Re: help with weird engine screeching--89 200q

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <81d60922.3622b705@aol.com> LOACESQ@aol.com writes:
>
> Background:
> For a few days now, my 89 200q has been refusing to start.  The problem
> cropped up after I had just finished flushing and changing the coolant
> (phosphate free).  The starter cranks fine, but the engine will not fire up.
> I have checked all hoses and replaced the suspect ones.  I have checked the
> hall sender connector,. ignition coil connector, engine sensors.  Using the
> no-start ECU self-diagnostic test, the ECU sometimes gives me codes (2222-bad
> pressure sensor, 2342-bad lambda sensor, 2224--overboost, WG pressure) but it
> also sometimes gives me 4444--no faults.  In either instance, the car still
> won't start.

Random code production is usually a symptom of an intermittent fault in
the ground connections to the inlet manifold.  Give these a _real_
good going over, both at the manifold and just inside the harness.

> Occasionally, the engine will fire up briefly, then sputter out.  When it does
> run, it emits a horrible screeching whine, like a badly slipping v-belt, but
> with a grinding tone.  The noise is not from any of the v-belts.

The I5 can produce an incredible noise that sounds just like a bearing
or a belt, but is in fact air slipping past the rear crankshaft oil
seal.  When you get the noise, pull the dipstick - if the noise goes
away, that's what it is.  You can dine out on this feature for some
weeks.  It's harmless, extremely irritating and $$$$ to fix.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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