I bought a 92 Firebird about 2 months ago to use as a daily driver. Its transmission was slipping but the engine was running well. The engine had been previously replaced and is a 3.1 liter. I will repeat that the engine was running well. I let it sit for a few weeks before I swaped the tranny and when it got cold outside this winter the battery froze and swelled. I replaced the battery and when I started the car there was a horrible squeeling and smoke comming from the firewall. The engine died after about 5 seconds and wouldn't start again untill I let it sit for a while. I didn't think anything of this because I thought it was the tranny. I swapped the tranny + torque convertor and now the engine is still doing this. I have done a complete tuneup, replaced the alternator and made sure that it is not any of the accesories that are squeeling. I did this by taking off the belt. I am confused now and don't know what to do. Let me repeat, the engine will squeel, run very rough, smoke by the firewall, and die after about 5 seconds. Then it will not restart untill it has sat for a while. Any help you can give is very greatfully appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'm NOT an expert, so don't even think I am. Try taking your belt off and seing if it squeels. Could be something locked up on the serpentine system and is making it die. Again, I'm not a mechanic, expert, or anything like that, but that is the firt thing that I would do.

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92 Bird 3.1L Auto
Best $750 I ever spent....
DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!
Kills:
93 Mustang LX (Before Mods)
98 or 99 Dodge Stratus (tough one, edged out at 40)
92 Camaro RS 305 TPI
Close Calls
94 Grand Am 3.1 V6
92 Cavalier 3.1 V6
01 Porsche 911 Turbo (Had em till first gear)
Mods-Jet Stage 2 Performance Chip, Accel Cap/Rotor, Accel 8.8 MM Wires, Accell Coil, AC Delco Rapidfire Plugs, Dynomax Catback, K&N
AIM name OVRCLCK350

 

I already removed the drive belt and it still made the squeeling. I am sure it is not the accesories.

 

well, this wouldn't explain any smoke coming out.....but, check and see if you accidentally disconected that real big vacuum hose that is routed to the master cylinder. that will cause extreme rough idle and a quick stall out.

 

It did this before the trans swap? How many miles are on the motor?

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

Was there antifreeze in it? It sounds like water froze in the block and/or head. Blown cylinder head gasket would explain smoke and rough idle.... squeeling would be from the bearings.

Just a guess!

 

To answer all of your questions: There was antifreeze in it and I don't think it is a blown headgasket because the oil and coolant both look clean. I am not sure how many miles are on the motor but it did not burn any oil when I bought it so I assume it is in decent shape, I have not run a compression check. Finnaly, when I bought the car that large vacuum line was unhooked so I hooked it back up. I don't think it is a vacuum leak because I checked all of the lines.

 

Have you checked the computer for error codes?

Could the timing chain have snapped? Altho I don't think your motor would start at all.

You could use a scrap piece of heater hose as a stethescope to "listen" for the source of the noise.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

did you do anything at the clutch, replace?
what obout the tranny-fluid?

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www.marion-becker-nidda.de
91 Firebird 3.1
Modsynomax ultra flow stainless steel

 

I think it is in the engine?

 

make sure there is plenty of tranny fluid.. did you fill the tourque converter half way before you put it in? check the tranny fluid because it will go down quite a bit when you fire it up.

 

I want to thank everyone for there input. I tried alot of the things that you all sugested. While I was checking to see if the starter was staying engaged I removed the oxegen sensor. The car ran without it. I figured the exaust was clogged so 20 minuits with a torch and sawzaw and the cat and exaust was gone. Now it runs great, just really loud. The cat had colapesed onto itself. I will replace it and the exaust with a new 3" system. Thanks again for the help.

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86 Camaro 2.8, 92 Firebird 3.1, 1951 Chev 327, Four-wheeling hybrid.

 

HotRod, thanks for that update! So many times, we never know what happens after a car has problems.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!