20 Most Recent 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Questions & Answers

Hold the ignition switch just off where the engine cranks after it starts, if it stays running you need to replace the ignition starter switch. This is the switch at the bottom of the steering column that the key cylinder operates via a rod. See photo below.

No. An emergency brake on the 86 camaro engages the pads against the rotor and the vehicle would not move either in reverse or forward. It sounds like you have a gear problem in the transmission that could be related to either solenoid or actual gear wear. Assuming the vehicle is being MOVED as you say while the engine is running.. thus providing the energy to move it.. Going in reverse has the solenoid engaged one way, drive the other way. Solenoid sounds damaged at this point. Unfortunately this probably will require a transmission rebuild.

bumper shocks behind bumper have fore retainers on each side...if you try to remove shock from frame, locate addtl mounting bolt under or on side of frame horn

Do a wet and a dry compression test on the engine cylinders. Or have it done for you. Engine requires certain compression minimums to work well.

is timing light right on ? or can you see it wabbling?

Dude,go too auto zone or the nearest parts house and buy a manuel.

You should try replacing the turn signal relay, I think its located in the fuse panel.

Without knowing if you have a V6 or a V8 motor I can't look up your TDC for your '86 Camaro, and if you don't have a timing gun that knowledge wouldn't help much anyway. However, you can tune your engine by ear and it may help the sluggishness. To do this mark the block and the distributor so you know how far you are advancing your timing once you start adjusting it. There is usually one bolt mounting the distributor into the block, loosen it until you can turn the distributor but it is still stiff enough to hold in place while the motor is running. Keep it in its original location and start the motor. Carefully, with a warm engine, gently turn the distributor ever so slightly clockwise until the engine isn't shuddering and is idling smoothly. It may take some trial and error to find the right spot. When you are confident your engine sounds right turn off the motor and tighten the bolt. Make a mental note of where you relocated the distributor to in relation to your other marks on the mount and the block. Then take the car out for a test drive. It may feel sluggish by too far advancing or retarding the timing. If so try again using the original marks as a reference. If this doesn't work, put your distributor back to its original location before troubleshooting further.

Recheck fuel pump, and or fuel pressure coming from the fuel, also may need to check or replace fuel filter

Definitely start by replacing any bulbs that are out. Brakes, markers, anything.

Is it just moisture or has the oil turned a gray color, and if you look in the radiator is their oil in the water. You could have a cracked head or a blown head gasket.