
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 730
Fig. 2: Throttle stop and synchronizing screws
THROTTLE ROD ALIGNMENT CHECK
The throttle rod alignment check procedur e is followed only if a replacement
manifold cover or TBI unit has been inst alled. If not, proceed to "Minimum Idle
and Throttle Valve Synchronizing".
1. Actuate the rear unit throttle leve r to bring both units to the wide open
throttle position, loading the throttle valves. Move the throttle rod toward
the front unit casting boss.
2. Check the clearance bet ween the shoulder of the stud and the side of the
ball surface. Maximum clearance must not exceed 0.200 in. (5mm). If the
clearance is greater, the assembly (mani fold cover, TBI unit or throttle
body) must be replaced and the pr eliminary adjustments repeated.
3. Use needle-nose pliers to inst all a NEW throttle rod and bearing
assembly retaining clip.
4. Move both front and rear throttle le vers through the total throttle travel,
loading both valves.
5. Check the clearance bet ween the throttle rod and the front unit throttle
body casting boss. If minimum clearanc e is less than 0.040 in. (1.02mm),
the assembly must be replaced. If minimum clearance is at least 0.040
in. (1.02mm), proceed with assembly.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 736
The mass air flow systems measure the
mass of air that is drawn into the
engine cylinders, rather than just the vo lume. The sensor contains a hot-wire
sensing unit, which is made up of an electronic balanced bridge network.
Whenever current is suppli ed to the sensor, the bridge is energized and the
sensing hot-wire is heated. As the air enter s the mass air flow sensor, it passes
over and cools the hot wire. When the hot wire is cooled, it's resistance changes
and additional current is needed to k eep the bridge network balanced. This
increase in current is sent to the computer as a voltage signal and is used to
calculate the mass of the incoming air. The ECM uses this information to\
determine the duration of fuel injection pulse, ignition timing and EGR operation.
The speed density systems calculate the volume of air moving through the
intake. The ECM establishes the speed fact or through a signal from the ignition
module. The Manifold or Intake Air Temperature (MAT/IAT) and the Engine
Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensors work together to assure that proper
temperature information gets to the ECM wh ile the Manifold Absolute Pressure
(MAP) sensor monitors the changes in m anifold pressure which results from
changes in engine loading. These three se nsors contribute to the density factor.
Together, these inputs (engine speed, coolant temperature sensor, etc ...) are
the major determinants of the air/fuel mixture delivered by the fuel injection
system.
The following engines and fuel managem ent systems are covered in this
section:
• 1985-1989 2.8L MPFI - Mass Air Flow
• 1990-1992 3.1L MPFI - Speed Density
• 1985-1989 5.0L and 5.7L TPI - Mass Air Flow
• 1990-1992 5.0L and 5.7L TPI - Speed Density
Relieving Fuel System Pressure
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent fuel discharge if the key
is accidentally turned to the RUN position.
2. Loosen the fuel filler cap to reliev e the tank pressure and do not tighten
until service has been completed.
3. Connect J-34730-1 fuel pressure gauge or equivalent, to the fuel
pressure test valve. Wrap a shop towel around the fitting while
connecting the gauge to prevent spillage.
4. Place the end of the bleed hose into a suitable container and open the
valve to relieve the fuel system pressure.
ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
The fuel pump is part of t he fuel sender assembly located inside the fuel tank.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 771
A more advanced set of tools, suit
able for tune-up work, can be drawn up
easily. While the tools are slightly more sophisticated, they need not be
outrageously expensive. There are severa l inexpensive tach/dwell meters on
the market that are every bit as good for the average mechanic as a
professional model. Just be sure that it goes to a least 1200-1500 rpm on the
tach scale and that it works on 4, 6 and 8-cylinder engines. The key to these
purchases is to make them with an eye towards adaptability and wide range. A
basic list of tune-up tools could include:
• Tach/dwell meter.
• Spark plug wrench and gapping tool.
• Feeler gauges for valve adjustment.
• Timing light.
The choice of a timing light should be made carefully. A light which works on the
DC current supplied by the vehicle's battery is the best choice; it should have a
xenon tube for brightness. On any vehi cle with an electronic ignition system, a
timing light with an inductive pickup that clamps around the No. 1 spark plug
cable is preferred.
In addition to these basic tools, ther e are several other tools and gauges you
may find useful. These include:
• Compression gauge. The screw-in type is slower to use, but eliminates
the possibility of a faulty r eading due to escaping pressure.
• Manifold vacuum gauge.
• 12V test light.
• A combination volt/ohmmeter
• Induction Ammeter. This is used for determining whether or not there is
current in a wire. These are handy fo r use if a wire is broken somewhere
in a wiring harness.
As a final note, you will probably find a torque wrench necessary for all but the
most basic work. The beam type models are perfectly adequate, although the
newer click types (breakaway) are eas ier to use. The click type torque
wrenches tend to be more expensive. Also keep in mind that all types of torque
wrenches should be periodically checked a nd/or recalibrated. You will have to
decide for yourself which better fits your pocketbook, and purpose.
SPECIAL TOOLS
Normally, the use of special factory tool s is avoided for repair procedures, since
these are not readily available for the do-it-yourself mechanic. When it is
possible to perform the job with more co mmonly available tools, it will be
pointed out, but occasionally, a special t ool was designed to perform a specific
function and should be used. Before s ubstituting another tool, you should be
convinced that neither your safety nor the performance of the vehicle will be
compromised.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 779
ENGINE OIL AND FILTER CHANGE
Under normal operating conditions, the oi
l is to be changed every 7,500 miles
(12,000km) or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
Although the manufacturer recommends changing the f ilter at the first oil
change and then at every other oil c hange, (unless 12 months pass between
changes), The editors of this informat ion recommend changing the filter with
each service. It is a small price to pay for extra protection.
When driving conditions frequently include dusty or polluted areas, trailer
towing, idling for long periods of ti me, or low speed operation, or when
operating at temperatures below freezing or driving short distances (under 4
miles or 6.4km), change t he oil and filter more frequently. Under these
circumstances, oil has a greater chance of building up sludge and contaminants
which could damage your engine. If your v ehicle use fits into one or more of
these categories, (as it does for most vehicles), it is suggested that the oil and
filter be changed every 3, 000 miles (1361km) or 3 months, whichever comes
first.
The oil should be disposed of properly after it is drained from the vehicle. Store
the oil in a suitable container and take the container to an official oil recycling
station. Most gas stations or oil and lube facilities will take the used oil at little or
no expense to you.
Oil should always be changed after the engine has been running long enough to
bring it up to normal operating temperature. Hot oil will flow more easily and will
carry more contaminants than will cold oi l. The oil drain plug is located on the
bottom of the oil pan (bottom of the engi ne, underneath the car). The oil filter is
located on the left side of most engines covered by this information. To change
the oil and filter:
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle and s upport it safely using a suitable pair of
jackstands.
3. Slide a drain pan of a least 6 quar ts capacity under the oil pan. Wipe the
drain plug and surrounding area clean using an old rag.
CAUTION - The EPA warns that prolonged contact with used engine oil may
cause a number of skin disorders, incl uding cancer! You should make every
effort to minimize your exposure to used engine oil. Pr otective gloves should be
worn when changing the oil. Wash y our hands and any other exposed skin
areas as soon as possible after exposure to used engine oil. Soap and water, or
waterless hand cleaner should be used.
4. Loosen the drain plug using a ratc het, short extension and socket or a
box-wrench. Turn the plug out by hand, using a rag to shield your fingers
from the hot oil. By keeping an in ward pressure on the plug as you
unscrew it, oil won't escape past the threads and you can remove it
without being burned by hot oil.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 824
1982-92 Camaros are equipped wit
h a front suspension consisting of a pivoting
lower control arm on which are mounted a coil spring and a MacPherson strut.
The strut and spring are separate. The spring upper end bears on a fixed
crossmember; the strut upper end is loca ted in a strut tower on the fender.
COIL SPRINGS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Fig. 1: Removing the coil spring
1. Raise the front of the vehi cle and support it on jackstands.
2. Remove the road wheel(s).
3. Disconnect the stabilizer link from the lower control arm.
4. If the steering gear hinders remova l procedures, detach the unit and
move it out of the way.