1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass serious starting problem

LORDJOKER5

MEMBER
1984 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

When I fully charge the battery and try to turn the key to start the car the engine rotates but not coming on so when I put my foot down on the gass pedal it rotates and flames come out of the carb. The longer I keep my foot down and keep trying to start the car the bigger more the flames come out. But if you keep trying it will come on but make either a knocking noise or mostly now a sqeaking whining chirping nosie with one or two loud poping noises and then it goes off then battery goes completely dead again. This all happens all at once without any sign of the motor reving up to any rpm above 1 or 2 in park. The car wont say on long enough to even switch the gear. What to do

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi: It sounds like it jumped time. Check engine timing and let me know what you find.

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

-1

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 AT 2:42 PM

LORDJOKER5

MEMBER
7 POSTS

When I check the book for info the same info and pic of the timeing is set exactly the same order and the crank is spinning exactly same way the crank is also set to "0" also everytime but nothing works, one time the car came on and black smoke came out the pipes with black liquid going on the ground the car when put in drive didnt want to move and when it did the oil/choke light on and the car only rolled a couple feet with foot all the way down to the floor and then the car turns of and wouldnt come back on. There was also a squeaking squealing knocking chirping noise comeing from the engine at idlle and even when you rev it up too. It gets even louder. Someone took the spark plugs dis/cap dis/rotor and spark plugs and changed it but when they took it of they couldnt figure out the right to put the put back on but then they finally figured it out at the last min and the had a problem ever sense then.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, February 23rd, 2009 AT 5:54 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

The black smoke indicates it was running too rich (too much gas / not enough air.) Make sure the air filter is clear and remove one of the spark plugs (after trying to start it) and see if it is wet. There may be a problem with the float in the carb allowing too much gas to enter the engine Also, if the plugs have been filed (as a result of too much gas) you may need to replace them. Are you sure the wires are on correctly? As far as the noises you were hearing, it sounds like the belts and a very low idle. Has anyone checked the catylatic converter to see if it is plugged?

Try something. Disconnect the fuel line so no fuel can get to the carb. Disconnect it before the fuel pump so no fuel gets pumped. If you have flames coming from the carb, be careful and have a fire extinguisher near by for oil and gas fires. The reason I want you to try this is so the carb isn't dumping fuel. If it doesn't get the fuel to dump, I am anxious to see if the car will start until the carb is empty. Once empty, (follow the directions on the can) but try to see if it will start with starting fluid for a few seconds.

Also, if you don't want to do that, disconnect the power to the coil so the engine doesn't get spark. Then crank the engine and watch down the car to see if it is dumping fuel. When you say you need to hold your foot to the floor for it to start, that tells me it needs the air to burn the extra fuel.

Please be careful doing this. I don't want you to have a fire and based on your description, it is possible.

Let me know what you find. I feel confident that the carb is the problem. It may need rebuilt, have a bad needle valve not stopping fuel, or a bad float.

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, February 23rd, 2009 AT 7:46 PM