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The start up of the car is smoking

Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 1984 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • 5.1L
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 34,000 MILES
So when the car is started it only takes the engine doesn't turn at all and something is smoking and it smells like melting rubber and plastic at the same time really terrible.


My husband wanted me to send this video so I'm going to attach a video.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 AT 2:59 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,750 POSTS
Hi,

The video didn't attach. Is the smoke coming from under the hood? Have you checked the accessory drive belts to make sure one isn't getting burned up due to a pulley being locked up?

Here is a link that shows how to replace a serpentine belt. I'm adding it in the event you find the belt is loose, damaged, or burnt.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-serpentine-belt

If you can, upload the video you mentioned. Also, open the hood and then have a helper start the vehicle so you can see approximately where the smoke comes from.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Thursday, February 11th, 2021 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
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I believe this is the video it's no longer smoking. He changed the starter but now the car's starter is making a grinding noise. He also wants to know what's the screw on top of the carburetor?And how to adjust it?
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 2:53 AM
Tiny
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This one is the correct video.
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 2:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I may have seen a small amount of smoke near the passenger side of the firewall. Is that what you are referring to?

If it is, I suspect it is coming from the starter or a wire at the starter. If you crank it for an extended period of time, it will get really hot. Check to see if that's where it is coming from. Remember, it could be the wiring to the starter as well.

I need to see a pic of the screw you are referring to. If I recall, there really aren't any adjustments on the top. The air/fuel mixtures are usually at the base of the carburetor.

Just for curiosity, will it start if you use starting fluid?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
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I tried putting a vacuum gauge on it for tuning but the engine was idling to high at high speed as I was trying to back it up to its highest vacuum pressure by turning the adjusting screw to the left
The vacuum pressure wouldn't back up still so I proceeded to the other adjusting screw
As I was told to turn them in all the way the darn screw came out I manage to screw it back in lucky it didn't show signs of internal problems after getting the screw back in I gave up

Then I studied and learned that we're trying to get the highest pressure on both screws but as I turn the screws while backing them up the pressure still wouldn't back up it would stay at 10.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
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This is the screw he is talking about in the attached image.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
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The car will run but soon as you put it in gear it shuts off, then it wont run until after a while if lucky.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
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I bought the car and the vacuum lines were out of whack then I put them in and it was driving like a brand new car.
Then the smog tech said I didn't have the vacuum lines in like it shows in the repair manual. So I did it like it's done in the book, but after I left it at a friends house it wasn't driving like it was and got stuck.
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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
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If you are showing 10 on vacuum, that is too low. Are you sure there isn't a vacuum leak? It should be between 18 and 22.

As far as the screw, that isn't an adjustment.

Take a look at the attached schematic and let me know if it is the same as what was used.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
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When I ran the vacuum gauge on it I had the air cleaner off. Would that be why it's too low?

Also, I thought that screw on top was the APT to adjust it lean or rich?

I didn't run the vacuum lines like that schematic you are sharing with me. I'll send you a picture of the one I used.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 2:27 AM
Tiny
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This is my picture I don't know if it's the same.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Without having the pictures side by side, it's hard to tell. However, the one I supplied appears to have more information. What I would do is go to the vehicle and start tracing to see if there is a difference.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
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My bad, I forgot to add the picture.
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Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

LOL no, you did add it. I suggested that you follow the pic I sent to confirm what you have is correct. The one I sent seems to be more specific.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
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Okay, now when the car is started it makes a loud screeching noise and when he put it in drive it cuts off. He doesn't know what to do.
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Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

Can you record the noise and upload it for me to hear?

Joe
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Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 7:05 PM

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