Sorry if this is a stupid question or too hard to answer without specifically diagnosing, but here goes: I (amateur) tried to change my camshaft recently....by some miracle and with a good amount of help, i and my brother were able to do so and get the car back together, but it didnt run quite right...the guy that helped me just couldnt get the timing to line up right and it wouldnt idle with the intake tubing on. He said it seemed like the cam and crank gears may be misaligned, even by just a tooth, so we went back in the motor, it was fine, and we put it back together (2nd time). This time, however, i turned the key and nothing. Tried again, and a hissing sound came out followed by an electrical snap and smoke rising from the engine bay. Smelled definitely electrical. The smoke came up from the passenger side of the engine, nearer to the block than the fender. So if i connect the battery, the dome and footwell lights come on without a hitch, but the second i turn the key to on, the warning ding noise comes on faintly, and then the hissing and smoking start. I know this post is long and, even still vague, but any suggestions or similar experiences with electrical malfunctions? (or even the cam change/idling thing if it sounds familiar) Thanks for any help!

 

Wow, there are lots of possibilities with diagnosing both the problems you describe, but don't fear there are plenty of opinions to be had here on the tech board!

As far as the electrical problem, check the cable that grounds the block to the battery negative, and the fusible links that run down to the positive post on the starter (at least that's where mine are). I can't see why anything would have shorted from your engine work, but perhaps a wire was pinched somewhere.

As for the idle problem, a vacuum leak could be to blame, along with a number of other causes; valve lash not right, a vacuum line to a sensor misrouted etc.

 

Well, good call. The fusible links on the starter were burning up, and all cuz I pinched the tach wire while screwing on my distributor cap. And it only took an ASE certified mechanic and a professional electrician 4 hours to find it! Why do I love electricals again.....? So back to the figuring out the running poorly problem...valve lash is our next check. Thanks!