VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CODE
Engines may be identified by the eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is located on plate at the left front corner of instrument panel, and is visible through windshield.
| Application | Code |
|---|---|
| 2.8L (173") MFI (1) | S, W or 9 |
| 3.0L (181") MFI (1) | L |
| 3.8L (231") SFI (2) | 3 |
| 3.8L (231") SFI Turbo (2) | 7 |
| 3.8L (231") "3800" SFI (2) | C |
| 4.3L (262") TBI (3) | Z |
| (1) Multi-Port Fuel Injection. (2) Sequential Port Fuel Injection. (3) Throttle Body Fuel Injection. | |
| (1) | Multi-Port Fuel Injection. |
| (2) | Sequential Port Fuel Injection. |
| (3) | Throttle Body Fuel Injection. |
VIN ENGINE CODES
TUNE-UP NOTES
Note. When performing tune-up procedures described in this article, the following notes and precautions must be followed
- Always refer to Engine Tune-Up Decal in engine compartment before tune-up. If manual and decal differ, always use decal specifications.
- With the exception of initial ignition timing, normal tune-up adjustments are not required. Perform adjustments only when indicated by the Computer Command Control (CCC) System Performance Check, CCC diagnostic charts and/or poor engine performance.
- Do not allow or create a condition of engine misfire in more than one cylinder for an extended period of time. Damage to catalytic converter may occur due to loading converter with unburned air/fuel mixture.
- Before making a compression test or cranking engine with a remote starting switch, disconnect ignition switch "BATT" terminal lead at distributor.
- Do not add cleaning agents to fuel system as they can damage the catalytic converter.
- Do not remove spark plug wires with engine running. HEI secondary voltage may inflict harmful electrical shock.
- Damage to HEI electronic module and/or ignition coil may result if "TACH" terminal in distributor cap connector is grounded.
ENGINE COMPRESSION
Test compression pressure with engine at normal operating temperature. Remove all spark plugs. Set throttle and choke valves wide open.
| Application | Compression Ratio |
|---|---|
| 2.8L | 8.9:1 |
| 3.0L | 9.0:1 |
| 3.8L (VIN 3 & 7) | 8.0:1 |
| 3.8L (VIN C) | 8.5:1 |
| 4.3L | 9.3:1 |
| Compression Pressure | 100 psi (7 kg/cm 2 ) min. |
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 30% |
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
VALVE CLEARANCE
| Application | Clearance (Hot) | |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Lifters | ||
| 2.8L | 1.5 Turns Down From Zero Lash | |
| 3.0L & 3.8L | Zero Lash | |
| 4.3L | 1 Turn Down From Zero Lash | |
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
VALVE ARRANGEMENT
Note. "Right" and "Left" refer to right and left side of the engine and NOT the vehicle.
2.8L
- Left Bank - E-I-I-E-I-E (Front-to-rear).
- Right Bank - E-I-E-I-I-E (Front-to-rear).
3.0L, 3.8L & 4.3L
- Left Bank - E-I-E-I-I-E (Front-to-rear).
- Right Bank - E-I-I-E-I-E (Front-to-rear).
SPARK PLUGS
| Application | AC No. |
|---|---|
| 2.8L MFI (VIN W) | R43LTSE |
| 2.8L MFI (VIN S, & 9) | R42CTS or R42TS |
| 3.0L MFI (VIN L) | R44LTS |
| 3.8L SFI (VIN 3) | R44LTS |
| 3.8L SFI Turbo (VIN 7) | R44TS or R44TSH |
| 3.8L "3800" (VIN C) | R44LTS6 |
| 4.3L TBI (VIN Z) | R45TS |
SPARK PLUG TYPE
| Application | Gap In. (mm) | Torque Ft. Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L MFI | .045 (1.14) | 15 (20) |
| 3.0L MFI | .045 (1.14) | 15 (20) |
| 3.8L SFI | .045 (1.14) | 15 (20) |
| 3.8L SFI Turbo | .035 (.90) | 22 (30) |
| 3.8L "3800" | .060 (1.52) | 15 (20) |
| 4.3L TBI | .035 (.90) | 15 (20) |
SPARK PLUG INSTALLATION
HIGH TENSION WIRE RESISTANCE
Carefully remove ends of wire from spark plug and distributor. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance while gently twisting wire. If resistance is not to specification or fluctuates inordinately, replace wire.
| Length | Maximum Resistance |
|---|---|
| Under 24" | 30,000 |
| Over 24" | 50,000 |
WIRE RESISTANCE
DISTRIBUTOR
The 2.8L (VIN S, W or 9) engines are equipped with the C(3)I ignition system. This system uses: a 3-coil module along with a crankshaft reluctor and a block mounted magnetic sensor instead of a distributor.
The 3.0L MFI (VIN L) and 3.8L SFI (VIN C, 3 and 7) engines are equipped with C(3)I ignition. The system uses a 3-coil module with crankshaft and camshaft sensors in place of a distributor.
Models that use a distributor are equipped with the High Energy Ignition (HEI) system with Electronic Spark Timing (EST).
2.8L (VIN S) Firing Order. Scheme 7
2.8L (VIN W) Firing Order. Scheme 8
3.0L MFI & 3.8L SFI Firing Order. Scheme 9
3.8L "3800" Firing Order. Scheme 10
4.3L TBI Firing Order & Timing Marks. Scheme 11
IGNITION TIMING
Note. Engines are equipped with receptacle for magnetic timing probe timing meter, located 9.5° ATDC. Do not use receptacle for timing with conventional light. Timing adjustment is not required on 2.8L (VIN S, W or 9) with Direct Ignition System (DIS), or 3.0L (VIN L) and 3.8L SFI (VIN 3, 7 and C) engines with Computer Control Coil Ignition (C(3)I) ignition.
| CAUTION | Always refer to tune-up decal in engine compartment for timing procedures and specifications. |
- Engine must be at normal operating temperature. Turn off all accessories and A/C.
- On 4.3L (VIN Z) with TBI, "CHECK ENGINE" light must be off. On all engines, put HEI-EST in by-pass mode by unplugging "Set Timing" connector.
- On 2.8L (VIN S, W & 9) with MFI and 4.3L (VIN Z) with TBI, "CHECK ENGINE" light must be off. On 2.8L engine, cooling fan must be off. On all engines, put HEI-EST in by-pass mode by unplugging "Set Timing" connector.
- "Set Timing" connector is a Tan/Black wire which breaks out of the engine wire harness near the distributor. On some vehicles, "Set Timing" connector may be on the firewall near blower motor housing. DO NOT unplug 4-wire connector at the distributor. Place Automatic transmission (if equipped) in "D". Adjust timing at engine idle. Clear ECM trouble code after adjustment.
- On 3.8L (VIN A), verify if "CHECK ENGINE" light is not on. Disconnect 4-wire connector at distributor. "CHECK ENGINE" light will come on. Place automatic transmission (if equipped) in "D". Adjust timing with engine at idle. Reconnect 4-wire distributor connector. Clear ECM trouble code after adjustment.
| Application | Degrees BTDC @ RPM |
|---|---|
| 4.3L TBI (VIN Z) | 0 @ Idle |
IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS
HOT (SLOW) IDLE RPM
Note. On fuel injected models, engine idle speed varies. This fluctuation is considered normal, and should not be adjusted unless throttle body components have been replaced.
MFI, SFI & TBI
- On 2.8L (except VIN 9), 3.0L and 3.8L engines, use an awl to pierce minimum idle stop screw cover. Apply leverage to remove cover. On all engines, ground ALDL diagnostic test lead.
- Turn ignition on, but do not start engine. Wait 30 seconds. Disconnect Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) harness connector. Remove ALDL diagnostic test lead ground and start engine. Place auto. trans. (if equipped) in "D".
- Adjust minimum idle stop set screw to specification. See MINIMUM EFI IDLE SPEED chart. After adjustment, turn ignition off and reconnect IACV connector. Clear any trouble codes.
| Application | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L (VIN S or W) | ||
| Auto. Trans. | 500-600 in "D" | |
| Man. Trans. | 600-700 | |
| 2.8L (VIN 9) | Not Adjustable | |
| 3.0L (VIN L) | 450-550 in "D" | |
| 3.8L (VIN 3) | 450-550 in "D" | |
| 3.8L (VIN 7) | Not Adjustable | |
| 3.8L (VIN C) | Not Adjustable | |
| 4.3L (VIN Z) | 400-450 in "D" | |
MINIMUM EFI IDLE SPEED
THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR
TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) can be adjusted with the use of "Scan" tester or by the following procedures
1) Install 3 jumper wires between TPS and harness connector.
2) Turn ignition on, engine off. Use digital voltmeter and connect to terminals "B" and "C". Adjust TPS to obtain specified voltage.
3) Tighten screws and recheck readings. Turn ignition off. Remove jumper wires and reconnect harness connector to TPS.
| Application | Voltage | Throttle Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L MFI (VIN S) | .55 | Idle | |
| 2.8L MFI (VIN W) | .55 | Idle | |
| 2.8L MFI (VIN 9) | (1) | NA | |
| 3.0L MFI (VIN L) | |||
| LeSabre & 88 | .40 | (2) | |
| All Others | .55 | (2) | |
| 3.8L SFI (VIN 3 & 7) | .40 | (2) | |
| 3.8L "3800" (VIN C) | .40 | (2) | |
| 4.3L TBI (VIN Z) | (1) | NA | |
| (1) Not adjustable. (2) Set with IAC extended and at base idle RPM. | |||
| (1) | Not adjustable. |
| (2) | Set with IAC extended and at base idle RPM. |
TPS ADJUSTMENT VOLTAGE
FUEL PUMP
Make all tests at slow idle speed. For models with fuel return line, pinch off return line. For vacuum test, connect vacuum gauge to inlet side of pump.
| Application | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Pump Pressure | ||
| MFI | 34-40 psi (2.4-2.8 kg/cm 2 ) | |
| SFI | 31-42 psi (2.2-3.0 kg/cm 2 ) | |
| TBI | 9-13 psi (.63-.91 kg/cm 2 ) | |
FUEL PUMP PERFORMANCE
The 2.8L (VIN W) engine is equipped with the DIS ignition system. This system uses a 3-coil module along with a magnetic sensor to determine crankshaft position in place of a distributor.
The 3.0L MPFI (VIN L) and 3.8L (VIN C, 3 and 7) engines are equipped with C3I ignition. The system uses a 3-coil module and Hall-Effect sensors to determine crankshaft and camshaft position in place of a distributor. Models that use a distributor, are equipped with High Energy Ignition (HEI) system with Electronic Spark Timing (EST).
| Application | Resistance |
|---|---|
| All Engines (1) | 500-1500 |
| (1) No pick-up coil on C(3)I or DIS ignition system. | |
| (1) | No pick-up coil on C(3)I or DIS ignition system. |
PICK-UP COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)
| Application | Resistance |
|---|---|
| HEI Integral Coil | 500-1500 |
| C(3)I Ignition | .5-.9 |
| Direct Ignition | .5 |
IGNITION COIL RESISTANCE (OHMS)
- Connect ohmmeter between ignition coil primary terminal and coil frame. Reading should be infinite on high scale of meter. Disconnect ohmmeter from coil frame and connect it to the other coil primary terminal. Reading should be very low or zero, on low scale of meter.
- Disconnect ohmmeter lead from one of coil primary terminals and connect it to coil secondary terminal. Reading should not be infinite on high scale of meter.
FUEL SYSTEM
| Application | Model |
|---|---|
| 2.8L Multi-Port Fuel Injection | General Motors |
| 3.0L Multi-Port Fuel Injection | Bosch |
| 3.8L Sequential Port Fuel Injection | General Motors |
| 4.3L Throttle Body Fuel Injection | General Motors |
FUEL INJECTION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| Application (1) | Cold Crank Amps @ 0°F (18°C) | Reserve Capacity Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 150 Amp | 310/315 | 60/75 |
| 170 Amp | 355 | 70 |
| 190 Amp | 390 | 90 |
| 200 Amp | 405 | 75 |
| 230 Amp | 465 | 115 |
| 250 Amp | 500/515 | 90/115 |
| 260 Amp | 500 | 90 |
| 270 Amp | 550 | 115/135 |
| 310 Amp | 630 | 90 |
| 370 Amp | 750 | 175 |
| (1) Any of the batteries listed may be used, depending on model and equipment. | ||
| (1) | Any of the batteries listed may be used, depending on model and equipment. |
BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER
All models are equipped with a Delco-Remy solenoid actuated starter with overrunning clutch.
| Application | Volts | Amps | Test RPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | 10 | 50-75 | 6000-11,900 |
| 3.0L & 3.8L | 10 | 60-90 | 6000-10,500 |
| 3.8L "3800" | 10 | 45-74 | 8600-12,900 |
| 4.3L | 10 | 70-120 | 6000-10,700 |
STARTER SPECIFICATIONS
ALTERNATOR
All models are equipped with Delco-Remy alternators with integral voltage regulators.
| Application (1) | Field Current Draw @ 12 Volts | Rated Amp Output | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard & Optional | |||
| CS 130 | 4.0-4.5 Amps | 85 | |
| CS 130 | 4.0-4.5 Amps | 100 | |
| CS 130 | 4.0-4.5 Amps | 105 | |
| (1) Application may use any alternator listed, depending on optional equipment. | |||
| (1) | Application may use any alternator listed, depending on optional equipment. |
ALTERNATOR SPECIFICATIONS
ALTERNATOR REGULATOR
All models are equipped with Delco-Remy non-adjustable voltage regulators, integral with alternator.
| Application | Voltage |
|---|---|
| All | 13.5-16.0 |
REGULATOR OPERATING VOLTAGE
SERVICE INTERVALS
To reset "Service Interval Light" used on Pontiac 6000 STE with Drivers Information Center (DIC), proceed as follows. With service item displayed, press and hold down the reset button.
The distance between service intervals will decrease at a rate of 500 miles every 5 seconds. The reprogrammed distance to next service interval will be displayed when button is released. When the mileage interval reaches zero, the service item will light up. Repeat this operation to reset each service item (if required).
If the service interval light for each item is reset within 10 miles of coming on, the light will go out immediately. If the service interval light is left on longer than 10 miles, the display will remain on for 10 miles before going out.
| Component | Interval (Miles) |
|---|---|
| Oil & Filter | 7500 |
| Air Filter | 30,000 |
| Fuel Filter | (1) |
| PCV Filter | 30,000 |
| Spark Plugs | 30,000 |
| (1) No scheduled replacement. Check and replace if clogged. | |
| (1) | No scheduled replacement. Check and replace if clogged. |
REPLACEMENT INTERVALS
BELT ADJUSTMENT SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | New Belt (1) | (1) Used Belt | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | |||||
| Except Fiero | |||||
| "V" Belt | |||||
| A/C | 165 (75) | 90 (40) | |||
| All Others | 90 (40) | 75 (34) | |||
| Serpentine Belt | 205 (93) | 150 (68) | |||
| Fiero | |||||
| Alternator & A/C | 145 (66) | 70 (32) | |||
| Power Steering | 135 (60) | 70 (32) | |||
| Air Pump | 100 (45) | 50 (23) | |||
| 3.0L | |||||
| Serpentine Belt | (2) | (2) | |||
| All Other Engines | |||||
| Air Pump | 75 (34) | 45 (20) | |||
| Alternator | 125 (56) | 70 (32) | |||
| A/C & Pwr. Str | 135 (60) | 80 (36) | |||
| "3800" (VIN C) | (2) | (2) | |||
| 3.8L | (3) | (3) | |||
| 4.3L | (3) | (3) | |||
| (1) Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge. (2) Self-adjusting belt. (3) Information not available from manufacturer at time of publication. | |||||
| (1) | Tension in Lbs. (Kg) Using Strand Tension Gauge. |
| (2) | Self-adjusting belt. |
| (3) | Information not available from manufacturer at time of publication. |
BELT ADJUSTMENT
CAPACITIES
| Application | (1) Quantity | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L | |||
| All RWD Models | 12.5 qts. (11.8L) | ||
| All FWD Models | |||
| Standard | 11.0 qts. (10.4L) | ||
| With A/C | 11.0 qts. (10.4L) | ||
| Heavy Duty | 13.0 qts. (12.3L) | ||
| Fiero | 13.8 qts. (13.1L) | ||
| 3.0L | |||
| Standard | 10.5 qts. (10.0L) | ||
| With A/C | 13.0 qts. (12.3L) | ||
| 3.8L MFI (VIN C & 3) | |||
| Standard | 13.2 qts. (12.5L) | ||
| 3.8L SFI (VIN 7) | 14.0 qts. (13.3L) | ||
| 4.3L TBI (VIN Z) | 13.1 qts. (12.4L) | ||
| (1) Capacities listed are approximate. Always fill radiator to the "FULL COLD" or "FULL HOT" mark on the coolant reservoir. | |||
| (1) | Capacities listed are approximate. Always fill radiator to the "FULL COLD" or "FULL HOT" mark on the coolant reservoir. |
COOLING SYSTEM CAPACITIES
| Application | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Crankcase (Includes Filter) | ||
| 2.8L | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | |
| 3.0L | 4.5 qts. (4.4L) | |
| 3.8L | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | |
| 4.3L | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | |
ENGINE OIL CAPACITIES
| Application | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Auto. Transaxle (Dexron II) | ||
| THM 125C | 4.0 qts. (3.8L) | |
| THM 440-T4 | 6.5 qts. (6.0L) | |
TRANSMISSION CAPACITIES
| Application | Ounces | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buick | |||
| Century, Electra & Riviera | 44 | ||
| LeSabre & Somerset | 36 | ||
| Regal | 52 | ||
| Skylark | 44 | ||
| Cadillac | |||
| Cimarron | 38 | ||
| Chevrolet | |||
| Camaro | 48 | ||
| Caprice & Monte Carlo | 56 | ||
| Celebrity | 44 | ||
| Oldsmobile | |||
| Calais | 36 | ||
| Ciera & Toronado | 44 | ||
| Cutlass Supreme | 52 | ||
| 88 & 98 Regency | 38 | ||
| Pontiac | |||
| Bonneville & Grand Prix | 53 | ||
| Firebird | 48 | ||
| Fiero | 42 | ||
| Grand Am | 36 | ||
| 6000 | |||
| STE | 36 | ||
| All Others | 44 | ||
SYSTEM REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES