1992 Buick Park Avenue won't start - funny noise

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by scrapper1

it wont crank over at all? there is a fusable link down at your starter i learned that the hard way. i would take starter out and have it tested and it shows good i'd replace the fusable link. also there a bunch of fuses on the fire wall you have to take that cover by fire wall and check those fuses they are big fuses.

Evidently you skipped over post 14!

[C man]

I'm glad I could help. You made my day . It's nice to actually be able to help someone fix a problem and it works. Maybe your son will want to become a mechanic now

[Scrapper]

it was the starter anyway wasn't mod? i don't like to step on mods toes

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by scrapper1

it was the starter anyway wasn't mod? i don't like to step on mods toes

You are not stepping “on Mod toes” you simply need to read the last post in the thread before posting! Your post was redundant info and did not contribute to the solution of the OP's problem. Thank you for the contributing, but when a problem has been resolved, no further advice is necessary!

[doorunrun]

If you think you'll keep the car for a while, consider getting a factory shop manual for your '92. They pop up on eBay from time to time. The shop manual is really two manuals, one covering mechanical and the other electrical. As you probably know, electronics plays a big part in this car so you really should get both manuals. One of the troubles with Chilton and Haynes are they try to cover a broad range in years and model type. But they can also point out ways around using specific and specialized tools and jigs.

Sometimes you'll find a great deal, but the manual set should be no more than $40. Of course, the support on this group is good and you can get some scans of what you might need. Also, keep your eye out for a decent torque wrench as you start to add to your collection as well as a digital volt-ohm-meter.

[studswin]

CMan, thanks again! Son could be a mechanic, but he's leaning toward med school. He is a smart one and can hopefully get scholarships. Maybe someday he will buy his old mama something nice so that she can get rid of her POS Kia!
Doorunrun, the manual might be a good idea. It's really in pretty good shape. I still won't let him run it too far from home until it proves itself to us. Luckily it was in our driveway when it would not start this time.
Our neighbor looked at the serpentine belt when I had the hood up and said that he thinks it is cracking and needs replaced. Is that a do-it-yourself job, or is that something best left to a mechanic??
Thanks again to all for everything.

[Scrapper]

yes thats prety easy job on belt you should have a diagram under hood. but i leave it to him to answer your question...

[C man]

Very easy job. Easier and faster than the starter job. If you did the starter the serpentine is a breeze. Well the routing might make you a little cross-eyed. But if the belt isn't squealing you shouldn't worry about it.

I left a plastic flashlight in the engine compartment one time and forgot about it cranked the car up and the belt belt cut/melted right through the flashlight before I realized the grinding noise and hard start. Frayed the outside of the belt.

I drove it another 6 months before it started to squeal and then I changed it

[studswin]

Nope. No squeal. The car actually runs very quietly and very smoothly. Guess we will hold off for now. Nice to know that it is not hard to do if we need to some time, though!
Thanks again!