
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 659
VALVE LASH
All models utilize a hydraulic valve lifter system to obtain zero lash. No periodic
adjustment is necessary. An initial adjustm
ent is required anytime that the lifters
are removed or the valve tr ain is disturbed. This procedure is covered in Engine
& Engine Overhaul .
IDLE SPEED AND MIXTURE ADJUSTMENTS
Mixture adjustments are factory set and sealed; no adjustment attempt should
be made, except by an aut horized GM dealer or reputable shop equipped with
the necessary equipment.
IDLE SPEED
2-BBL CARBURETOR
WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING
The engine must be running in "Closed Loop" mode (engine fully warmed) when
making all idle speed adjustments. In this mode, the oxygen sensor affects
control of the fuel delivery.
1. Refer to the emission label on the vehicle and prepare the engine for
adjustments (set the timing). Remove the air cleaner and set the parking
brake. Connect a tachometer to the distributor connector.
2. Place the transmission in DRIVE for automatic transmission, or
NEUTRAL for manual transmission; make sure that the solenoid is
energized.
3. Open the throttle slightly to allow the solenoid plunger to extend. Adjust
the curb idle speed to the specified rpm by turning the solenoid screw.
4. De-energize the solenoid by disconnecting the electrical lead.
5. Set the basic idle speed rpm by turning the idle speed screw. After
adjustment, reconnect the solenoid electrical lead.
6. Remove the tachometer and install the air cleaner.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 660
Fig. 1: Idle speed adjustm ents - 2-bbl carburetor (without air conditioning)
WITH AIR CONDITIONING
The engine must be running in "Closed Loop" mode (engine fully warmed) when
making all idle speed adjustments. In this mode, the oxygen sensor affects
control of the fuel delivery.
1. Refer to the emission label on the vehicle and prepare the engine for
adjustments (set the timing). Remove the air cleaner and set the parking
brake. Connect a tachometer to the distributor connector.
2. Place the transmission in DRIVE for automatic transmission, or
NEUTRAL for manual transmission. Tu rn the air conditioning OFF and
set the curb idle speed by turning the idle speed screw.
3. Disconnect the electrical lead at the A/C compressor, then turn the A/C
switch ON.
4. With the solenoid e nergized, open the throttle slightly to allow the
solenoid plunger to extend.
5. Turn the solenoid screw to adjust to the specified rpm. After adjustment,
reconnect the A/C compressor lead and turn the air conditioning OFF.
6. Remove the tachometer and install the air cleaner.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 661
Fig. 2: Idle speed adjustm ents - 2-bbl carburetor (with air conditioning)
4-BBL CARBURETOR
WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING
The engine must be running in "Closed Loop" mode (engine fully warmed) when
making all idle speed adjustments. In this mode, the oxygen sensor affects
control of the fuel delivery.
1. Refer to the emission label on the vehicle and prepare the engine for
adjustments (set the timing). Se t the parking brake. Connect a
tachometer to the dist ributor connector.
2. Place the transmission in DRIVE for automatic transmission, or
NEUTRAL for manual transmission.
3. De-energize the idle speed solenoid by disconnecting the electrical lead.
4. Set the basic idle speed rpm by turning the idle speed screw.
5. Connect a jumper wire from a 12-vo lt power supply to the solenoid.
6. Open the throttle partially to ensure that the solenoid plunger is fully
extended, and allow the throttle lever to close on the plunger.
7. Turn the solenoid plunger to adj ust to the specified rpm. After
adjustment, disconnect the jumper wire and reconnect the solenoid
electrical lead.
8. Remove the tachometer and install the air cleaner.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 662
Fig. 3: Idle speed adjustm ents - 4-bbl carburetor
WITH AIR CONDITIONING
The engine must be running in "Closed Loop" mode (engine fully warmed) when
making all idle speed adjustments. In this mode, the oxygen sensor affects
control of the fuel delivery.
1. Refer to the emission label on the vehicle and prepare the engine for
adjustments (set the timing). Se t the parking brake. Connect a
tachometer to the dist ributor connector.
2. Place the transmission in DRIVE for automatic transmission, or
NEUTRAL for manual transmission. Tu rn the air conditioning OFF.
3. De-energize the idle speed solenoid by disconnecting the electrical lead.
4. Set the basic idle speed rpm by turning the idle speed screw. After
adjustment, reconnect the solenoid electrical lead.
5. Disconnect the electrical lead from the A/C compressor and turn the A/C
switch ON.
6. Open the throttle partially to ensure that the solenoid plunger is fully
extended, and allow the throttle lever to close on the plunger.
7. Turn the solenoid plunger to adj ust to the specified rpm. After
adjustment, reconnect the A/C co mpressor lead and turn the air
conditioning OFF.
8. Remove the tachometer and install the air cleaner.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 698
5. Disconnect and plug hose to canister purge port.
6. Disconnect and plug hose to idle load compensator.
7. Back out idle stop screw
on carburetor 3 turns.
8. Turn air conditioning OFF.
9. Block drive wheels, set parki ng brake, place transmission in P, start and
warm engine to normal operating temperature. Make certain choke is
OPEN .
10. With engine RUNNING place transmission in D and idle load
compensator fully extended (no vacuum applied). Using tool J-29607, or
equivalent, adjust plunger to obtain 650-750 rpm. Locknut on plunger
must be held with a wrench to prevent damage to guide tabs.
11. Measure distance from the locknut to tip of the plunger. This distance
must not exceed 1 in. (25mm). If it does check for low idle condition.
12. Reconnect vacuum hose to idle load compensator and observe idle
speed.
13. Idle speed should be between 425-475 rpm in D.
14. If idle speed is correct no further adjustment is necessary, proceed to the
next step. If idle speed is still incorrect continue as follows:
It may be necessary to remove the idle load compensator from the engine
unless a hex key wrench is m odified to clear obstructions.
a. Stop engine, remove rubber cap from the center outlet tube.
b. Using a 0.90 in. (23mm) hex wrench, insert through open center tube to
engage idle speed adjusting screw.
c. If idle speed was low, turn t he adjusting screw counterclockwise
approximately 1 turn for every 85 rpm low. If idle speed was high turn
screw 1 turn for every 85 rpm high.
15. Disconnect and plug vacuum hose to the idle load compensator.
16. Using a hand pump, apply vacuum to the idle load compensator until fully
retracted.
17. Adjust the idle stop screw on carburetor float bowl to obtain 450 rpm in
D .
18. Place transmission in P and stop engine.
19. Reconnect the idle load compensator.
20. Reconnect all vacuum hoses.
21. Install air cleaner and gasket. Remove wheel blocks.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 732
MINIMUM IDLE AND THROTTL
E VALVE SYNCHRONIZING
The throttle position of each throttle body must be balanced so that the throttle
plates are synchronized and open si multaneously. These adjustment
procedures must be followed AFTER performing the "Preliminary Adjustments".
1. Remove the air cleaner and plug the vacuum port on the rear TBI unit for
the thermostatic air cleaner.
2. Remove the tamper resistant pl ugs covering both unit throttle stop
screws, if necessary.
3. Block the drive wheels and apply the parking brake.
4. Connect a tachometer to measure rpm.
5. Start the engine and allo w the engine rpm to stabilize at normal operating
temperature.
6. Have a helper apply the brakes and place the transmission in DRIVE.
7. Plug the idle air pass ages of each throttle body with plugs (J-33047 or
equivalent). Make sure the plugs are seated fully in the passage so that
no air leaks exist. The engine rpm should decrease below curb idle
speed. If the engine rpm does not decreas e, check for a vacuum leak.
8. Remove the cap from the ported tube on the rear TBI unit and connect a
vacuum gauge or water manometer.
9. Adjust the rear unit throttle stop screw to obtain approximately
1/2 in. Hg
as read on the vacuum gauge, or 6 in. H
2O as read on the manometer. If
not able to adjust to this level, check that the front unit throttle stop is not
limiting throttle travel.
10. Remove the vacuum gauge or manometer from t he rear unit and install
the cap on the port ed vacuum tube.
11. Remove the cap from the ported va cuum tube on the front TBI unit and
install the gauge or manomet er as before. If the reading is not the same
as the rear unit, proceed as follows: a. Locate the throttle synchronizing screw and collar on the front TBI
unit. The screw may be welded to discourage tampering with this
adjustment. Break the weld, if ne cessary, and install a new screw
with a thread seali ng compound applied.
b. Adjust the screw to obtain approximately
1/2 in. Hg as read on the
vacuum gauge, or 6 in. H
2O on the manometer.
12. Remove the gauge or manometer fr om the ported tube and reinstall the
cap.
13. Adjust the rear throttle stop screw to obtain 475 rpm, with the
transmission in D and the parking brake applied. On manual
transmission models, leave the gear selector in N.
14. Turn the ignition OFF and pl ace automatic transmission in N.
15. Remove idle air passage plugs.
16. Start the engine. It may run at a high rpm but the engine speed should
decrease when the idle air control va lves close the air passages. Stop
the engine when the rpm decreases.
17. The throttle position sensor (TPS) voltage should be checked and adjusted, if necessary.
18. Connect the vacuum line to the TBI unit and install the air cleaner.
19. Reset the idle speed control motors by driving the vehicle to 45 mph.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 760
GENERAL INFORMATION & MAINTENANCE
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION
The introductory part of this repair gui de is intended to help you learn more
about the inner workings of your Camaro while saving you money on its upkeep
and operation.
The beginning of the repair guide will likely be referred to the most, since that is
where you will find information for maintenance and tune-up. The other
information deals with the more complex systems of your vehicle. Systems
(from engine through brakes) are covered to the extent that the average do-it-
yourselfer can attempt. This repair guide will not explain such things as
rebuilding a differential because the ex pertise required and the special tools
necessary make this uneconomical. It will, however, give you detailed
instructions to help you change your own brake pads and shoes, replace spark
plugs, and perform many more jobs that can save you money and help avoid
expensive problems.
A secondary purpose of this repair guide is a reference for owners who want to
understand their vehicle and/or their mechanics better.
WHERE TO BEGIN
Before removing any bolts, read through t he entire procedure. This will give you
the overall view of what tools and supplies will be required. So read ahead and
plan ahead. Each operation should be approached logically and all procedures
thoroughly understood before attempting any work.
If repair of a component is not considered practical, we tell you how to remove
the part and then how to insta ll the new or rebuilt replacement. In this way, you
at least save labor costs.
AVOIDING TROUBLE
Many procedures in this repair guide r equire you to "label and disconnect ..." a
group of lines, hoses or wires. Don't be think you can remember where
everything goes - you won't. If you hook up va cuum or fuel lines incorrectly, the
vehicle may run poorly, if at all. If you hook up electrical wiring incorrectly, you
may instantly learn a very expensive lesson.
You don't need to know the proper name for each hose or line. A piece of
masking tape on the hose and a piece on its fitting will allow you to assign your
own label. As long as you remember your own code, the lines can be
reconnected by matching your tags. Re member that tape will dissolve in
gasoline or solvents; if a part is to be washed or cleaned, use another method
of identification. A permanent felt-tipped marker or a metal scribe can be very
handy for marking metal parts. Remove any tape or paper labels after
assembly.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 766
In addition to the above it
ems there are several others that are not absolutely
necessary, but handy to have around. These include an equivalent oil
absorbent gravel, like cat litter, and the usual supply of lubricants, antifreeze
and fluids. This is a basic list for rout ine maintenance, but only your personal
needs and desire can accurately determine your list of tools.
After performing a few projects on the vehi cle, you'll be amazed at the other
tools and non-tools on your workbench. Some useful household items are: a
large turkey baster or siphon, empty coff ee cans and ice trays (to store parts), a
ball of twine, electrical t ape for wiring, small rolls of colored tape for tagging
lines or hoses, markers and pens, a note pad, golf tees (for plugging vacuum
lines), metal coat hangers or a roll of mechanic's wire (to hold things out of the
way), dental pick or similar long, poi nted probe, a strong magnet, and a small
mirror (to see into rece sses and under manifolds).
Fig. 7: Although not always necessary, us ing specialized brake tools will save
time