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) 692
IDLE AIR VALVE
A cover is in place over t
he idle air bleed valve. Also , the access holes to the
idle mixture needles are s ealed with hardened plugs. This is done to seal the
factory settings, during original equipment production. These items are NOT to
be removed unless required for cleaning, part replacement, improper dwell
readings or if the System Performance Check indicates the carburetor is the
cause of the trouble.
ROCHESTER E4ME AND E4MC
1. With engine OFF, cover the internal bowl vents and inlet to bleed valve
and the carburetor air intakes with maski ng tape. This is done to prevent
metal chips from entering.
2. Carefully drill rivet head of idle air bleed cover, with 0.110 in. (2.8mm) drill bit.
3. Remove rivet head and all pieces of rivet.
4. Lift cover off air bleed valve and bl ow out any metal shavings, or use a
magnet to remove excess metal.
CAUTION - Always wear eye protection when using compressed air.
5. Remove masking tape.
6. Start engine and allow it to reac h normal operating temperature.
7. Disconnect the vacuum hose from t he canister purge valve and plug it.
8. While idling in D for automatic transmission or N for manual
transmission, slowly turn the valve c ounterclockwise or clockwise, until
the dwell reading varies within the 25-35 degree range, attempting to be
as close to 30 degrees as possible.
Perform this step carefully. The air bleed valve is very sensitive and should be
turned in
1/8 turn increments only.
9. If the dwell reading d oes not vary and is not within the 25-35 degree
range, it will be necessary to remove the plugs and to adjust the idle
mixture needles.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 716
INJECTOR REPLACEMENT
Use care in removing injectors to prev
ent damage to the electrical connector
pins on top of the injector, the fuel injector fuel filter and nozzle. The fuel injector
is serviced as a complete assembly on ly and should never be immersed in any
type of cleaner.
SINGLE INJECTOR UNITS 1. Relieve the fuel system pressure.
2. Remove the air cleaner.
3. Detach the injector connector by squeezing the two tabs together and
pulling straight up.
4. Remove the screws securing the fuel meter cover. Note the location of
any short screws for correct placement during reassembly.
CAUTION - DO NOT remove the four screws se curing the pressure regulator to
the fuel meter cover. The fuel pressure regulator includes a large spring under
heavy tension which could cause personal injury if released.
5. With the old fuel meter gasket in place to prevent damage to the casting,
use a prytool and fulcrum to pry the inje ctor carefully until it is free from
the fuel meter body.
6. Remove the injector.
7. Remove the large O-ring and steel back-up washer at the top of the
injector cavity in the fuel meter body.
8. Remove the small O-ring located at the bottom of the injector cavity.
To Install: 9. Lubricate the new, small O-ring with automatic transmission fluid; then,
push the new O-ring on the nozzle end of the injector up against the
injector fuel filter.
10. Install the steel backup washer in the recess of the fuel meter body.
Lubricate the new large O-ring with automatic transmission fluid, then
install the O-ring directly above t he backup washer, pressing the O-ring
down into the cavity recess. The O-ri ng is properly installed when it is
flush with the casting surface.
WARNING - Do not attempt to reverse this procedure and install the backup
washer and O-ring after the injector is located in the cavity. To do so will
prevent proper seating of the O-ring in th e cavity recess which could result in a
fuel leak and possible fire.
11. Install the injector by using a pushing/twisting mo tion to center the nozzle
O-ring in the bottom of the injector cavity and aligning the raised lug on
the injector base with the notch cast into the fuel meter body. Push down
on the injector making sure it is fully seated in the cavity. Injector
installation is correct when the lug is seated in the notch and the
electrical terminals are parallel to the throttle shaft.
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) 761
MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR?
Maintenance includes routine inspecti
ons, adjustments, and replacement of
parts which show signs of normal wear . Maintenance compensates for wear or
deterioration. Repair implies that someth ing has broken or is not working. A
need for a repair is often caused by lack of maintenance. for example: draining
and refilling automatic transmission fl uid is maintenance recommended at
specific intervals. Failure to do this can shorten the life of the
transmission/transaxle, requiring very expen sive repairs. While no maintenance
program can prevent items from eventually breaking or wearing out, a general
rule is true: MAINTENANCE IS CHEAPER THAN REPAIR.
Two basic mechanic's rules should be mentioned here. First, whenever the left
side of the vehicle or engine is refe rred to, it means the driver's side.
Conversely, the right side of the vehi cle means the passenger's side. Second,
screws and bolts are removed by turn ing counterclockwise, and tightened by
turning clockwise unless specifically noted.
Safety is always the most important rule. Constantly be aware of the dangers
involved in working on an automobile and take the proper precautions. Please
refer to the information in this se ction regarding SERVICING YOUR VEHICLE
SAFELY and the SAFETY NOTICE on the acknowledgment page.
AVOIDING THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES
Pay attention to the instructions prov ided. There are 3 common mistakes in
mechanical work:
1. Incorrect order of assembly, di sassembly or adjustment. When taking
something apart or putting it toget her, performing steps in the wrong
order usually just costs you ex tra time; however, it CAN break
something. Read the entire proc edure before beginning. Perform
everything in the order in which the instructions say you should, even if
you can't see a reason for it. When you' re taking apart something that is
very intricate, you might want to draw a picture of how it looks when
assembled in order to make sure you get everything back in its proper
position. When making adjustments, per form them in the proper order.
One adjustment possibly will affect another.
2. Overtorquing (or undertorquing). While it is more common for overtorquing to cause damage, undertorquing may allow a fastener to
vibrate loose causing serious dam age. Especially when dealing with
aluminum parts, pay attention to tor que specifications and utilize a torque
wrench in assembly. If a torque figure is not available, remember that if
you are using the right tool to perfo rm the job, you will probably not have
to strain yourself to get a fast ener tight enough. The pitch of most
threads is so slight that the te nsion you put on the wrench will be
multiplied many times in actual fo rce on what you are tightening.
There are many commercial products avai lable for ensuring that fasteners won't
come loose, even if they are not torqued just right (a very common brand is