
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) 352
To prevent serious damage to the alte
rnator and the rest of the charging 
system, the following precauti ons must be observed:  
• Never reverse the battery connections.  
• Booster batteries for starting must  be connected properly: positive-to-
positive and negative-to-ground.  
•  Disconnect the battery cables before  using a fast charger; the charger 
has a tendency to force current  through the diodes in the opposite 
direction for which they were designed. This burns out the diodes.  
•  Never use a fast charger as a booster for starting the vehicle.  
• Never disconnect the voltage regulator while the engine is running.  
• Avoid long soldering times when  replacing diodes or transistors. 
Prolonged heat is damaging to  AC alternators.  
• Do not use test lamps of more t han 12 volts (V) for checking diode 
continuity.  
•  Do not short across or ground any of  the terminals on the AC alternator.  
• The polarity of the battery, alter nator, and regulator must be matched 
and considered before making any elec trical connections within the 
system.  
•  Never operate the alternator on an  open circuit. make sure that all 
connections within the circ uit are clean and tight.  
• Disconnect the battery terminals when performing any service on the 
electrical system. This wil l eliminate the possibility of accidental reversal 
of polarity.  
•  Disconnect the battery ground cable if  arc welding is to be done on any 
part of the car.  
CHARGING SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING  
There are many possible ways in whic h the charging system can malfunction. 
Often the source of a problem is diffi cult to diagnose, requiring special 
equipment and a good deal  of experience. However, when the charging system 
fails completely and causes the dash boar d warning light to come on or the 
battery to become dead the following items may be checked:  
1.  The battery is known to be good and fully charged.  
2.  The alternator belt is in good  condition and adjusted to the proper 
tension.  
3.  All connections in t he system are clean and tight.  
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION   

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) 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) 411
1.  Disconnect the negative battery cable.  
2.  Relieve the fuel system pressure 
and drain the engine coolant from the 
radiator into a suitable container.  
3.  Remove the intake manifold and the spark plugs.  
4.  Remove the dipstick tube and bra cket. Raise and support the vehicle 
safely. Drain the oil and remove the  oil filter. Lower the vehicle.  
5.  Remove the exhaust manifolds.  
6.  Remove the drive belt(s).  
7.  Remove the air conditioning compresso r and bracket, reposition it aside. 
Do not disconnect the lines.  
8.  Remove the power steering pump  and bracket, reposition it aside.  
9.  Remove the alternator and br acket, reposition it aside.  
10. Remove the ground cable from the  rear of the cylinder head and remove 
the engine lift bracket.  
11. Remove the rocker arm covers.  
12. Loosen the rocker arms until the pushrods can be removed.  
13. Remove the cylinder head bolts and remove the cylinder heads.  
To install:   14. Clean the gasket mating surfaces of  all components. Be careful not to 
nick or scratch any surfaces as this  will allow leak paths. Clean the bolt 
threads in the cylinder bl ock and on the head bolts.  Dirt will affect bolt 
torque.  
15. Place the head gaskets in pos ition over the dowel pins.  
16. Install the cylinder heads.  
17. Coat the cylinder head bolts th reads with GM sealer 1052080 or 
equivalent, and install the bolts. Tight en the bolts in the proper sequence 
to:  
•  1982-1987 engines: 70 ft lbs. (90 Nm)  
• 1988-1992 engines: 1st step: 40 ft lbs.  (55 Nm); 2nd step: tighten 
an additional 1/4 (90 degree) turn  
18. Install the pushrods a nd loosely retain them wit h the rocker arms. Make 
sure the lower ends of the pushrods ar e in the lifter seats. Refer to the 
rocker arm procedures outlined ea rlier in this section.  
19. Install the power steering pump br acket and pump. Do the same for the 
air conditioning compressor  bracket and compressor.  
20. Install the ground cable to t he rear of the cylinder head.  
21. Install the exhaust manifolds.  
22. Install the dipstick tube and bracket.  
23. Install the intake manifold.  
24. Install the alternator  bracket and alternator.  
25. Install the drive belt(s).  
26. Install the spark plugs.  
27. Fill the cooling system with the proper  type and quantity of coolant. Install 
a new oil filter and fill the crankca se with the proper type and quantity of 
oil.  
28. Connect the negative battery cable, star t the vehicle and check for leaks.  
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 416
 
Fig. 11: Cylinder head bolt torque sequence - V8 engines 
1.  Disconnect the negative battery c able. Drain the cooling system and 
relieve the fuel system pressure.  
2.  Raise and support the vehicle safe ly. Drain the engine oil and remove 
the oil filter. Lower  the vehicle.  
3.  Remove the drive belt(s) and remove the intake manifold.  
4. Remove the power steering pump,  alternator bracket or the air 
conditioning compressor mounting br acket and position aside. Do not 
disconnect the lines from the  air conditioning compressor.  
5.  Remove the exhaust manifolds and the valve covers.  
6.  Remove the rocker arms and pushrods.  
7.  Remove the cylinder head  bolts and the cylinder head.  
To install:   8.  Clean the gasket mating surfaces of  all components. Be careful not to 
nick or scratch any surfaces as this  will allow leak paths. Clean the bolt 
threads in the cylinder bl ock and on the head bolts.  Dirt will affect bolt 
torque.  
When using a steel gasket, coat both sides  of the new gasket with a thin even 
coat of sealer. If using a compos ition gasket, do not use any sealer.   
9.  Position the head gasket over the dow el pins with the bead up. Install the 
cylinder head over the dowel pins and gasket.  
10. Coat the threads of the head bo lts with GM 1052080 thread sealer or 
equivalent. Install the head bolts and tighten in sequence, in three 
passes, to 65 ft lbs. (92 Nm).  
11. Install the exhaust manifolds.  
12. Install the pushrods and rocker arms, refer to the procedures outlined  earlier in this section. Install the valve covers.  
13. Install the power steering pump and al ternator bracket or air conditioning 
compressor mounting bra cket, as necessary.  
14. Install the intake manifold.  
15. Install the accessory drive belt(s).   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 428
1.  Disconnect the battery ground c
able. Drain the cooling system.  
2.  Remove the fan shroud or the upper  radiator support and drive belts. 
Remove the fan and pulley from the water pump.  
3.  Remove the alternator  upper and lower brackets, air brace with brackets, 
and power steering lower bra cket (move it aside).  
4.  Remove the radiator lower hose  and the heater hose from the water 
pump. Remove the water pump  bolts and the water pump.  
5.  If A/C equipped, remove the comp ressor and move aside. Remove the 
compressor mounting bracket.  
6.  Remove the damper pulley retain ing bolt and the damper pulley.  
7.  Remove the timing gear cover  bolts and the timing gear cover.  
With the timing gear cover removed, use  a large screwdriver to pry the oil seal 
from the cover. To install the new oil se al, lubricate it with engine oil and drive it 
into place.   
To install:   8.  Prepare the mating surfaces for reinst allation of the timing gear cover. 
Coat the new gasket with RTV sealer.  
9.  Install the timing gear cover and  timing gear cover bolts. Torque the 
cover bolts to specifications:  
•  V6 engines (M8 x 1.25 bolts):  13-22 ft. lbs. (18-30 Nm)  
• V6 engines (M10 x 1.5 bolts):  20-35 ft. lbs. (27-48 Nm)  
• V8 engines (all bolts): 69-130 inch lbs. (8-14 Nm)  
10. Install the damper pulley by pulli ng the damper onto the crankshaft. Use 
tool J-23523 or equivalent. Install t he damper pulley retaining bolt and 
torque bolts to 67-85 ft lbs. (90-110 Nm).  
11. If A/C equipped, install the  compressor mounting bracket and 
compressor.  
12. Install the water pump and the water pump bolts.  
13. Install the radiator lower hose and  the heater hose to the water pump.  
14. Install  the  alternator  upper and lower brackets, air brace with brackets 
and the power steering lower bracket.  
15. Install the fan and pull ey to the water pump. Inst all the fan shroud or the 
upper radiator support and  drive belts and adjust.  
16. Connect the battery ground cable.  
17. Fill the cooling syst em, start the engine and check for leaks.  
 
 
 
 
 
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 812
9.  Connect one end of the other jumper 
cable to the negative (-) terminal on 
the booster battery and the final cable clamp to an engine bolt head, 
alternator bracket or ot her solid, metallic point on the engine with the 
dead battery. Try to pick a ground on the engine that is positioned away 
from the battery in order to minimi ze the possibility of the 2 clamps 
touching should one l oosen during the procedure.  DO NOT connect this 
clamp to the negative (-) term inal of the bad battery.  
CAUTION  - Be very careful to keep the jum per cables away from moving parts 
(cooling fan, belts, etc.) on both engines. 
10. Check to make sure that the c ables are routed away from any moving 
parts, then start the d onor vehicle's engine. Run the engine at moderate 
speed for several minutes to allow the dead battery a chance to receive 
some initial charge.  
11. With the donor vehicle's engine still r unning slightly above idle, try to start 
the vehicle with the dead battery. Crank the engine for no more than 10 \
seconds at a time and let the starter  cool for at least 20 seconds between 
tries. If the vehicl e does not start in 3 tries, it  is likely that something else 
is also wrong or that the battery  needs additional time to charge.  
12. Once the vehicle is star ted, allow it to run at idle for a few seconds to 
make sure that it is  operating properly.  
13. Turn ON the headlight s, heater blower and, if equipped, the rear 
defroster of both vehicles in order to  reduce the severity of voltage spikes 
and subsequent risk of dam age to the vehicles' electrical systems when 
the cables are disconnected. This st ep is especially important to any 
vehicle equipped with computer control modules.  
14. Carefully disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection. Star\
t  with the negative cable  that is attached to the engine ground, then the 
negative cable on the donor battery. Di sconnect the positive cable from 
the donor battery and finally, disconnect the positive cable from the 
formerly dead battery. Be careful when  disconnecting the cables from the 
positive terminals not to allow the alli gator clips to touch any metal on 
either vehicle or a short and sparks will occur.  
JACKING  
Your vehicle was supplied with a jack for emergency road repairs. This jack is 
fine for changing a flat tire or other s hort term procedures not requiring you to 
go beneath the vehicle. If it is used in  an emergency situation, carefully follow 
the instructions provided eit her with the jack or in your owner's manual. Do not 
attempt to use the jack on any portions of  the vehicle other than specified by the 
vehicle manufacturer. Always block the  diagonally opposite wheel when using a 
jack.  
A more convenient way of jacking is the  use of a garage or floor jack. You may 
use the floor jack to raise the vehicle in  the areas shown in the illustration .