About 2 years ago my parents bought me a 1986 2.8L Multi Port Fuel Injection Chevy Camaro. Now it's stalling or better yet dyeing on me. When it dies the battery light and oil light come on. I usually put it in park and shut it off for about 5-10 seconds and start it again, usually works just fine. It usually only does this when I am in town either leaving to go to work or getting off work. On the highway it runs just fine. I'm not exactly sure what's wrong with it. I'm not very experienced with cars and it's my only transportation. I've asked people whom I know who used to have the same type of car. They think it could be one of three things. Clogged fuel filters, fuel pump, or coils. I just want to know for sure before I go buy parts or spend money on something that didn't need, being I'm on a limited budget. What are your thoughts in what it could be, or your best solutions?
Hello. Welcome to Just Answer.
My name is XXXXXX XXX I will assist you with your stalling Camaro.
hello
I do not believe it will be the fuel filter, the fuel pump or ignition coils.
Then what do you think it is?
Fuel filters when clogged will cause a lack of power under heavy throttle. Same for the fuel pump. Bad coils will make your car run poorly, chug, worse on highway.
I think your Camaro may be suffering from a lack of airflow past the throttle plate when it's closed.
Is the check engine light on?
no
If it is the lack of airflow, how can I fix this problem?
OK, good. That helps my theory so far. When the throttle is closed, there is a valve called the idle air control. The computer opens it to allow the proper air into the engine when closed throttle. It's possible it may be dirty or is sticking.
Also, the throttle plate itself can become dirty. In a clean throttle plate, a certain amount of air gets past it. When it gets dirty, it restricts the airflow.
Try using a can of throttle body spray cleaner around the throttle plate.
You will need to remove the air intake snorkle at the throttle body.
Manually open the throttle plate and spray the cleaner around the plate
ok! thank you!
About how much would a bottle of throttle body spray cleaner cost
A can of spray cleaner should be available at an autoparts store for 6 to 12 bucks. I buy it in bulk so not exactly sure.
By the way, it's normal for those lights to come on when the car stalls.
It's similar to when you turn on the key before you start. It's a bulb test.
Great for my tight budget too! When I put the cleaner on am I required to try and scrub as well or let it sit. ok, I wasn't sure
Sometimes the carbon build up may be thick and gummy. I sometimes spray some on a shop rag and wipe it gently.
Ok, if by chance It doesn't work what would be your next best solution. Just in case.
Because it does not have the check engine light coming on, I'd then suspect the next step I would look into is the idle air control valve. They sometimes need to be properly configured however on the GM vehicles. You could try to replace it. Usually they will eventually configure after driving a while.
They are easy to change as well. Held in with two small screws that are usually a torx head.
If it needs to be replaced, how much would it cost? To your best guess.
Almost forgot. The 2.8 has a mass air flow sensor. These can also become dirty. Spray it out as well.
ok
Hang on..looking something up.
Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin 87-109 (Section 6E) dated April, 1987 is being reissued to add 1987 Celebrity models to the Minimum Idle speed chart. All copies of 87-109 dated April, 1987 should be destroyed.
Some 1985, 86 and 87 vehicles equipped with 2.8L V-6 P.F.I. engines may experience a stall after start with a warmed up engine or a stall during deceleration.
This condition may be caused by residue accumulating inside the throttle body bore behind the throttle plate and limiting air flow past the throttle plate in the idle position.
To diagnose this condition, perform the following steps:
CHART - MINIMUM Idle speed Year Model Minimum Idle speed Specification * 1985-86 Camaro 550 + or - 50 RPM in drive (A/T) Cavalier 650 + or - 50 RPM in neutral (M/T)Celebrity 1987 Camaro 550 + or - 50 RPM in drive (A/T) 650 + or - 50 RPM in neutral (M/T) 1987 Beretta 550 + or - 50 RPM in drive (A/T) Cavalier 675 + or - 50 RPM in neutral (M/T)Celebrity
It should be noted that what appears to be a small amount of accumulation can be enough to limit air flow.
8. 1987 model year vehicles built after the following V.I.N. breakpoints will not require checking and resetting of minimum Idle speed 1987 MODEL YEAR V.I.N. BREAKPOINTS Model V.I.N. Celebrity G146967 XXXXXXX X165041 Cavalier XXXXXXX J175417 K134154 BerettaCorsica Y106246 Camaro N139297 L123884 Recheck minimum Idle speed on 1985-86 vehicles, and 1987 vehicles built prior to the above V.I.N. breakpoints. Adjust if necessary to specifications defined in step 2
That is a service bulletin concerning your Camaro. Pretty much what I suspected.
Thanks!
If it comes to the point you need the idle air control valve it will likely be around 80 bucks to replace.
You are welcome!
Perfect I was hoping not to spend over 150 dollars if I didn't have to.
I believe that the throttle cleaning should do it. Hopefully that will fix you up, and inexpensively as well.
Thank you.
Thank you as well. When we are completed here, a good rating would be appreciated.
No problem.
Thank you!
Have a great day and thanks again
Glad to help you along. Enjoy your Camaro!
thanks. bye.
Bye!