
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 442
To install:
7. Lubricate all parts. Slide the ca mshaft onto the camshaft bearings.
8. Install the fuel pump and fuel pump pushrod.
9. Install the distributor and align all matchmarks.
10. Install the oil pump drive.
11. Install the valve lifters, pushrods and rocker arms.
12. Install the intake manifold and valve covers.
13. Install the timing and timing chain cover.
14. Install the radiator.
15. Fill the cooling syst em, start the engine and check for leaks.
BEARING
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
It is recommended for a machine shop to perform these procedures.
To remove the camshaft bearings, the ca mshaft lifters, flywheel, rear camshaft
expansion plug, and cranks haft must be removed.
Camshaft bearings can be replaced wi th engine completely or partially
disassembled. To replace bearings without complete disassembly remove the
camshaft and crankshaft leaving cylinder heads attached and pistons in place.
Before removing crankshaft, tape threads of connecting rod bolts to prevent
damage to crankshaft. Fasten connecting rods against sides of engine so they
will not be in the way while replacing camshaft bearings.
If excessive wear is indicated, or if the engine is being completely rebuilt,
camshaft bearings should be replaced as follows: Drive the camshaft rear plug
from the block. Assemble the removal puller with its shoulder on the bearing to
be removed. Gradually tighten the puller nut until bearing is removed. Remove
remaining bearings, leaving the front and rear for last. To remove front and rear
bearings, reverse position of the tool, so as to pull the bearings in toward the
center of the block. Leave the tool in th is position, pilot the new front and rear
bearings on the installer, and pull them into position as follows:
• 4 cylinder engines: Ensure oil holes are properly aligned.
• V6 engines: Ensure the rear and intermediate bearing oil holes are
aligned between the 2 and 3 o'clock po sitions and the front bearing oil
holes are at 1:00 and between 2 and 3 o'clock positions.
• V8 engines: Ensure the No. 1 (f ront) camshaft bearing holes are an
equal distance from the 6 o'clock pos ition. The No. 2 through 4 inner
bearing holes must be posit ioned at the 5 o'clock position towards the left
side (drivers) of the engine, even wit h the bottom of the cylinder bore.
The No. 5 bearing oil holes must be positioned at 12 o'clock.
Return the tool to its original position and pull remaining bearings into position.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 443
Ensure that oil holes are properly al
igned. Replace camshaft rear plug, and
stake it into position to aid retention.
INSPECTION
CAMSHAFT LOBE LIFT
Check the lift of each lobe in consecutiv e order and make a note of the reading.
1. Remove the fresh air inlet tube a nd the air cleaner. Remove the heater
hose and crankcase ventilation hoses. Remove valve rocker arm
cover(s).
2. Remove the rocker arm stud nut or fulcrum bolts, fulcrum seat and rocker
arm.
3. Make sure the pushrod is in the valve tappet socket. Install a dial indicator so that the actuating poin t of the indicator is in the pushrod
socket (or the indicator ball socket adapter tool is on the end of the
pushrod) and in the same plane as the pushrod movement.
4. Disable the ignition and fuel systems.
5. Install a remote starter switch. Crank the engine with the ignition and fuel
system disabled. Turn the crankshaft ov er until the tappet is on the base
circle of the camshaft lobe. At this position, the pushrod will be in its
lowest position.
6. Zero the dial indicator. Continue to rotate the crankshaft slowly until the
pushrod is in the fully raised position.
7. Compare the total lift recorded on the dial indicator with the specification
shown on the Camshaft Specification chart.
To check the accuracy of the original in dicator reading, continue to rotate the
crankshaft until the indicator reads zero. If the lift on any lobe is below specified
wear limits listed, the ca mshaft and the valve tappet operating on the worn
lobe(s) must be replaced.
8. Install the rocker arm, fulcrum seat and stud nut or fulcrum bolts. Adjust
the valves, if required (r efer to the valves procedure in this section).
9. Install the valve rocker arm cover(s) and the air cleaner.
CAMSHAFT END PLAY
On all gasoline V8 engi nes, prying against the aluminum-nylon camshaft
sprocket, with the valve train load on t he camshaft, can break or damage the
sprocket. Therefore, the rocker arm adj usting nuts must be backed off, or the
rocker arm and shaft assembly must be loosened sufficiently to free the
camshaft. After checking the camshaft e nd play, check the valve clearance.
Adjust if required (refer to procedure in this section).
1. Push the camshaft toward the rear of the engine. Install a dial indicator or
equivalent so that the indicator point is on the camshaft sprocket
attaching screw.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 463
Fig. 9: Example of a fl ange type exhaust system joint
Before removing any component on a fl ange type system, ALWAYS squirt a
liquid rust dissolving agent onto the fast eners for ease of removal. Start by
unbolting the exhaust piece at both ends (if required). When unbolting the
headpipe from the manifold, make sure that the bolts are free before trying to
remove them. if you snap a stud in t he exhaust manifold, the stud will have to
be removed with a bolt extractor, which often means removal of the manifold
itself. Next, disconnect the component fr om the mounting; slight twisting and
turning may be required to remove the co mponent completely from the vehicle.
You may need to tap on the component wit h a rubber mallet to loosen the
component. If all else fails, use a hacksaw to separate the parts. An oxy-
acetylene cutting torch may be faster but the sparks are DANGEROUS near the
fuel tank, and at the very least, accident s could happen, resulting in damage to
the under-car parts, not to mention yourself.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 465
Fig. 12: Muffler hanger attachment
ENGINE RECONDITIONING DETE RMINING ENGINE CONDITION
Anything that generates heat and/or friction will eventually burn or wear out (i.e.
a light bulb generates heat, therefore its life span is limited). With this in mind, a
running engine generates trem endous amounts of both; friction is encountered
by the moving and rotating parts inside the engine and heat is created b\
y
friction and combustion of the fuel. Ho wever, the engine has systems designed
to help reduce the effects of heat and fr iction and provide added longevity. The
oiling system reduces the amount of fr iction encountered by the moving parts
inside the engine, while the cooling system reduces heat created by friction and
combustion. If either system is not main tained, a break-down will be inevitable.
Therefore, you can see how regular main tenance can affect the service life of
your vehicle. If you do not drain, flush and refill your cooling system at the
proper intervals, deposits will begin to accumulate in the radiator, thereby
reducing the amount of heat it can extrac t from the coolant. The same applies to
your oil and filter; if it is not changed often enoug h it becomes laden with
contaminates and is unable to properly lubricate the engine. This increases
friction and wear.
There are a number of methods for evaluat ing the condition of your engine. A
compression test can reveal the condition of your pistons, piston rings, cylinder
bores, head gasket(s), valves and valve seat s. An oil pressure test can warn
you of possible engine bearing, or oil pump failures. Excessive oil consumption,
evidence of oil in the engine air intake area and/or bluish smoke from the tail
pipe may indicate worn piston rings, worn valve guides and/or valve seals. As a
general rule, an engine that uses no more than one quart of oil every 1000
miles is in good condi tion. Engines that use one quart of oil or more in less than
1000 miles should first be checked for oil leaks. If any oil leaks are present,
have them fixed before dete rmining how much oil is consumed by the engine,
especially if blue smoke is not visible at the tail pipe.
COMPRESSION TEST
A noticeable lack of engine power, excessive oil consumption and/or poor fuel
mileage measured over an extended period are all indicators of internal engine

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 541
EVAPORATIVE EMISS
ION CONTROLS
OPERATION
This system reduces the amount of gasoline vapors escaping into the
atmosphere. Some models em ploy a purge control solenoid which is controlled
by the ECM, to open and close the EE C system. Other models use a canister
mounted vacuum purge valve; when the engine vacuum reaches a certain
pressure, the valve opens allowing the gas vapors to be drawn off to the
carburetor for burning.
Carbureted models use an exhaust tube fr om the float bowl to the charcoal
canister; fuel injected models eliminate the fuel bowl tube (as no float bowl is
used on fuel injection systems). Fuel vapor s from the gas tank travel from the
tank to the vapor canister , where they are collected. Although the system varies
from vehicle-to-vehicle, the operat ions are basically the same.
Fig. 1: Evaporative Emission Cont rol (EEC) System - 2.5L engines

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 547
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM
OPERATION
All models are equipped with
this system, which consists of a metering valve, a
vacuum line to the carburet or or intake manifold, and cast-in exhaust passages
in the intake manifold. The EGR valve is controlled by vacuum, which opens
and closes in response to the vacuum signals to admit exhaust gases into the
air/fuel mixture. The exhaust gases lower peak combustion temperatures,
reducing the formation of NOx. The valve is closed at idle and wide open
throttle, but is open between the two extreme positions.
There are actually four types of EGR systems: Ported, Positive Back-Pressure,
Negative Backpressure and Digital. The pr inciple of all the systems are the
same; the only difference is in the me thod used to control how the EGR valve
opens.
Too much EGR flow at idle, cruise or during cold operation may result in the
engine stalling after cold start, the engine stalling at idle after deceleration,
vehicle surge during cruise and rough idle . If the EGR valve is always open, the
vehicle may not idle. Too little or no EGR flow allows combustion temperatures
to rise, which could result in spar k knock (detonation), engine overheating
and/or emission test failure.
A Thermal Vacuum Switch (TVS) or vacuum control solenoid may sometimes\
be used in combination with the EGR va lve. The TVS will close off vacuum
during cold operation. A va cuum control solenoid uses Pulse Width Modulation
(PWM) to turn the solenoid ON and OFF numerous times a second and varies
the amount of ON time (pulse width) to vary the amount of ported vacuum
supplied the EGR valve.
PORTED VALVE
In the ported system, the amount of ex haust gas admitted into the intake
manifold depends on a ported vacuum signal. A ported vacuum signal is one
taken from the carburetor above the th rottle plates; thus, the vacuum signal
(amount of vacuum) is dependent on how far the throttle plates are opened.
When the throttle is closed (idle or dec eleration) there is no vacuum signal.
Thus, the EGR valve is closed, and no exhaust gas enters the intake mani\
fold.
As the throttle is opened, a vacuum is produced, which opens the EGR valve,
admitting exhaust gas into the intake manifold.
POSITIVE BACKPRE SSURE VALVE
This valve operates the same as the ported, except, it has an internal air bleed
that acts as a vacuum regulator. T he bleed valve controls the amount of
vacuum inside the vacuum chamber duri ng operation. When the valve receives
sufficient exhaust backpressure through the hollow shaft, it closes the bleed; at
this point the EGR valve opens.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 559
Fig. 14: Discard the old gasket. Be sure the remove all carbon deposits from the
ports on the EGR valve and the mounting surface
THERMOSTATIC AIR CLEANER (THERMAC)
OPERATION
This system is designed to warm the air entering the carburetor when
underhood temperatures are low, and to ma intain a controlled air temperature
into the carburetor or throttle body at all times. By allowing preheated air to
enter, the amount of time t he choke is on is reduced, resulting in better fuel
economy and lower emissions. Engine warm-up time is also reduced.
The THERMAC system is composed of th e air cleaner body, a filter, sensor
unit, vacuum diaphragm, damper door, a ssociated hoses and connections. Heat
radiating from the exhaust manifold is tr apped by a heat stove and is ducted to
the air cleaner to supply heated air to t he carburetor or throttle body. A movable
door in the air cleaner case snorkel allows air to be drawn in from the heat stove
(cold operation). The door position is co ntrolled by the vacuum motor, which
receives intake manifold vacuum as modulated by the temperature sensor.
A vacuum door which remain s open can cause carburetor icing or poor cold
driveability. A door which remains clos ed during normal engine operating
temperatures can cause sluggishne ss, engine knocking and overheating.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 562
Air is injected into either the exhaust
port(s), the exhaust manifold(s) or the
catalytic converter by an engine driven ai r pump. The system is in operation at
all times and will bypass air only mom entarily during deceleration and at high
speeds. The bypass function is performed by the air control valve, while the
check valve protects the air pump by pr eventing any backflow of exhaust gases.
The AIR system helps r educe HC and CO content in the exhaust gases by
injecting air into the exhaust ports dur ing cold engine operation. This air
injection also helps the catalytic conv erter to reach the proper temperature
quicker during warmup. When the engine is warm (Closed Loop), the AIR
system injects air into the beds of a th ree-way converter to lower the HC and
the CO content in the exhaust.
The system utilizes the following components:
1. An engine driven AIR pump.
2. AIR Control valves (Air Control, Air Switching).
3. Air flow and control hoses.
4. Check valves.
5. A dual-bed, three-way catalytic converter.
6. A deceleration back-fire control valve - 2.8L engine only.
The belt driven, vane-type air pump is lo cated at the front of the engine and
supplies clean air to the AIR system fo r purposes already stated. When the
engine is cold, the Electronic Control Module (ECM) energizes an AIR control
solenoid. This allows air to flow to the AIR switching valve. The AIR switching
valve is then energized to direct air to the exhaust ports.
When the engine is warm, the ECM de-energ izes the AIR switching valve, thus
directing the air between the beds of the catalytic converter. This provides
additional oxygen for the ox idizing catalyst in the second bed to decrease HC
and CO, while at the same time keeping oxygen levels low in the first bed,
enabling the reducing catalyst to effect ively decrease the levels of NOx.
If the AIR control valve detects a r apid increase in manifold vacuum
(deceleration), certain operat ing modes (wide open throttle, etc.) or if the ECM
self-diagnostic system detects any problem in the system, air is diverted to the
air cleaner or directly into the atmosphere.
The primary purpose of the EC M's divert mode is to prevent backfiring. Throttle
closure at the beginning of deceleration will temporarily create air/fuel mixtures
which are too rich to burn completely . These mixtures become burnable when
they reach the exhaust if combined with the injection ai r. The next firing of the
engine will ignite this mixt ure causing an exhaust backf ire. Momentary diverting
of the injection air from the exhaust prevents this.
The AIR system check valves and hoses should be checked periodically for any
leaks, cracks or deterioration.