SPONSORED LINKS

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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 AT 2:59 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 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
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 11th, 2021 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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?
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 2:53 AM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
This one is the correct video.
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 2:57 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:05 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
This is the screw he is talking about in the attached image.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
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
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 2:27 AM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
This is my picture I don't know if it's the same.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
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
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 3:26 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
My bad, I forgot to add the picture.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 17th, 2021 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
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
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
MYPONTIAC84
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,205 POSTS
Hi,

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

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, February 20th, 2021 AT 7:05 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Ignition Timing Content

VIEW MORE

Sponsored links