1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO radiator

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) 813

Fig. 1: Vehicle hoisting and jacking points
Never place the jack under the radiator , engine or transmission components.
Severe and expensive damage wil l result when the jack is raised. Additionally,
never jack under the floorpan or body work; the metal will deform.
Whenever you plan to work under the v ehicle, you must support it on jackstands
or ramps. Never use cinder blocks or st acks of wood to support the vehicle,
even if you're only going to be under it for a few minutes. Never crawl under the
vehicle when it is supported only by the tire-changing jack or other floor jack.
Always position a block of wood or smal l rubber pad on top of the jack or
jackstand to protect the lifting point's finish when lifting or supporting the vehicle.
Small hydraulic, screw, or sci ssors jacks are satisfactory for raising the vehicle.
Drive-on trestles or ramps are also a handy and safe way to both raise and
support the vehicle. Be careful though, some ramps may be too steep to drive
your vehicle onto without scraping t he front bottom panels. Never support the
vehicle on any suspension member (unless specifically instructed to do so by a
repair manual) or by an underbody panel.
JACKING PRECAUTIONS
The following safety points cannot be overemphasized:
• Always block the opposite wheel or wheels to keep the vehicle from
rolling off the jack.
• When raising the front of the vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.