2.8l v6 - Vins [x,z,1] Chevrolet Camaro II

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION

Note. For engine repair procedures not covered in this article, see ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

Engine may be identified from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on a metal tab located on top of instrument panel at lower left of windshield. The VIN number contains 17 digits. The 8th digit identifies the engine and the 10th digit establishes the model year.

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES

Valve Arrangement

1. E-I-I-E-I-E (Left bank, front to rear).
2. E-I-E-I-I-E (Right bank, front to rear).

1. To adjust valves, rotate crankshaft to No. 1 firing position and adjust the following valves: Intake No. 1, 5 and 6. Exhaust No. 1, 2 and 3.
2. Adjust valves by backing off adjusting nut until lash is felt at push rod, then tighten until all lash is removed. Tighten adjusting nut an additional 1 1/2 turns. (Scheme 11) Rotate crankshaft to No. 4 firing position and adjust the following valves: Intake No. 2, 3 and 4. Exhaust No. 4, 5 and 6.
3. When adjustment is complete, install rocker arm covers. Start engine and check timing and idle speed.

Adjusting Valve Lash Tighten to remove all lash, then tighten an additional 1 1/2 turns. Scheme 11

ENGINE

See ENGINE REMOVAL article in this section.

Scheme 12

1. Disconnect battery, remove air cleaner and drain cooling system. Disconnect upper radiator hose, heater hose and accelerator linkage and springs from manifold. If equipped with automatic transaxle, remove TV linkage at carburetor lever.
2. Remove cruise control diaphragm actuator mounting bracket, if equipped. Remove air management valve and necessary hoses. Remove carburetor. (Scheme 12): Installing Intake Manifold Gasket Gaskets are marked Right Side and Left Side.
3. Remove front engine strut bracket from cylinder head. Remove both rocker arm covers. Remove distributor cap, mark position of rotor and remove distributor. Remove power brake vacuum hose and bracket.
4. Disconnect all electrical wiring, vacuum lines and fuel line at manifold. Remove EFE hose from rear of manifold. Remove intake manifold retaining bolts and nuts and remove manifold.

Installation

1. Apply a 3/16" bead of RTV sealer or equivalent on front and rear ridges of block. Install new gaskets on cylinder heads and extend RTV bead 1/4" onto gasket ends to hold them in place. Install intake manifold and check area between ridges and manifold for complete seal.
2. Install retaining bolts and nuts and tighten in sequence. (Scheme 13) To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. When installing intake manifold gaskets, gaskets are marked Right Side and Left Side. New gaskets will have to be cut to install behind push rods. (Scheme 12)

Intake Manifold Tightening Sequence Tighten bolts to 20-25 ft. lbs. (27-34 N.m). Scheme 13

Removal (Left Side)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air cleaner and hot air pipe at manifold. Remove exhaust manifold bolts and remove manifold.

Removal (Right Side)

Disconnect exhaust pipe from manifold. Remove exhaust manifold bolts. Disconnect oxygen sensor and air management hose at valve. Remove exhaust crossover pipe and exhaust manifold.

Clean exhaust manifold and cylinder head mating surfaces. Position manifold to cylinder head. Install new bolts and tighten. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

Removal

Disconnect battery ground and drain cooling system. Remove radiator hose and heater hose. Remove accessory drive belts. Remove water pump bolts and nut, then remove water pump.

1. Clean water pump and engine block mating surfaces, then apply a 3/32" bead of RTV sealant to mating surfaces. Coat bolt threads with pipe sealant.
2. Install water pump to engine, then reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

Note. For information on cooling system capacities and other cooling system components, see ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMS article in this section.

1. Remove intake and exhaust manifolds as previously described. Remove alternator bracket and AIR pump with brackets, if equipped. Remove dipstick tube bracket. Remove air management valve and hose.
2. Remove cruise control servo bracket, if equipped. Loosen rocker arms and remove push rods. Remove head bolts, cylinder heads and gaskets.

1. Clean cylinder block and cylinder head mating surfaces. Make sure mating surfaces are free of any nicks or heavy scratches. Clean bolt hole threads in cylinder block to ensure proper bolt torque.
2. Install gaskets over dowel pins with note "This Side Up" showing. Install cylinder heads, applying sealing compound to head bolt threads and tighten in sequence. (Scheme 14)
3. Install push rods and rocker arms and adjust valves. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

Cylinder Head Tightening Sequence Tighten cylinder head bolts to 65-75 ft. lbs. (88-102 N.m). Scheme 14

VALVE GUIDE SERVICING

If valve guide stem-to-guide clearance exceeds specifications, ream valve guide to next oversize. Valves are available with .0035" (.089 mm), .0155" (.394 mm) and .0305" (.775 mm) oversize stems.

VALVE STEM OIL SEALS SERVICE

An "O" ring type seal is installed on lower groove of valve stem on all valves. A teflon type oil seal is installed on guide on intake valves only, in addition to "O" ring type. A light coat of oil on stem will help prevent twisting of the "O" ring type seal during installation.

1. Remove rocker arm cover, spark plug, rocker arm and push rod on cylinder(s) to be serviced. Install air line adapter to spark plug port and apply compressed air to hold valves in place.
2. Compress valve spring using valve spring compressor and remove valve locks, valve cap, oil shield (exhaust only), valve spring and damper. Remove and discard oil seals. (Scheme 15)

Exploded View of Valve Assemblies. Scheme 15

1. Check springs using valve spring tester. Springs should be replaced if not within 10 lbs. of specified load (without dampers). Position valve spring, damper, oil seal (intake only), oil shield (exhaust only) and valve cap in place.
2. Compress spring and install "O" ring type seals in lower groove of stems. Be sure that seal is flat and not twisted. Lightly coat seal with engine oil, install valve locks and release compressor tool. Make sure valve locks are properly seated in upper groove of valve stem.

VALVE SPRING INSTALLED HEIGHT

Installed height of valve spring should be 1.575" (40 mm). Measure from top of spring seat, in head, to top of oil shield (exhaust only) or retainer (intake only). If measurement exceeds specifications, install a.030" (.75 mm) shim at spring seat. DO NOT install more than 1 shim. (Scheme 16)

Checking Valve Spring Installed Height Valve spring height should be 1.575" (40 mm). Scheme 16

ROCKER ARM STUDS SERVICE

Cylinder heads use threaded rocker arm studs. Rocker arm studs having damaged threads should be replaced with new studs. If threads in the head are damaged or stripped, the head can be retapped and a helical type insert installed. If a helical insert is not available, replace cylinder head.

HYDRAULIC VALVE LIFTER ASSEMBLY

If hydraulic valve lifters are being removed, mark or identify lifters to ensure that they are installed in original position. Lifters are serviced as complete assemblies only. If lifter is damaged or worn, complete lifter must be replaced. If lifters are disassembled for cleaning and inspection, after reassembly they should be tested using a leakdown rate tester.

Exploded View of Hydraulic Lifter Assembly. Scheme 17

Note. Some engines will have both standard and.010" (.25 mm) oversize valve lifters. The cylinder block will be marked, where the oversize lifters are installed, with a dab of white paint and.25 (mm) O.S. stamped on lifter boss. (Scheme 18)

Oversize Lifter Marking Cylinder block is marked where oversize lifter is installed. Scheme 18

OIL PAN

See OIL PAN REMOVAL article in this section.

PISTON & ROD ASSEMBLY

With oil pan, oil pump and cylinder heads removed, place piston at bottom of stroke and cover with a cloth to catch cuttings. Use a ridge reamer to remove any ridge or deposits from upper portion of cylinder bore. Be sure piston and rod assemblies are marked for installation in their original locations.

With piston at bottom of stroke, remove connecting rod caps and install rubber hose over rod bolts. Push piston and rod out top of bore. Reinstall caps to respective connecting rods. If necessary, rotate crankshaft to remove remaining caps.

Scheme 19

1. Apply light coat of engine oil to pistons, rings and cylinder bores. Install rings using ring compressor. Be sure ring gaps are spaced as shown. (Scheme 19) (Scheme 19): Piston Ring Gap Spacing Use ring compressor to compress rings during installation.
2. Install piston and rod assembly with rod bearing tang slot on opposite side from camshaft.
3. Remove guides from rod bolts and install bearings and caps and tighten.

FITTING PISTONS

Measure cylinder bore diameter, then measure piston diameter (with rod and pin removed) at skirt across centerline of piston pin. Maximum fitted clearance is .002" (.05 mm) for new pistons, and .0024" (.06 mm) for used pistons. Oversize coded pistons are available in .020" (.50 mm) and .040" (1.0 mm) sizes. See PISTON SIZE CODE CHART .

PISTON SIZE CODE CHART

PISTON PIN SERVICE

Using piston pin tool (J-24086-20 ) and adapters, remove pin. With piston and rod separated, inspect pin and pin bore for wear and measure clearance. Pin bore in rod is a press fit. If pin bore-to-pin diameter clearance is correct, replace piston and pin as an assembly.

CONNECTING ROD BEARING SERVICE

Note. Precision bearings are used in this engine and shimming is not acceptable for adjustment. Never file or grind connecting rods or caps when fitting bearings.

1. Remove rod cap and use Plastigage method to check bearing clearance. Place Plastigage across full width of bearing journal, parallel to crankshaft. Install rod cap and tighten. Remove rod cap and determine amount of clearance by measuring width of compressed Plastigage at widest point.
2. Bearings must be replaced if clearance is not correct. New bearings are available in standard, .0005" (.013 mm) and .001" (.025 mm) undersize for use with standard size crankshaft.
3. Use a micrometer to check for out-of-round condition on crankshaft journals. If journals are more than .0001" (.005 mm) out-of-round, crankshaft must be replaced.
4. When all bearings are checked and/or replaced and checked once more, tap each rod lightly (parallel to crankpin). Check rod clearance between rod cap and side of crankpin.

Note. If clearance cannot be brought to specification with service bearings, grind crankshaft journal to next undersize. If already ground to maximum undersize, replace crankshaft.

MAIN BEARING SERVICE

1. When checking bearings with engine in vehicle, support crankshaft to take up clearance between upper bearing half and crankshaft. Support crankshaft at damper and flywheel and ensure all bearing caps, other than the one being checked, are correctly tightened.
2. When checking No. 1 main bearing, remove accessory drive belts to prevent tapered distortion of Plastigage. Start with rear main bearing cap and work forward.
3. Remove main cap and use Plastigage method to check bearing clearance. Place Plastigage across full width of bearing journal, parallel to crankshaft. Install main cap and tighten bolts.
4. Remove main cap and check clearance by measuring width of compressed Plastigage at widest point. Replace bearings if clearance is not correct. New bearings are available in standard, .0005" (.013 mm) and .001" (.025 mm) undersize for use with standard size crankshaft. Replace upper and lower inserts as a unit.
5. Use a micrometer to check out-of-round condition on crankshaft journals. If journals exceed .001" (.025 mm) out-of-round, crankshaft must be replaced or reconditioned.
6. If within specifications, coat bearings with oil and install main caps. When all bearings are checked and/or replaced and checked once more, check thrust bearing alignment.

THRUST BEARING ALIGNMENT

1. Install all main bearing caps with arrows pointing toward front of engine. Tighten No. 3 main thrust bearing cap bolts and all other main thrust bearing cap bolts. Tap end of crankshaft rearward and then forward to line up main bearing thrust surfaces with crankshaft thrust face.
2. Retighten all main bearing cap bolts. Rotate crankshaft to ensure there is no excessive drag. Measure end play at front end of No. 3 main bearing using feeler gauge.

REAR MAIN BEARING OIL SEAL

Note. Upper rear main bearing oil seal is serviced through repair, rather than replacement. Lower rear main bearing oil seal should be replaced at time of repair to upper seal.

1. Remove oil pan, oil pump and rear main bearing cap. Drive upper oil seal into groove in cylinder block approximately 1/4 to 3/4" on both sides.
2. Measure amount seal was driven in on one side and add 1/16" to this amount. Cut this length from old lower seal. Repeat procedure for other side.
3. Place cut seal into groove of seal installer and install guide onto block. Drive seal into block. Drive until packing tool reaches its machined stop. Repeat for opposite side.
4. Install new seal into rear main bearing cap. Use Plastigage to check clearance. If not to specification, recheck seal ends for fraying or particles between cap-to-block interface causing improper seating of cap. Apply anaerobic sealant to cap interface. Install rear main bearing cap and tighten bolts. Install oil pump and oil pan.

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove accessory drive belts and drain cooling system. Remove water pump. Remove A/C compressor and bracket. Remove torsional damper. Disconnect lower radiator hose at front cover and heater hose at water pump connection. Remove front cover. (Scheme 20)

Water Pump and Front Cover. Scheme 20

Clean all sealing surfaces thoroughly. Apply a continuous 3/32" bead of anaerobic sealant to front cover sealing surfaces. (Scheme 21) Place front cover on engine and install water pump. Install bolts and tighten. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

Front Cover Sealant Placement Apply sealant, replace engine cover, then reinstall water pump. Scheme 21

The oil seal may be replaced without removing front cover. Remove torsional damper and pry seal outward. Use caution when removing seal so crankshaft is not damaged.

Install new seal with open side facing inside of front cover. Use seal aligner and drive seal into position.

Remove front cover and rotate engine to TDC. Align timing marks on crankshaft and camshaft sprockets (No. 4 firing position). Remove camshaft sprocket-to-camshaft bolts, then remove sprocket and chain. (Scheme 22) Sprocket is light press fit on camshaft. Dislodge by tapping lightly on lower edge of sprocket with a plastic mallet.

1. Place timing chain over camshaft sprocket so that it hangs below sprocket. Align marks on camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. (Scheme 22)
2. Align dowel in camshaft with dowel hole in camshaft sprocket. Install sprocket on camshaft. Use mounting bolts to draw sprocket onto camshaft and tighten bolts. Check sprocket alignment, lubricate chain with engine oil and install other components.

Timing Chain Sprocket Alignment Remove sprocket by tapping on lower edge with mallet. Scheme 22

With engine removed from vehicle, remove front cover, intake manifold, rocker arm assemblies, push rods, valve lifters, fuel pump and fuel pump push rod. Remove timing chain and sprocket from end of camshaft and remove camshaft.

Note. All camshaft journals are the same diameter. If journals are above .001" (.025 mm) out-of-round, replace camshaft and install new lifters.

Lubricate journals with engine oil and apply Molycote (or equivalent) to camshaft lobes. Carefully install camshaft, making sure not to nick or damage camshaft lobes or journals. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation.

1. With crankshaft and camshaft removed, remove camshaft rear cover from cylinder block.
2. Using camshaft bearing remover, remove front intermediate bearing, with remover indexed on front bearing. Remove rear intermediate bearing, with tool indexed on rear bearing.
3. Assemble bearing remover on driver handle and remove front and rear bearings by driving them toward center of cylinder block.

1. Install front and rear bearings first. These act as guides for the pilot and center the remaining bearings which are being pulled into place. Install front and rear bearings by driving toward the center of the block.
2. During installation, position bearings so that oil holes line up with oil gallery holes in the block. Install each center bearing using same index location used in removal. Pull bearings into bearing saddle from the center. Reverse removal procedure to complete operation.

ENGINE OILING SYSTEM

Oil is supplied under pressure by a gear type pump, driven by the distributor, which in turn is driven by a helical gear on the camshaft. The left main oil gallery (along upper left side of camshaft) supplies oil to left side hydraulic lifters. The left gallery also supplies oil to the camshaft bearings, crankshaft and right gallery.

The right oil gallery supplies oil to the right side hydraulic lifters. The oil supplied to the valve lifters lubricate the rocker arms through hollow push rods. All other components are lubricated by splash or nozzle.

Remove oil pan. Remove bolt attaching oil pump to rear main bearing cap, then remove oil pump with extension shaft.

Exploded View of Oil Pump. Scheme 23

Disassembly

Remove pump cover and mark teeth on both gears for reassembly with same teeth indexing. Remove idler gear, drive gear and shaft from pump body. Remove pressure regulator valve retaining pin, valve and spring. If replacement is necessary, remove oil pickup tube from body.

Note. If pump gears or body are damaged and/or worn, replacement of pump assembly is required. DO NOT disturb pickup screen on pipe. If removed, replace with a new part. Screen is serviced as an assembly only.

Reassembly

1. If oil pickup tube and screen were replaced, apply sealer to outside of swaged end of pipe and tap into place. Install pressure regulator valve, spring and retaining pin.
2. Install idler gear, drive gear and shaft into pump body. Install pump cover and check drive shaft for free operation. Install oil pump to engine, making sure pickup screen is parallel with oil pan rails.

To reinstall the oil pump, reverse all the removal procedures.

CRANKCASE CAPACITY

Crankcase capacity is 4 quarts (3.8 liters) with or without filter change.

NORMAL OIL PRESSURE

Normal oil pressure is 40-50 psi (2.8-3.5 kg/cm 2 ) on VIN Z engines, and 30-40 psi (2.1-2.8 kg/cm 2 ) on VIN X and 1 engines.

PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE

Pressure regulator valve is located in oil pump body and is not adjustable.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

VALVE SPECIFICATIONS

VALVE SPECIFICATIONS

PISTONS, PINS, RINGS SPECIFICATIONS

PISTONS, PINS, RINGS SPECIFICATIONS

MAIN & ROD BEARINGS SPECIFICATIONS

MAIN & ROD BEARINGS SPECIFICATIONS

VALVE SPRINGS SPECIFICATIONS

VALVE SPRINGS SPECIFICATIONS

CAMSHAFT SPECIFICATIONS

CAMSHAFT SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES - GENERAL INFORMATION
• PISTON SIZE CODE CHART