Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird Repair Manual 1993-2002

VALVES: SERVICING

1. Because of the complex nature of the job and the special tools and equipment needed, servicing of the valves, the valve seats and the valve guides, commonly known as a valve job, should be done by a professional.



2. The home mechanic can remove and disassemble the head, do the initial cleaning and inspection, then reassemble and deliver it to a dealer service department or an automotive machine shop for the actual service work.
   
   Doing the inspection will enable you to see what condition the head and valvetrain components are in and will ensure that you know what work and new parts are required when dealing with an automotive machine shop.



3. The dealer service department, or automotive machine shop, will remove the valves and springs, recondition or replace the valves and valve seats, recondition the valve guides, check and replace the valve springs, rotators, spring retainers and keepers (as necessary), replace the valve seals with new ones, reassemble the valve components and make sure the installed spring height is correct.
   
   The cylinder head gasket surface will also be resurfaced if it?s warped.



4. After the valve job has been performed by a professional, the head will be in like new condition. When the head is returned, be sure to clean it again before installation on the engine to remove any metal particles and abrasive grit that may still be present from the valve service or head resurfacing operations.
   
   Use compressed air, if available, to blow out all the oil holes and passages.

(Refer to Illustrations 12.11 12.12 and 12.13)

1. Check the ground wire connections of the intake manifold for tightness. Check all electrical connectors that are related to the system. Loose connectors and poor grounds can cause many problems that resemble more serious malfunctions.



2. Check to see that the battery is fully charged, as the control unit and sensors depend on an accurate supply voltage in order to properly meter the fuel.



3. Check the air filter element ? a dirty or partially blocked filter will seriously impede performance and economy (see Chapter 1).



4. If a blown fuse if found, replace it and see if it blows again. If it does, search for a grounded wire in the harness to the fuel pump.



5. Check the air intake duct to the intake manifold for leaks, which will result in an excessively lean mixture. Also check the condition of all vacuum hoses connected to the intake manifold.



6. Remove the air intake duct from the throttle body and check for dirt, carbon or other residue build-up. If it?s dirty, clean it with carburetor cleaner and a toothbrush.



7. With the engine running, place an automotive stethoscope against each injector, one at a time, and listen for a clicking sound, indicating operation (see illustration).
   
   If you don?t have a stethoscope, place the tip of a screwdriver against the injector and listen through the handle.



8. Unplug the injector electrical connectors and test the resistance of each injector (see illustration). Compare the values to the Specifications listed in this Chapter.

• Introduction: Vehicle identification numbers. Buying parts. Safety. Maintenance techniques. Chemical and lubricants, and more.
• Tune-up and routine maintenance
• 3.4L V6 engine
• 3800 V6 engine
• 5.7L V8 engine - 1997 and earlier models
• 5.7L V8 engine - 1998 and later models
• General engine overhaul procedures
• Cooling, heating and air-conditioning systems
• Fuel and exhaust systems
• Engine electrical systems
• Emissions control systems
• Manual transmission
• Automatic tranmission
• Clutch and driveline
• Brakes
• Suspension and steering systems
• Body
• Chassis electrical system
• Wiring diagrams