GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 626
ENGINE PERFORMANCE AND TUNE-UP
TUNE-UP PROCEDURES
In order to extract the full measure of performance and economy from your
engine it is essential that it is properly tuned at regul ar intervals. A regular tune-
up will keep your Camaro's engine running smoothly and will prevent the
annoying breakdowns and poor perform ance associated with an untuned
engine.
A complete tune-up should be performed every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). This
interval should be halved if the car is operated under severe conditions such as
trailer towing, prolonged idling, start-and- stop driving, or if starting or running
problems are noticed. It is assumed that the routine maintenance described in
General Information & Maintenance has been kept up, as this will have a
decided effect on the result s of a tune-up. All of the applicable steps of a tune-
up should be followed in order, as the result is a cumulative one.
If the specifications on the underhoo d tune-up sticker in the engine
compartment of your car disagree with th e "Tune-Up Specifications" chart in this
Section, the figures on the sticker must be used. The sticker often reflects
changes made during t he production run.
SPARK PLUGS
A typical spark plug consists of a metal shell surrounding a ceramic insulator. A
metal electrode extends downward through the center of the insulator and
protrudes a small distance. Located at the end of the plug and attached to the
side of the outer metal shell is the side el ectrode. The side electrode bends in at
a 90 angle so that its tip is just pas t and parallel to the tip of the center
electrode. The distance between these two electrodes (measured in
thousandths of an inch or hundredths of a millimeter) is called the spark plug
gap.
The spark plug does not pr oduce a spark, but instead provides a gap across
which the current can arc. The coil produces anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000
volts (depending on the type and application) which travels through the wires to
the spark plugs. The current passes along the center electrode and jumps the
gap to the side electrode, and in doing so, ignites the air/fuel mixture in the
combustion chamber.
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.
