After replacing the radiator, the car will not start?

AMO145

MEMBER
1998 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Hi, I had someone change my radiator and now it doesn't start. It sounds like it ran out of gas but has gas. Can someone please help? Thanks in advance.

Sunday, March 12th, 2023 AT 2:18 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

There is a chance that the crankshaft position sensor was disconnected or damaged when the radiator was being installed.

Do me a favor. Check to see if there is spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, March 12th, 2023 AT 3:25 PM

AMO145

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Can you please send me a picture please of where it's at? Because I feel like he connected stuff wrong. I know very little about cars but I'm willing to learn and try because I can't afford to take it to a shop. Thank you, I appreciate your help.

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Sunday, March 12th, 2023 AT 3:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

The sensor is at the front of the engine. I attached a pic below showing it, but the pic is from my manual and is somewhat vague.

In the pic, you are seeing the front of the engine without everything attached to it. Things that are missing are the belts, alternator, p/s pump, and so on.

I highlighted the crank sensor and the connector. When you look for this, look all the way down at the bottom of the engine where the belt is driven by the crankshaft pulley. See pic 2.

Let me know what I can do to help you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)

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Sunday, March 12th, 2023 AT 6:40 PM

AMO145

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you, I will try that. I'm going to send you a picture in the morning in hopes you can tell me where this part goes because I know it does not connect to the radiator where he has it. Also, I think they are called vacuum lines that are not connected towards the windshield either. I'm pretty sure that's why it's not starting as well. But I know.

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Sunday, March 12th, 2023 AT 9:03 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

Sounds good. The vacuum lines will at least cause a rough idle. If there are enough disconnected, it could cause a no-start.

Let me know. I'll watch for the pictures.

Take care,

Joe