I've got an '86 Camaro, and I'm having trouble starting it. It's my new project car, and it ran when I drove it home, and for a few days afterwords. It had the alternator replaced before I drove it home, and I've since replaced the starter (went out on day 4). It's now back to where it's trying to crank, but won't quite start. It's got fuel, and the battery is good to go (had it tested, it's only 5mos old anyways). So, I've procured a new ignition cylinder, going to try that.

Problem: I've got the Chilton's manual, and it shows the ignition coil to be somewhere near the distributor, but not exactly where. And I can't find the damn thing. Do I need to pull the distributor apart to get at it? I've moved the air cleaner, but still can't find it.

Any and all help would be appreciated!

 

In 86 models, it's IN the distributor cap; not NEAR the distributor like it is in later models.

Take off the cover on top of the distributor (2 little 1/4" screws) and you'll see it. You might have to remove the retaining ring for the plug wires first, if it's still there. It unclips with 2 plastic clips.

Those coils almost NEVER go bad. Don't be too surprised if replacing it accomplishes nothing.

 

Cool, thanks for the help. Yeah, it's cranking like it wants to start, but can't get that final spark to get it going, and the only parts left are the ignition module, the ignition coil, and the distributor.

Anyone else have these kinds of problems? If so, what helped?

Thanks!

 

Don't forget the distributor cap and rotor. I'd replace these first and see if it fixes the problem. Coil is easy to replace but ignition module and pickup coil replacement requires removing the distributor.