HELP!! 1986 Camaro engine issues!!

[evildante]

HELP!!

Hi, I really need to find someone who can help me out and knows a little bit more about the engine then me. Since I can tell the engine is missing some parts and some vacuum lines are missing and I don't know what things I will need and where they go. Since I bought the car in that way and looking at a repair book doesn't help. 305 V8

I need the car to be able to drive with out issues. Since I have to move once in a while. Since someone is renting my garage right now.

I hope someone can please help me.

here is some pictures and video I took of my car.

https://youtu.be/JwDS3-wDivQ

http://i.imgur.com/9Q0FoL4h.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/aCHWhhfh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ErNrIBoh.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8TyqLBch.jpg

[greenformula92]

Ah the good ol computer controlled q-jet. Where abouts are you located? Kinda hard to see where everything belongs without actually looking at it

Edit: here's a vac diagram that should help

8038

[evildante]

I live in clark NJ

So I looked at it just now and look at repair manual and I made a list of some missing things I think I noticed I'm not sure if they effect the car.

missing
EGR valve
air check valve
PCV valve
EVAP canister purge valve
Engine coolant temperature sensor
Air switch valve

Not sure if Air pump is missing

also Carb hose from Evaporative emissions canister is not plugged in to anything.

also missing Crankcase Vent tube

Also a hose has a screw in it

also a piece of metal covering a hole on Intake manifold.

[BonzoHansen]

Why is PVC missing? And Engine coolant temperature sensor? That probably isn't good with the CCC system. I see the feedback q-jet so I assume you are still running factory neck and distributor.

[V]

Would a new carb and new distributor be out of your budget? And I mean a real carb and a standalone type distributor, not the ccc one.

That's one way to begin addressing the issues.

The other is to make sure all plugs are connected and all vacuum lines are replaced according to that diagram. Once that's done, check for any trouble codes. If there are any, continue along that path.

[evildante]

missing parts
http://i.imgur.com/o45ZfNjl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/RPCrSMml.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/v0GYuEfl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ToPIumHl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Unu4VCXl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9yllD1tl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CVe8Wl3l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/rp1jGgLl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ErnNoHzl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mz5wXXZl.jpg

[V]

first pic... just seems to be of the baffle in the valve cover under the pcv valve. seems normal.

third pic... looks to be the connection for the "air warmer" hose that feeds the factory air cleaner assembly when cold or first started. With an aftermarket air filter/filter base, its not useful anyway. You don't need it.

The middle few pics all seem to show that the emissions system/egr had been removed for the most part and the vacuum lines for it were not properly capped off.

last 2 pics are for the EGR on the intake manifold. A block-off plate has been installed.

[greenformula92]

Yeah all the emissions stuff has been removed. Basically you need to plumb the vac lines for what you do have and cap off the ones for what you don't. The CC Q-jet is OK but you need a coolant temp sensor for it to work correctly on a cold start enrichment. Without a coolant sensor the computer will always see -40* which will open up the cold start enrichment all the way all the time no matter how warm it is. In other words it will run pig rich

[evildante]

V how much would that run me for a real carb and a standalone type distributor?

Because right now I'm not working and I'm just starting this project. Also I'm not sure what shape the engine is in and if I might swap it out in the future. Not sure if I want to keep 305 V8, or go a 350 or LSX engine if I have the money to. So I'm really not sure if throw a lot into it is the engine knowing that is a good idea or not. the Camaro is still a project right now and it has to be able to drive.

[evildante]

Greenforula92 the electrical and computer are something else I'm not sure if there all hooked up since not all the electrical in the car is up and running.

[V]

brand new performance parts could cost up to $1,000.
good used parts could probably be found for 2-300. a 600 carb and a standard hei distributor would work fine. You'd still need to address the vacuum line issues though.

being that its an '86 LG4 code motor, i wouldn't dump big money into it. try to fix what you have for now. odds are the motor now won't ever give you the hp you may want in the future. a few hoses and some time under the hood with a manual is your best, and least, expensive bet.

buying upgraded parts now with an undecided motor swap in mind would be a waste of money in my opinion. LT1 motors are getting cheap now and whole donor cars can be bought for around 1500. figure a few more hundred for swap specific parts and you'll have a much faster than stock 1986 Camaro.

[greenformula92]

Greenforula92 the electrical and computer are something else I'm not sure if there all hooked up since not all the electrical in the car is up and running.

If you turn the key on and the service engine soon light comes on the computer is hooked up. IIRC if it isn't the solenoid on the carb will stay in whatever position it was in when disconnected. At the very least a new carb will be beneficial as far as driveability. I would just try to find a non-cc q-jet and have it rebuilt and tuned right and at the very least you will have it drive able without breaking the bank. The other thing is the computer will control the timing advance on the distributor. So you will have to do something with that as well if you ditch the electronics all together like V said. It all depends on your long term plans. But a LG4 isn't going to be a powerhouse by any stretch even after work. So performance parts on that motor is kinda pointless

[evildante]

the computer seems to be hooked up since I don't get any issues on dash. Also it must be hooked up since the Camaro is a Berlinetta and the dash mostly electrical digital gages. But if I do a engine swap and need all new wires and computer will I run into issues because it is a 86 Camaro Berlinetta?

[BonzoHansen]

does this thing need to pass inspection?

[evildante]

no, it wont. Plus right now it's not going to be driven on the streets till I fix her up. but when I do I'm going with classic car insurance since its 29 years old.

[BonzoHansen]

insurance is irrelevant. are you putting QQ/historic plates on it? just checking on inspection because I see advice being given w/o asking pertinent questions. what are the goals for the car, just a nice cruiser?

i think the digital gauges still use standard senders and nothing from the ECM. but that should be verified.

[evildante]

most likely QQ plates since and I might use this car for some cruising on street and maybe on track as well. Plus it's not my daily driver car you will see my Honda Saturday.

[BonzoHansen]

That is good. QQ=no inspection, regular plates =inspection required. that impacts your decisions.

I might suggest determining what you really want to do before spending any money on the engine. If "maybe on track" means maybe once for fun, and money is tight, then if that 305 is good then maybe doing simple things to get it running right are in order. But if you really plan on going fast then maybe not. Fast, cheap, reliable, pick two.

[evildante]

Are the 305 Engine Blocks actually that good and reliable your the 2nd person who to me to keep the 305 in it because there reliable and can take a beating and still run.

I still know very little about fixing cars. Also this Camaro is 3 year older then me. LOL

For right now I will keep the 305 in it, since money is tight right now.

But the Camaro also needs to be able to move. Since someone is renting my garage out to someone who has a brand new Mustang that is a limited Edition in it.

So I right now I really need help finding out if the 305 engine in the Camaro is in good shape or not and some help fixing it up so it runs right. Because It might be in good shape right now. But if I have to keep on moving it in the shape it's in now it will cause damage to the engine over time.

Right now I rather be able to have a Camaro that runs then one that will sit.

Plus I also have to work on the car itself remove some rust and fix electrical and interior and exterior. So right now the car running is good enough for me right now.

I will consider a engine swap maybe later on down the road. When I have more money. I know that is not cheap. Since with a different engine that's not one out of a 3 gen. Camaro you will run in to issues there is a lot of extra stuff you will need like computer set up, wiring, motor mounts, new trans, new customize headers and exhaust, reinforcing the frame so it can handle the weight and HP and any other parts needed.

[WildBillyT]

Are the 305 Engine Blocks actually that good and reliable your the 2nd person who to me to keep the 305 in it because there reliable and can take a beating and still run.

I still know very little about fixing cars. Also this Camaro is 3 year older then me. LOL

The 305 is a good engine for the most part, it just has limited power potential and some inherent flaws.

My 0.02:

Get what you've got running properly before you consider any type of swap. If you plan on getting QQ plates and classic insurance you can probably do a carb and distributor swap (to a more old-school setup) pretty easily. Something like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-m08600vs/overview/ and this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-850001r/overview/ would be a start.

FYI you do have a PCV valve, it's in the valve cover with a 3/8" (larger) hose going to it.

[BonzoHansen]

it's all about spending your limited resources wisely. you do not appear to be able afford mistakes right now, which is where most of us are lol

A simple intake, a 600 cfm electric choke carb & an HEI distributor should work, and probable a new air cleaner since i'm not sure that stock one will clear aftermarket carbs (anyone know?). and then there is the related gaskets, vac hoses, oil, filter, antifreeze, sealant, fuel lines, fuel filter, let's see what else..... plus whatever else you need to make it street safe.

if you can get a non-electric q-jet that saves the need for an intake, air cleaner and all that is associated with changing that intake. that might be the most economical way out.

[NJSPEEDER]

The stock air cleaners usually run into the linkage of aftermarket square bore carbs.

Another possibility is to just grab another q-jet from an older vehicle. It wasn't until the early 80's that the whole V8 line up started going to the computer controls, previous to that it was basically the same carb just with all mechanical adjustments. If someone around here doesn't already know I sure google will be able to find a mechanical 4 barrell for a pre-1980 chevy V8.

[WildBillyT]

I'll go against the grain and say nah to a non-CC Qjet. And I'm not just hating on them, they are a great carb.

Even if he finds one it probably will need some work to be up to snuff, and even then working with a q-jet may be out of his comfort zone.

You can throw a rock and find somebody who has information on tuning a 600 Holley.

Grab an adapter plate if you don't want to swap intakes yet. Hell, I probably have one I can give you.

[BonzoHansen]

adapter plate likely puts it into the hood. still need new air cleaner, maybe you can buy room with a drop base.

I'm not suggesting an unknown used q-jet. I'm suggesting a fresh rebuilt one, same cost more or less of any other carb, lot less extra parts needed. Just a thought in a budget. along these lines: https://www.smicarburetor.com/products/sfID1/28/sfID2/9/sfID3/32/productID/18

[WildBillyT]

adapter plate likely puts it into the hood. still need new air cleaner, maybe you can buy room with a drop base.

I'm not suggesting an unknown used q-jet. I'm suggesting a fresh rebuilt one, same cost more or less of any other carb, lot less extra parts needed. Just a thought in a budget. along these lines: https://www.smicarburetor.com/products/sfID1/28/sfID2/9/sfID3/32/productID/18

That would work too if they can put a base tune for his engine in the carb before they mail it out. My biggest concern is tuning it to work right once it's bolted on.

[BonzoHansen]

a good carb shop can handle that no problem. and q jets are more forgiving

[evildante]

The 305 is a good engine for the most part, it just has limited power potential and some inherent flaws.

My 0.02:

Get what you've got running properly before you consider any type of swap. If you plan on getting QQ plates and classic insurance you can probably do a carb and distributor swap (to a more old-school setup) pretty easily. Something like this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-m08600vs/overview/ and this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-850001r/overview/ would be a start.

FYI you do have a PCV valve, it's in the valve cover with a 3/8" (larger) hose going to it.

@WildBilly

Do you believe that will fix the issue I am having with car losing RPM and engine just cutting out on me like it has. Get rid of the QQ carb with the vacuum hoses that are missing and get a Summit Racing Street & Strip® Carburetors SUM-M08600VS and a Summit Racing® Blueprinted HEI Distributors SUM-850001R for my 1986 305 V8 and it should fix that issue? I hope that is the case. Because that reasonable to have my Camaro working.


I'm able to deal with a 305 V8 it for right now since I don't have a lot of money right now so just having it running is main goal right now. Then body work getting rid of what little rust is on then, Electrical and interior, then, then engine swap and paint later if it needs it.

So far 4 people said keep the 305 V8, 2 said drop a 350 in it, 1 said do a LSX swap and 1 said swap a LT1 in it.

But I know nothing about work on cars so how would I know how to do any of these with out help or hiring to have it installed professionally but that cost more money.

[LTb1ow]

BBC swap.

/thread

[greenformula92]

Cheapest way to get it running? Fix all vac lines and probably gonna need a new carb. I've used these guys with great success. www.guaranteedcarburetors.com

Actually it was the same style carb as yours. Comes bench tested and are tuned with a warranty. Literally slap it on hook up all the lines and turn the key. Done.

[evildante]

I'm noticing that the Stock QQ carb is be brought up a lot of online as the issue or people replaced on 305. I can't say that's it since I have no clue it the Vac lines because I don't understand that set up what so ever and if any are missing.

But I'm really hoping its something cheap and simple. that's reasonable for my situation right now. then I will fix up car and maybe do a engine swap later on down the road.

[BonzoHansen]

I find most people pull q-jets off otherwise stock or near engines because they are unfamiliar with them, to be nice. Especially the dolts on facebook groups. God there is some serious stupid on facebook groups.

IMO limited funds = limited parts. every part you alter usually requires more related parts. ka-ching.

The $10 question is really is that 305 otherwise good. does it run at all now?

[evildante]

yes, the 305 does run in both normal drive and overdrive but the RPM's go up and go then down and the engine will cut out. But could that have to do with the Vac. hoses missing? So if some one could help me figure that out then I will know if the carb is also the issue but the engine fires up on first turn of key some times I have to pump gas a little but it starts up and runs.

[V]

first step, plug all the open vacuum hoses or fittings you see coming off the carb, then let us know if it runs any different. A small set of vacuum fittings and plugs from an auto parts store could go a long way

http://www.autozone.com/fittings-and-hose-line-connectors/vacuum-connector-and-tubing?filters=4294962335

Where are you from? Myabe some members in that area have some free time one day.

[greenformula92]

Also I attached a vac diagram for you to use. So you should be able to re route new vac lines using that diagram. You can get everything from a local auto parts store.

[evildante]

first step, plug all the open vacuum hoses or fittings you see coming off the carb, then let us know if it runs any different. A small set of vacuum fittings and plugs from an auto parts store could go a long way

http://www.autozone.com/fittings-and-hose-line-connectors/vacuum-connector-and-tubing?filters=4294962335

Where are you from? Myabe some members in that area have some free time one day.

@V I did what you suggested I the RPM said still then the battery light came on and went off fast and the RPM decreased like before.

[evildante]

I really just want to get it up and running so I will be able to flush out all the old fluids that are in the car since I bought it and use some performance engine cleaners and new fluids in it so I know what my car has in it but first I need it able to stay running long enough so I can allow it to do that. right now I ether need to pump on gas to start her up sometimes or watch RPM's and if they go to low step on gas. Then now the battery is starting but that could be do to car not running long enough.

[evildante]

Well here is what happens when I did what V said to do 3 new video's check them out!!

https://youtu.be/2gCRvAZ8NTc

https://youtu.be/DjRcTfBwDw4

https://youtu.be/6PBCEXLIE6Q

[BonzoHansen]

Performance engine cleaner?

Btw you usually have to pump the gas before you start a carbed engine. Its not efi

[evildante]

Performance engine cleaner?

Btw you usually have to pump the gas before you start a carbed engine. Its not efi

Lucas

and I didn't know that I just moved it and I stalled out on me again so I'm not sure what the issue is it vacuum hoses that cause that or what?

[BonzoHansen]

Don't use any of that crap.

All I see in those videos is a car that will idle all day. In the second one there is a noise but I can't tell what it is.

Basics. When was the last time it got new cap, rotor, wires, plugs, fuel filter? How old is the gas in the tank? Is timing correct? I also suspect the carb is pig rich if the ECM is getting bad info, like the missing cts you mentioned earlier.

This cannot be diagnosed via the web, impossible. You need some one who knows about cars to come over and help.

[evildante]

yes, that is true I do need someone who know more about to come look at it. I don't know when the last time any of that was done I just added gas the other day. Someone said if you want to clean the engine just run some premium gas in it does it good once in a while.

[BonzoHansen]

Whoever said about that premium gas stop listening to them lol

[greenformula92]

Sounds healthy for the most part. I would pull a couple plugs out. Chances are it will need plugs wires cap and rotor plus a fuel filter and fresh gas. You would be surprised how much fresh gas will help.

Whoever told you that about premium has no idea what they are talking about. Old wives tale there

[WildBillyT]

Sounds healthy for the most part. I would pull a couple plugs out. Chances are it will need plugs wires cap and rotor plus a fuel filter and fresh gas. You would be surprised how much fresh gas will help.

Whoever told you that about premium has no idea what they are talking about. Old wives tale there

Yeah, looks like this car needs a good "baseline".

Dante, if you don't already own one go buy a Chilton's manual for the car. It should explain some basic upkeep tasks in detail. About $20.

[evildante]

I have the Haynes Repair Manual.

Only issue it seems to look like is the Vacuum hoses that were pulled out by guy I bought the car from and also other things he pulled out. also I don't have them so it makes it really annoying to figure out where they go sizes of hoses and length of them. Then where to plug them. If I pulled them out I would know where they go. That's where I need help since the images show me a area but not clear to where they go then I have to see if part is there. She seems to run ok, but engine was really hot didn't seem normal. but then again all the vacuum lines are all blocked off.

So it seems the engine works but vacuum caps are temp fix. Now need to figure out what I need to do. Should I try the basic stuff first like @greenformula92, and @WildBillT said New spark plugs, new plugs wires cap and rotor or new distributor, fuel filter, then add some more fresh gas.

I planned on doing some of that once I was able to stay running. I was going to flush all the fluids, coolant, Oil change, also maybe gas but gas doesn't smell so that means its ok. And maybe charge and clean off any stuff on battery if there is any. Then later I could always flush break fluid, power steering fluid and anything else. Worse case have to also get a new battery.

Only other stuff I can think of is new Carb but would that eliminate that vacuum issue? and plug wires but that I don't think will help right now. But those would be things that you might consider after some one who knows about this car looks at it in person and can tell what the issue is.

Hell if I had the space I would pull the engine out and break it down look at it and clean the block and fix any issues then put it back in also I would be able to work on body and fixing some of the rust. But seeing her running last night felt good :) a sign of hope for this car. But once I went to move he later she started to stalling out again on me. :/
So I'm willing to try anything to fix that issue.

[sweetbmxrider]

The guys here are saying start with the basics. You can't wish this thing to run better to then replace parts. You replace parts to get it to run better. You will have to use your resources to identify parts, their locations, and their proper connections. Google is always a great help for this. Start with pulling the plugs at least to see what is going on in the combustion chamber.

[evildante]

just bought 8 new spark plugs I will do install tomorrow and see what happens

[BonzoHansen]

You know how to set gap?

[greenformula92]

You know how to set gap?


Normally everything comes pre gapped now. Get with the times bonzo lol j/k

Seriously get a gap gauge and make sure the gap is right on those plugs. IIRC .45 is the gap, they will probably be pregapped to that but you always want to make sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

[WildBillyT]

Normally everything comes pre gapped now. Get with the times bonzo lol j/k

Seriously get a gap gauge and make sure the gap is right on those plugs. IIRC .45 is the gap, they will probably be pregapped to that but you always want to make sure. Someone correct me if I'm wrong

Probably .045.

[BonzoHansen]

the haynes manual will give you the specs

[evildante]

I have never changed spark plugs before, but according to the book for 1986 says .035 inches. so what tools will I need to change them?

[sweetbmxrider]

Youtube how to change spark plugs.....youtube and google as much basic automotive repair as you can.

[Jersey Mike]

Go to your local, non-franchised, auto parts store WITH the car. Explain you know little about this field, and need help. Ask for a set of eyes. Say no more. Buy the basic **** they recommend you, after they've spent time with the car. Get to know those guys. Report back then.

[greenformula92]

Best way to learn is to dive in. That's how I learned. Yeah stuff got broken along the way but as long as you learn from the mistake its all good. FYI best way to change the plugs on these cars is from underneath

[evildante]

@greenformula92 I would love to dive into it If I had the space and didn't have to move the car I would do that also If I wasn't working on such a tight budget. I would be looking start building a engine to swap in. But I wouldn't learn anything doing that. Also you advice on keep 305 for now and swap to a 350 sounds like something reasonable. There is no real reason to do a LSX swap unless it will be a drag car and it's a ton of money.

[greenformula92]

There is no real reason to do a LSX swap unless it will be a drag car and it's a ton of money.

That's not entirely true. A stock LS swap will net you more reliable power with improved fuel economy. But it is a lot of work. Just look at punkmasters car. For your purpose for the here and now the 305 is more than adequate. After you have the car up and running figure out what you wanna do and make a list and a budget. Leave some room for the nickel and dime parts. Trust me you will be glad you did.

As far as what you have we need to get the basics done. It will make a HUGE difference as far as getting an actual baseline of where the car is. So do the tune up, fresh gas, new fuel filter, and re route the vac lines. Use other sites for pictures of what your looking for and route the vac lines using the diagram I posted.

Until you get a baseline on the car its all speculation

[evildante]

I really need Help Bad!! So I was able to change the fuel filter. but it seems the spark plugs are stuck in the engine. Also Both me and my mothers boyfriend couldn't figure out where was the right place to jack the car was so I could put it up on stands. so we went under car from front and started jacking up the front end crossmember. Also vacuum lines are still missing and not looking good caps are on hoses j,b,k,t,h,n.

[evildante]

so I have a question is this the correct place to place the jack stands?

http://i.imgur.com/CAlimiTl.jpg

[LTb1ow]

Is that the door..?

[V]

no. its not the right place

[evildante]

does it go in deeper under car there was this grove like looking thing is it suppose to go under that.

[greenformula92]

Look under the car. There is a cross member at the rear of the trans thats bolted to both the frame rails. Follow the rails towards the front of the car. When you get close to even with the front on the door place the stands under the frame rails. Your Haynes manual will also show proper jacking and supporting procedures. If your still unclear Google it.

[evildante]

is this right?

http://i.imgur.com/ZafGcsal.jpg

[evildante]

So I noticed some parts that are missing are where the vacuum hoses run to what parts on a 305 V8 with a carb. do you need and what can you bypass or get rid of.

[BonzoHansen]

is this right?

http://i.imgur.com/ZafGcsal.jpg

I don't think so. If I see that right you should have it solidly under the frame rail, not through that hole and on the side if the frame. You really need to get someone there to help you!

Btw is that jack stand on solid ground? Like concrete or pavement?

[evildante]

@BonzoHansen Yes, I do need someone to help me. The jack stands are on concrete with a thick piece of wood under them I made sure to get some wood at least a 1 1/2" inches thick to support the weight so It wont sink into ground.

[BonzoHansen]

they wont sink into concrete

[evildante]

so here is what the spark plugs look like. There not bad so I left them alone.

http://i.imgur.com/XTE58crl.jpg

[Blackbirdws6]

Those do not look good. Looks like you are not getting enough spark (or none at all) resulting in a rich condition. Time for new plugs.

[BonzoHansen]

are they all the same?

[LTb1ow]

They look craptastic.

[L695speed]

Yikes, yeah those plugs are done. gap new ones and put them in. You don't need the emissions stuff to make that motor run. Now, I'm not going to repeat what has already been said, but, should you want a hand, I may be willing to come down for a day and help out a bit. I got through my own CCC QJet phase just fine, got it just about perfect, wasn't perfect but it was good enough to light off the back tires for quite a bit. What do you have done so far? I know you're working on it, and read the thread, but hey progress.

[greenformula92]

Those plugs are very very done. Not the worst I've seen but still shot. Time for new. Also looks like she's running rich. Could be that the timing is way off but being that you stated the coolant temp sensor isn't hooked up or missing that would make that carb stay in warm up mode dumping fuel. So your initial steps should be replace the plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and get that coolant temp sensor going

[evildante]

I guess I will pull them all out and put new ones in.

[evildante]

also it looks like some parts on the Carb. are missing. on the choke

http://i.imgur.com/ZRQZY8il.jpg

[evildante]

Hi @ L695speed, I would very much appreciate that if you would not mind. So far I have capped off all the open vacuum hose lines I found. I changed the fuel filter and have replaced 5 of the 8 spark plugs. The only spark plus that I could not remove where the 1st and last driver side ones and the last passenger side one. Over all I'm glad I bought this Camaro for a car that's 29 years old it's in very good shape. The engine is missing some parts the owner pulled out but the engine does run. There is very little rust I noticed so far. The interior is in ok shape. Just needs some parts and need to check fuses and electrical and the T-Top doesn't leak and the paint is in ok shape. Plus from what it sounds like Carb. is the way to go with this car. So I'm really hoping that this engine can be fixed.

[L695speed]

I sent you a PM to get discussion regarding that off the thread. Check your PMs. There are indeed some parts missing. I went a lil further in the message I sent you. Honestly, if the wiring isn't a total loss, and the engine turns over, I think the car can be revived.

[evildante]

I'm finally able to use my garage to work on my Camaro.

I would like to start working on it, But I know nothing about fixing cars.

Honestly, I need help with this project.

I think the best first step right now would be for someone that knows about fixing Camaro's. To come and take a look at my car and let me know what has to be fixed, what's missing, etc...

This way I could figure out is it worth fixing up and in a reasonable budget. or sell it and finding a better one.


My starting goal for this project is to have my Camaro able to run with no issues and is safe to drive. So basically as long as the engine, electrical, computers work and are in good shape as well as the body of the car being in good shape. AC would be nice, but with T-Top and windows not the first thing I would worry about.

My plans for this car is to have it as a fun car. Something you take out to drive every once in a while and maybe take to the track, car shows, etc...

[unstable bob gable]

Other issues you are going to have to deal with are bad gas and the possibility that critters have been using your car for a home and for snacks.

[evildante]

we don't have snake issues here and I have started up the car and driven it. There seems to be no critters in it. If anything I might need to have all the fluids flushed out and add new fluids.

[unstable bob gable]

we don't have snake issues here and I have started up the car and driven it. There seems to be no critters in it. If anything I might need to have all the fluids flushed out and add new fluids.

That's great you have no critter issues. I've seen cases where rodents have chewed wires clean through. And made nests in unexpected places

[Jersey Mike]

You just chimed back in after 2 years, so go ahead & set the stage for where we're at in this story now.


2 years ago, the car would successfully start on its own.
The car would hold an idle just fine.
You removed some spark plugs and learned that they needed to be changed. Did you end up changing them all out for new ones?
You had previously mentioned replacing the fuel filter with a new one. Did you go through with this?
In the last two years, have you been driving the car at all? If so, how often.
Does the car currently start?
Does it currently hold an idle?
You should definitely change the oil & oil filter.
If the car has been sitting, then for how long has it been sitting & how much gas has been sitting that tank?



You don't need someone who "know Camaros" to come to your house & look your car over. At this point, someone who knows how to safely set up jack stands & change spark plugs, and knows a thing or two about carburetors will do.

[evildante]

I did change the spark plus except for one or two because they where in tight places and way to tight even after I used PB blaster on them and some one that I know that had a track car help me with fix up the carb a little we also pulled out some other parts that where not really necessary. I started it up and let it run, but I can't drive it because no insurance so I can register the car. It does drive be I had to move it and park in front of my house.

[Jersey Mike]

I'm finally able to use my garage to work on my Camaro.

I would like to start working on it, But I know nothing about fixing cars.

Honestly, I need help with this project.

I think the best first step right now would be for someone that knows about fixing Camaro's. To come and take a look at my car and let me know what has to be fixed, what's missing, etc...

This way I could figure out is it worth fixing up and in a reasonable budget. or sell it and finding a better one.


My starting goal for this project is to have my Camaro able to run with no issues and is safe to drive. So basically as long as the engine, electrical, computers work and are in good shape as well as the body of the car being in good shape. AC would be nice, but with T-Top and windows not the first thing I would worry about.

My plans for this car is to have it as a fun car. Something you take out to drive every once in a while and maybe take to the track, car shows, etc...

I did change the spark plus except for one or two because they where in tight places and way to tight even after I used PB blaster on them and some one that I know that had a track car help me with fix up the carb a little we also pulled out some other parts that where not really necessary. I started it up and let it run, but I can't drive it because no insurance so I can register the car. It does drive be I had to move it and park in front of my house.

Here's where you lost me:
You mentioned fixing/working on the car, in the context of repairs, about a half-dozen times in that prior post, but haven't mentioned what the issue you're experiencing is yet. It sounds like the car fires up, holds an idle, jas brakes and is driveable... what's stopping you from putting it on the road to take to meets or driving to a mechanically inclined person?

When did you anticipate putting it on insurance? I don't know how ugly your driving record is, but basic Liability coverage on a 31 year old Camaro is probably in the $40-$100/month range and can be done with a 10 minute phone call from anywhere in the world. If the car is drive able and needs to be transported to a repair facility or friend's garage, then it's time to make that call to your insurance company. You're not going to be able to do any of the things you mentioned until the car is legally documented/covered and mechanically sound to drive, so that's kind of a necessarily step here

[WildBillyT]

Here's where you lost me:
You mentioned fixing/working on the car, in the context of repairs, about a half-dozen times in that prior post, but haven't mentioned what the issue you're experiencing is yet. It sounds like the car fires up, holds an idle, jas brakes and is driveable... what's stopping you from putting it on the road to take to meets or driving to a mechanically inclined person?

When did you anticipate putting it on insurance? I don't know how ugly your driving record is, but basic Liability coverage on a 31 year old Camaro is probably in the $40-$100/month range and can be done with a 10 minute phone call from anywhere in the world. If the car is drive able and needs to be transported to a repair facility or friend's garage, then it's time to make that call to your insurance company. You're not going to be able to do any of the things you mentioned until the car is legally documented/covered and mechanically sound to drive, so that's kind of a necessarily step here

31 years old will get you QQs, so even cheaper insurance (possibly) and no inspection sticker.

[unstable bob gable]

The car is old enough to not need to go through inspection at all.

[evildante]

@jersey mike you asked, "What's stopping you from putting it on the road to take to meets or driving to a mechanically inclined person?"

The answer to that is steady work and money. I have just recently started getting my foot in the door in the field of accounting.

[WildBillyT]

The car is old enough to not need to go through inspection at all.

D'oh, you're right. :bertstare: