Crank, screech, shut down...
 

Took my 1985 out for a spin on Saturday and everything was running fine all day. Fast forward to Monday morning; I go to start her up and it cranks, turns over, fires up for about a half second and lets out a loud screeching noise (imagine worn out brake pads on a rotor) and then she shuts off. Only prior issue I was having was a parasitic draw that was killing the battery. Took it out, threw it on the charger overnight, put the battery back in after work today and same issue. No check engine light, oil level is fine. Anyone have any suggestions on where to start? This metal on metal sound is haunting my dreams...

Starter or a power accessory would be best case.. they okay?

PS: You can pop the belt off and spin the power accessories by hand to see if anything seized up..

Starter/Flexplate issues aren't uncommon on older cars. Assuming it is an automatic, you can inspect this area by removing the 4 bolts in the inspection cover over the flywheel/converter, beneath the vehicle.

I would check these before I did anything else.

Could it be your belt screeching? Take off your accessory belt and make sure all of your pulleys spin freely.

My initial thought was the starter or the alternator. I'm about to head outside and take off the serpentine belt to check some of the pulleys before it gets dark. Wasn't sure if the starter could be the problem because the engine turns over and fires up pretty easily. Appreciate the advice!

Don't think its the belt itself, but have a feeling you may be on to something with one of the pulleys. Thanks!

Damn it if you guys don't know your stuff.. took off the belt and the air/smog pump is completely seized. Now the question is; do I replace said pump or do I look towards a delete kit? Had no idea there was such a thing but looks like it's a popular option. This might justify a new thread, but what do you guys suggest?

Cool!! Glad it's an easy fix. :cheers:

I guess the place to begin would be: Do you have inspections there and if so, are you exempt or not?

Otherwise, I'd say it's your call. What I have read (And it makes sense if you spin one.) says the pump doesn't rob significant power..

So, if no compliance requirements, it's your preference.

No inspections required in CT for a finely aged piece of machinery like this one. Only thing I seem to find online is a reman unit from Cardone but it has horrific reviews.. looks like I can find a delete kit for around the same price too.

All things being equal price wise, can the delete be rebuilt by throwing a new $5 bearing in it? Vs you know you have to replace the whole smog pump when it goes out again in the future.

My $0.02

If you decide to replace the air pump, you can get a rebuilt one from Rock Auto for about $125.00. The part you need is Cardone #32-248

http://www.cardone.com/Products/Prod...sn=256&jsn=256