Camaro Camaro Camaro time I have found the problem, now I need the solution.?

Question

OK after posting question after question trying to figure out why my engine was jumping and I had a loss of power I finally popped the hood and looked around. After hearing a little bit of everything I found (upon playing with spark wires and being shocked) that the cylinder three connector on the ignition coil was not releasing a spark. So other than having the coil replaced, because thats in line, I want to know if theres anything that would have caused the original one to go bad, making replacing it obsolete.

Theres still the question of why the initial misfire would be caused by water contact. As in the only time the idle was rough was after heavy rain and when I disconnected the wire from the spark plug. The spark plug wires themselves are AC delco wires which seem to be in good shape.

the wires were replaced about 5000 miles ago

Answer 1

Dear Camaro-

There is a key element in your description that makes me know the rough year your Camaro is, say about 1996 to 2001?

Is that about a correct guess, and this is also a Z-28 equpped with the 350? Right?

You are going to have a little bit of work cut out for you being that I work for Chevrolet in the Parts Department.

Ret ready for grease and some work to get this issue under control.

Because you clued me in on the rain issue, this is your problem, without a doubt.

The Ingition Module on your car has been a real problem for GM. Its called an Opti-Spark System and that thing is located directly behind your water pump.

Here is what you are going to have to do to get it fixed.

Parts List:

Plug Wires
Di-Electric Silicon Grease
Water Pump Gaskets
Spark Plugs
and
Opti-Spark Module.
1 Gallon Coolant
1 Gallon Distilled Water

That module is a fairly expensive piece of hardware, so just be prepaired for it.

Be sure to check the Ignition Coil for damage too. If you are in doubt replace it too.

Start by disconnecting the battery. Then you are going to need to remove the fan shroud and fan. This is to get you some room for your next project.

Now you are going to drain the cooling system.

Remove the water pump, and now you can remove the Opti-Spark Module. None of the parts in this thing are serviceable, so you get to throw the old one away.

Install your new Opti-Spark Module. Be sure that you keep the area dry until it is completely installed. I would suggest getting some little rubber caps to cover the plug terminals until you have the water pump installed.

Clean the mounting surfaces for the water pump, replace the gaskets and re-install the pump.

Oh Joy! Right?

Now you get to re-install the fans, fan shroud and put your coolant back into the engine!! Woo Hoo! What fun!!

This is not one of GM's better designs.

Now you get to install the new wires, being sure to coat each terminal boot with the Silicon Grease. Install your new Spark Plugs, being sure to coat the wire boots with the Silicon Grease.

Be sure to re-route the wires properly too.

Now after you have done all of this, you should be able to start the engine.

Just be sure to top off the coolant as necessary until the system is full.

I hope that helps you out. Its one job I did not look forward to on my Camaro, and one of the reasons I sold it.

GM, should have gone with a DIS System on this car, like they did on the Corvette. But they didn't.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Replace the wires, the distributor cap, and the rotor

Answer 3

Wires are only good for about 30,000 miles...