1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO Repair Guide

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 793

Fig. 3: Adding coolant to the recove ry tank to fill to the proper level

Fig. 4: Be sure the rubber gasket on the radiator cap has a tight seal

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 794

Fig. 5: Periodically remove all debris from the radiator fins
CAUTION - Do not remove a radiator cap wh ile the engine and radiator are still
hot. Danger of burns by scalding fluid and steam under pressure may result!
1. With a cool engine, slowly rotate t he radiator cap counterclockwise to the
detent without pressing down on the cap.
2. Wait until any remaini ng pressure is relieved by listening for a hissing
sound.
3. After all the pressure is relieved, press down on the cap and continue to
rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise.
4. With a suitable container to catc h the fluid under the radiator, open the
radiator drain cock.
5. If equipped, remove the engine blo ck drain plugs and the knock sensor,
located on either side of the engine block. This will help to drain the
coolant from the block.
6. Loosen or slide the recovery tank hos e clamp at the radiator filler neck
overflow tube and remove the hose. Holding the hose down to the drain
pan, allow the recovery tank to empty. Attach the hose to the filler neck
overflow and tighten the clamp.
7. Close the radiator drain cock and install the engine block drain plug and
knock sensor. Tighten the knock sensor to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm), the engine
block drain plug to 15 ft. lbs. (21 N m), and the drain cock to 13 inch lbs.
(1.5 Nm).
8. Add enough coolant mixture to fill the system to a level just below the
radiator neck. Fill the reservoir a ssembly to the "FULL COLD" mark.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 795
Fill the cooling system wit
h a 50/50 mixture of water and Ethylene Glycol
antifreeze. Freezing protection should be appropriate for temperatures of -34°F
(-37°C). When filling the coolant system, add two cooling system sealer pellets
(GM part no. 3634621 or equivalent).
9. Firmly set the parking brake. Run t he engine with the radiator cap OFF,
until normal operating tem perature is reached.
CAUTION - Under some conditions, ethylene glycol is flammable. To avoid
being burned when adding engine coolant, do not spill it on the exhaust system
or on hot engine parts.
10. With the engine idlin g, add engine coolant to t he radiator until the level
reaches the bottom of t he radiator fill neck. Install the cap assembly.
When installing the cap, make sure t hat the arrows on the cap line up
with the overflow tube.
Never add cold water to an overheated engine.
11. Add coolant to the recovery tank, as necessary.
12. After filling the radiator and recovery tank, run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature, to ma ke sure that the thermostat has
opened and all the air is bled from the system.

Fig. 6: Cutaway view of a typical cooling system flow

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 796

Fig. 7: Cooling systems should be pr essure tested for leaks periodically
FLUSHING AND CLEANING THE SYSTEM

Fig. 8: Flush system until the fluid drained is nearly colorless

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 797
The cooling system should be drained, th
oroughly flushed and refilled at least
every 30,000 miles or 24 months. This operation should be done with the \
engine cold.
1. Drain the cooling system as de scribed earlier in this section.
2. Fill the cooling system with warm water and start the engine. Run the
engine until normal operating temperature is reached.
3. At this point, turn the engine o ff and again drain the cooling system.
4. Repeat this procedure until the flui d draining from the system is nearly
colorless.
5. Remove, empty and reinstall the coolant recovery reservoir assembly.
6. Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze,
as outlined in the prev ious procedure.
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
When adding or replacing the brake fluid, always use a top quality fluid, such as
Delco Supreme II or equivalent DOT-3 flui d. DO NOT allow the master cylinder
reservoir to remain open for long periods of time; brake fluid absorbs moisture
from the air, reducing it s effectiveness and causing corrosion in the lines.
Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring cables
or electrical connections. Brake fl uid will damage paint and electrical
connections. If any fluid is spilled on t he vehicle, flush with water to lessen
damage.
LEVEL CHECK

Fig. 1: Check master cylinder fluid leve l against indicator on side of reservoir.
Fluid level should not be below MIN marking on reservoir.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 798

Fig. 2: Remove the reservoir cover, inspect condition of brake fluid and\

reservoir diaphragm

Fig. 3: Add clean brake fluid meeting DOT- 3 requirements to fill reservoir to the
proper level

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 799
The master cylinder is located in
the left rear section of the engine
compartment. The brake master cylinder consists of an aluminum body and a
translucent nylon reservoir with minimum fill indicators.
1. Check the master cylinder body for cracks. Inspect the area around the
master cylinder for brake fluid. Leaks are indicated if there is at least a
drop of fluid. A damp condition is not normal.
2. Inspect the level of the brake fluid to assure it is at the correct height.
Clean the top of the reservoir cap so t hat all dirt is removed. Remove the
cap(s) or reservoir cover and the reservoir diaphragm.
3. Inspect the brake fluid level. Add clean DOT-3 brake fluid as required to
bring the fluid level to the line located inside the neck of the reservoir fill
opening.
4. Install the reservoir cap.
WARNING - Any sudden decrease in the fluid level indicates a possible leak in
the system and should be check ed out immediately. Do not allow brake fluid to
spill on the vehicle's finish; it will remove the paint. In case of a spill, flush the
area with water and mild soap.
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
• 1982-1991 - Delco Supreme II Brake fl uid or an equivalent fluid that
meets DOT-3 specifications
• 1992 - Hydraulic clutch fluid, GM part number 12345347 or equivalent
LEVEL CHECK
The clutch master cylinder is normally lo cated below the brake master cylinder.
The reservoir for it is located right bes ide the brake master cylinder and is made
of translucent nylon. The fl uid level of the reservoir sh ould be kept near the top
of the observation window. Before removing the cap to the reservoir, clean all
dirt from the area. This will prevent syst em contamination due to particles falling
into the reservoir when the caps are removed.
POWER STEERING PUMP
FLUID RECOMMENDATIONS
• GM power steering fluid, or equivalent.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 800
LEVEL CHECK

Fig. 1: Common power steering pump location

Fig. 2: Power steering pump reservoir cap with fluid level indicator attached