Engine knock

Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 BUICK LESABRE
  • 2.6L
  • V6
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 230,000 MILES
I just bought the car listed above literally 3 days ago. Although it had been sitting for a while started great ran great. Absolutely no noises. Last night as I was driving it started ticking only on acceleration so I immediately begin to find a place to pull off of the road, when I was almost stopped the car shut off and started smoking. It never overheated and I never smelt antifreeze. Once it cooled I checked the oil cap and it had bright yellow almost spots on the cap. So I pulled the dip stick but it did not have the gunk. I did not try to restart it. Can you please help me out? Thanks in advance
Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 3:38 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning,

Did any warning lights come on before you turned it off?

I need to hear the noise so I can help you. Can you take a video of the noise while it is running and upload it hear on this post?

Roy
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 4:56 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The check engine light came on and threw a code for the #2 cylinder and the gas cap earlier yesterday. I am waiting to get a tow dolly so it is still on the side of the road at the moment. It was a knocking/tick when I put my foot on the gas it started slow and speed up as I accelerated then completely stopped knocking when I let off.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 5:10 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, got it.

I need to hear it.

Roy
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Got the car home started right up no antifreeze on dipstick or inside engine. However, there is yellow slug on oil cap. What should be my next step to prevent further damage?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:06 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You are going to need to change the oil and filter.

You will need to check the plugs for the misfire.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Check the compression as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

I really need to hear this noise?

Can you also post a picture of the sludge?

Roy
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:32 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The sludge.
Image (Click to make bigger)
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
That is fuel mixing with the oil.

The noise?
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:36 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Right now it is mostly a belt noise, but the coolant leaked out somewhere. I don't know where. The dipstick does not smell like it's mixed with gas.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The dipstick looks like it is overfilled with oil.
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, thanks. That noise is not good.

You have an internal engine issue. It sounds like a piston or broken piston ring.

This is why I wanted to hear this first. I would do nothing now. You need to replace the engine or have it rebuilt.

Roy
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:43 AM
Tiny
TANYAC
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well bummer. Thank you
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Sorry for the bad news.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 12:04 PM

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