark plug, using a new gasket, and torque to

specifications.

9. Install and adjust valve mechanism as outlined.

CYLINDER HEAD ASSEMBLY

Removal

1.
Remove manifold assembly as. outlined.

2.
Remove valve mechanism as outlined.

3.
Drain cooling system (block).

4.
Remove fuel and vacuum line from retaining clip at

water outlet then disconnect wires from temperature

sending units.

5.
Disconnect upper radiator hose at water outlet hous-

ing and battery ground strap at cylinder head.

6. Remove coil (L6 engines only).

7.
Remove cylinder head bolts, cylinder head and gas-

ket. Place cylinder head on two blocks of wood to

prevent damage.

Installation

CAUTION: The gasket surfaces on both the

head and the block must be clean of any foreign
matter and free of nicks or heavy scratches.

Cylinder bolt threads in the block and threads

on the cylinder head bolt must be cleaned. (Dirt

will affect bolt torque.) Do not use gasket sealer

on composition steel asbestos gasket.

Fig. 3L -
AIF
Adapter Tool

1.
Place the gasket in position over the dowel pins with

the bead up.

2.
Carefully guide cylinder head into place over dowel

pins and gasket.

3.
Coat threads of cylinder head bolts with sealing com-

pound and install finger tight.

4.
Tighten cylinder head bolts a little at a time in the

sequence shown on the torque sequence chart until

the specified torque is reached.

5.
Install coil (if removed).

6. Connect upper radiator hose and engine ground strap.

7.
Connect temperature sending unit wires and install

fuel and vacuum lines in clip at water outlet.

8. Fill cooling system.
•

9. Install manifold assembly as outlined.

10.
Install and adjust valve mechanism as outlined.

Fig.
4L
- Compressing Valve Spring

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL

ENGINE 6-21

CAUTION: Support cover
•
at sealing area.

(Tool J-971 may be used as support.)

Without Cover
Removal

1.
With crankshaft pulley and nub or torsional damper

removed, pry old seal out of cover from the front

with a large screw driver, being careful not to dam-

age the seal surface on the cover.

2.
Install new seal so that open end of seal is toward the

inside of cover and drive it into position with Tool

J-8340 (fig. 13L).

CAMSHAFT

Measuring Lobe Lift

NOTE: Procedure is similar to that used for

checking valve timing.. If improper valve

operation is indicated, measure the lift of each

push rod in consecutive order and record the

readings.

1.
Remove valve mechanism as outlined.

2.
Position indicator with ball socket adapter on push

rod (fig. 14L).

3.
Rotate the crankshaft slowly in the direction of rota-

tion until the lifter is on the heel of the cam lobe.

At this point, the push rod will be in its lowest

position.

4.
Set dial indicator on zero, then rotate the crankshaft

slowly, or attach an auxiliary starter switch and

"bump" the engine over, until the push rod is in the

fully raised position.

CAUTION: The primary distributor lead must

be disconnected from the negative post on the

coil and the ignition switch must be in the ON

position. Failure to do this will result in a

damaged grounding circuit in the ignition switch.
Fig.
15L - Timing Gear Marks

5.
Compare the total lift recorded from the dial indica-

tor with specifications.

6. Continue to rotate the crankshaft until the indicator

reads zero. This will be a check on the accuracy of

the original indicator reading.

7.
If camshaft readings for all lobes are within specifi-

cations, remove dial indicator assembly.

8. Install and adjust valve mechanism as outlined.

Removal

1.
Remove valve lifters as outlined,

2.
Remove crankcase front cover as outlined.

3.
Remove radiator as outlined in Section 13.

4.
Remove grille as outlined in Section 13.

5.
Remove fuel pump as outlined in Section 6M.

6. Align timing gear marks then remove the two cam-

shaft thrust plate bolts by working through holes in

Fig.
ML - Measuring Camshaft Lobe Lift
Fig.
16L - Checking Camshaft Gear Runout

CHEVROLET CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL