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big problems....the old 92 Sundance

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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 02:10 AM
  #1  
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Default big problems....the old 92 Sundance

Well, I had posted here back in March or so about a stripped timing belt, since then everything has been going well.

I replaced the problematic alternator, and the radiator....which meant that sooner or later I'd end up with another cracked headgasket (it had been going back and forth between a coolant leak inside the engine, and outside, this could possibly be my 3rd cracked headgasket in 75,000 miles)

But I hadn't noticed any trouble until about 2 weeks ago, when I started losing oil and getting some rough idle and stalling problems, usually at red lights at the end of a freeway off ramp. I noticed that the hose leading from the rear of the engine to the air intake/cleaner area was a little loose, and spraying oil all over the engine compartment (oops).

Before noticing this problem I had needed to pour about 3 qts of oil in, and started hearing some knocking during acceleration. Along with this I also noticed some antifreeze guzzling going on, as well as greyish white smoke coming from the exaust now and then.

After some flooding (shy of 2 feet of water around my home today....ugh) I pulled out the air filter (which was changed about 6,500 miles ago) to be sure it wasn't sopping wet, and it was nearly blackened! For whatever reason, clean air going into the intake ends up pretty smokey before entering the carborator...

anyone have any similar trouble....I know it seems like a long story, but it's my only means of transportation at the moment (broke as broke can be college student making $7 an hour, it kinda sucks that I enjoy eating)
 
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Old Sep 14, 2006 | 11:20 AM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

Sound like you need a new engine. Rod knock was cause by the coolant getting into the oil and wrecking the bearings and crank by now. I know I just went through this on my charger. I try find a new motor since I don't think you want to rebuild the current one in there.
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 01:16 PM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

Well one thing I have noticed is, the knocking only happens while the car isin drive, if I rev it in park or neutral there are no strange sounds


also...if I pull the air filter cover off after running there is some dark smoke coming from the intake side, any idea what that could be?
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 01:42 PM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

The air filter gets all black because of the oil that is sent back through teh intake from that cylinderhead vent tube. You might want to make one of these to get rid of the oil in the intake. You should probably do an oil change and make sure the used oil is normal (no whitish creamy color/consistancy to it).

Is the knock coming froming the top end (lifter tick) or bottom end (rod knock)?
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 03:58 PM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

that I can't tell, since it only happens while it's in drive...all I can tell is that it's coming from the driver's side of the engine compartment

and as of the last change (9/10) it was fine, just a little bit darker than normal

but at the end of the week I think I may drain and re-fill it just to check again
 
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Old Sep 23, 2006 | 07:22 PM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

Hey D_X the problem could also be you need new piston rings or your valve seals are worn.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2006 | 03:38 PM
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Default RE: big problems....the old 92 Sundance

well, I found that it is impossible to buy 8 inches of PVC pipe around here...and I didn't want to have 11 feet of pipe laying around, so I bought the heater hose and wrapped it up around the air cleaner, then back down into it...so that there is some room for the oil to flow back into the engine. I've driven 60 miles or so on it (mostly highway) and haven't lost a drop of oil...although it is already completely blackened (I had drained and refilled it at the same time...to check if there was any moisture...there wasn't any)

When in drive and stopped, the RPMs sometimes drop down below 1000, then surge back up, and it will sometimes stall out.
 
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