GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 351
alternating current developed
within the stator windings to a direct (DC) current
at the output (BAT) terminal. Three of these diodes are negative and are
mounted flush with the end frame while t he other three are positive and are
mounted into a strip called a heat sink. The positive diodes are easily identified
as the ones within small cavities or depressions.
The alternator charging system is a negative (-) ground system which consists
of an alternator, a regulat or, a charge indicator, a storage battery and wiring
connecting the components, and fuse link wire.
The alternator is belt-driven from t he engine. Energy is supplied from the
alternator/regulator system to the rotati ng field through two brushes to two slip-
rings. The slip-rings are mounted on the rotor shaft and are connected t\
o the
field coil. This energy supplied to the ro tating field from the battery is called
excitation current and is used to init ially energize the field to begin the
generation of electricity. Once the alter nator starts to generate electricity, the
excitation current comes from its ow n output rather than the battery.
The alternator produces power in the form of alternating current. The alternating
current is rectified by 6 diodes into dire ct current. The direct current is used to
charge the battery and power the rest of the electrical system.
When the ignition key is turned ON, current flows from the battery, through the
charging system indicator light on the in strument panel, to the voltage regulator,
and to the alternator. Since the alternat or is not producing any current, the
alternator warning light comes on. When the engine is started, the alternator
begins to produce current and turns the alte rnator light off. As the alternator
turns and produces current, the current is divided in two ways: part to the
battery(to charge the battery and power the electrical components of the
vehicle), and part is returned to the alte rnator (to enable it to increase its
output). In this situation, the alternator is receiving current from the battery and
from itself. A voltage regulat or is wired into the current supply to the alternator
to prevent it from receiving too much cu rrent which would cause it to put out too
much current. Conversely, if the voltage regulator does not allow the alternator
to receive enough current, the battery will not be fully charged and will
eventually go dead.
The battery is connected to the alternator at all times, whether the ignition key is
turned ON or not. If the battery were shorted to ground, the alternator would
also be shorted. This woul d damage the alternator. To prevent this, a fuse link
is installed in the wiring between the battery and the alternator. If the battery is
shorted, the fuse link melts, protecting the alternator.
An alternator is better that a convent ional, DC shunt generator because it is
lighter and more compact, because it is designed to supply the battery and
accessory circuits through a wide range of engine speeds, and because it
eliminates the necessary maintenance of replacing brushes and servicing
commutators.
PRECAUTIONS
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 354
Fig. 3: Unplugging the harness
While internal alternator repairs are possi ble, they require specialized tools and
training. Therefore, it is advisable to replace a defective alternator as an
assembly, or have it repai red by a qualified shop.
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
2. Tag and disconnect the alternator wiring.
3. Remove any drive belt(s) which may interfere with alternator removal.
4. Support the alternator and remove the mount bolt(s). Remove the unit
from the vehicle.
To install: 5. Position the alternator into place and install the mount bolt(s) loosely.
6. Install the drive belt(s). On V- belts, tighten the belt enough to allow
approximately
1/2 in. (13mm) of play on the longest run between pulleys.
7. Connect the alternator wiring.
8. Connect the battery ground cable.
VOLTAGE REGULATOR
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 359
3. Disconnect all wiring from the star
ter solenoid. Replace each nut as the
connector is removed (as thread sizes differ from connector to
connector). Note or tag the wiring positions for installation.
4. Remove the bracket from the st arter and the two mounting bolts. On
engines with a solenoid heat shield, remove the front bracket upper bolt
and detach the bracket fr om the starter.
5. Remove the front bracket bolt or nut. Lower the starter front end first, and
then remove the unit from the car.
To install: 6. Position the starter into place and se cure it with the front bracket bolt and
nut. Torque the two mounting bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs.
CAUTION - If shims were removed, they must be replaced to ensure proper
pinion-to-flywheel engagement.
7. On engines with a solenoid heat shield, attach the bracket to the starter.
Install the bracket to the starter and the two mounting bolts. Install the
front bracket upper bolt.
8. Connect all wiring to the starte r solenoid and tighten the nuts.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
SOLENOID REPLACEMENT 1. Remove the screw and washer from the motor connector strap terminal.
2. Remove the two solenoid retaining screws.
3. Twist the solenoid housing clockwis e to remove the flange key from the
keyway in the housing. Then remove the housing.
4. To re-install the unit, place the re turn spring on the plunger and place the
solenoid body on the driv e housing. Turn counterclockwise to engage the
flange key. Place the two retaining screws in position and install the
screw and washer which secures the strap terminal. Install the unit on
the starter.
SENDING UNITS AND SENSORS
For additional information on engine sensors, refer to Engine Performance &
Tune-up and Engine Controls in this repair guide.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 367
5.0L AND 5.7L ENGINES
Fig. 3: Engine mountin g points for the V8
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Mark the location of the hood on the hood hinges and remove the hood.
3. Remove the air cleaner.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. Remove the radiator hoses.
6. Disconnect the transmission cooler li nes, the electrical connectors and
retaining clips at the fan and remove the fan and shroud.
7. Remove the radiator.
8. Remove the accessory drive belt.
9. Disconnect the throttle cable.
10. Remove the plenum extension scr ews and the plenum extension, if
equipped.
11. Disconnect the spark plug wires at the distributor and remove the
distributor.
12. Disconnect the necessary vacuum hoses and wiring.
13. Disconnect the power steering and air conditioning compressors from
their respective brackets and lay them aside.
14. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure. Disconnect the fuel lines.
15. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the engine block.
16. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
17. Remove the exhaust pipes at the exhaust manifolds.
18. Remove the flywheel cover and remove the converter to flywheel bolts.
19. Disconnect the starter wires.
20. Remove the bellhousing bolts and the motor mount through-bolts.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Support the transmission with a suitable jack.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 373
Fig. 6: Removing the valve cover gasket
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the air cleaner, if necessary.
3. To remove the right side valv e cover, perform the following:
a. Through 1988: Disconnect the EG R solenoid transfer tube from
the plenum. Remove the coil and mounting bracket from the
cylinder head. Remove the plenum, runners and throttle body
assembly on tuned port injected models. Remove the valve cover
retainers and nuts. Remove the valve cover.
b. 1989-1992 vehicles: Remove the EGR pipe assembly, if
necessary. Unplug the electrical connections and wiring
harnesses as necessary. Label and disconnect the spark plug
wires from the distributor. Remo ve the crankcase vent hoses and
valves. Remove the coil. Remove the AIR control valve, check
valve, pipes and hoses. Remove t he valve cover bolts and remove
the cover.
4. To remove the left side valve cover, perform the following:
a. Through 1988: Remove the air management hose, if equipped.
Remove the plenum and throttle body assembly on tuned port
injected models. Remove the air conditioning bracket. Remove the
valve cover reinforcements and nuts. Remove the valve cover.
b. 1989-1992 vehicles: Unplug the electrical connections and the
wiring harnesses, as necessary . Remove the alternator and
disconnect the crankcase hoses and the PCV valve. Remove the
valve cover bolts and remove the valve cover.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 381
It is not necessary to remove the radi
ator hose from the thermostat housing.
4. Remove the two retaining bolts from the thermostat housing and remove
the thermostat.
To install: 5. Using a new gasket, install the thermostat and housing.
6. Tighten the bolts to 21 ft lbs. (28 Nm).
7. Fill and bleed t he cooling system.
INTAKE MANIFOLD
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
When servicing all vehicles, be absolutel y sure to mark vacuum hoses and
wiring so that these items may be properly reconnected during installation. Also,
when disconnecting fitting lines (fuel lines, power brake vacuum lines,
transmission and engine cooler lines, etc.), always use two flare nut (or line)
wrenches. Hold the wrench on the large fitti ng with pressure on the wrench as if
you were tightening the fitting (clockw ise), THEN loosen and disconnect the
smaller fitting from the larger fitting. If this is not done, damage to the line will
result. Always relieve fuel system pressure before disconnecting lines.
CAUTION - When draining the coolant, keep in mind that cats and dogs are
attracted by the ethylene gl ycol antifreeze, and are quite likely to drink any that
is left in an uncovered container or in puddles on the ground. This will prove
fatal in sufficient quantity. Always drai n the coolant into a sealable container.
Coolant should be reused unless it is contaminated or several years old.
2.5L ENGINE
Fig. 1: Intake manifold bol t torque sequence for 2.5L engine
1. Disconnect the negative batte ry cable at the battery.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.
3. Remove the PCV valve and hose.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. Disconnect the fuel lines from the Throttle Body Injection (TBI) unit.
6. Mark and disconnect the vacuum li nes and the electrical connections
from the TBI unit.
7. Disconnect the linkage from the TBI unit (throttle, downshift, and/or
cruise control, as applicable).
8. Disconnect the coolant inlet and outlet hoses from the intake manifold.
9. Remove the air conditioning co mpressor support brackets and the
compressor. DO NOT disconnect the refrigerant lines from the
compressor. Lay the compressor aside.
10. Remove the manifold attachi ng bolts and remove the manifold.
To install:
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 386
FUEL INJECTION
1. Remove the air cleaner.
2. Drain the radiator.
3. Disconnect: a. Battery cables at the battery.
b. Upper radiator and heater hoses at the manifold.
c. Crankcase ventilation hoses as required.
d. Fuel line at the carburetor.
e. Accelerator linkage.
f. Vacuum hose at the distributor, if equipped.
g. Power brake hose at the car buretor base or manifold, if
applicable.
h. Temperature sending switch wires.
4. Remove the distributor cap and scribe the rotor position relative to the
distributor body, and engine.
5. Remove the distributor.
6. If applicable, remove the alternator upper bracket. As required, remove
the air cleaner bracket, and accelerator bellcrank.
7. Remove the manifold-to-head attachi ng bolts, then remove the manifold
and carburetor as an assembly.
8. Mark and disconnect all emission re lated items (e.g.: wiring, vacuum
hoses, etc.) which are connected to manifold mounted items.
9. If the manifold is to be replaced , transfer the carburetor (and mounting
studs), water outlet and thermostat (use a new gasket) heater hose
adapter, EGR valve (use new gasket) and, if applicable, TVS switch(s)
and the choke coil.
To install: 10. Before installing the manifold, thoroughly clean the gasket and sealing
surfaces of the cylinder heads and manifold.
11. Install the manifold end seals, folding the tabs if applicable, and the
manifold/head gaskets, using a s ealing compound around the water
passages.
Make sure that the new manifold gaskets match the old ones EXACTLY.
12. When installing the manifold, care should be taken not to dislocate the
end seals. It is helpful to use a pilo t in the distributor opening. Tighten the
manifold bolts to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm) for 5.0L or 20-25 ft. lbs. (27-34 Nm)
for 2.8L in the sequence illustrated.
13. Install the distributor with the rotor in its original location as indicated by
the scribe line. If the engi ne has been disturbed, refer to the previous
Distributor Removal and Installation procedure.
14. If applicable, install the alter nator upper bracket and adjust the belt
tension.
15. Connect all disconnected components at their original locations.
16. Fill the cooling system, start the engine, check for leaks and adjust the
ignition timing and carburetor idle speed and mixture.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 387
TBI EQUIPPED 5.0L ENGINE
1982-1983 CROSSFIRE FUEL INJECTION MODELS
Fig. 7: Crossfire inje ction upper plenum and gasket
1. Disconnect the negative batte ry cable at the battery.
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.
3. Drain the cooling system.
4. Disconnect the fuel inlet line.
5. Remove the exhaust gas re circulation (EGR) solenoid.
6. Disconnect the wiring fr om the idle air motors, injectors, and the throttle
position sensor (TPS).
7. Disconnect the fuel return line at the rear TBI unit.
8. Remove the power brake booster line.
9. Disconnect the accelerator and crui se control cables, unbolt the cable
bracket from the manifold and tie t he cable and bracket assembly out of
the way.
10. Disconnect the positive crankcase vent ilation valve hose at the manifold
and move the hose aside.
11. Mark and disconnect any vacuum hoses which will interfere with removal of the manifold.
12. If you plan on removing the TBI units from the upper manifold plate, remove the fuel balance tube (connec ting the units) at this time.
13. Remove the bolts which attach the upp er manifold plate (or TBI plate) to
the intake manifold. Lift the TBI and plate assembly off of the intake
manifold.
14. Remove the distributor as previously outlined.
15. Disconnect the upper radiator hos e from the thermostat housing.
16. Disconnect the heater hose fr om the intake manifold.
17. Remove the intake manifold-to- cylinder head bolts and lift the intake
manifold assembly off of the engine.