98 LaSabre Noize

[keysmann]

I bought a used 98 LeSabre Custom about 8 months ago. Lately I have been hearing what I can only describe as a metallic "grinding" sound coming from the engine compartment. (Almost sounds like a piece of sheet metal up against a moving metal wheel) It doesn't happen constantly but when it does you can get it to stop by turning on the A/C. Once you turn off the A/C it begins again. Any ideas? HELP!

This LeSabre has 102k miles and was a corporate fleet car before this. I am also having the problems with what seems everyone has with these. When going up a slight grade, the engine seems to sputter as if it's not getting enough gas. After reading other posts here I believe I will get my Plugs and Wires changed before doing anything else.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by keysmann

Lately I have been hearing what I can only describe as a metallic "grinding" sound coming from the engine compartment. (Almost sounds like a piece of sheet metal up against a moving metal wheel) It doesn't happen constantly but when it does you can get it to stop by turning on the A/C. Once you turn off the A/C it begins again. Any ideas? HELP!

Welcome to AF.

What you are hearing the the A/C compressor clutch. The A/C clutch air gap is probably out of adjustment. Is the compressor the original?

[keysmann]

BNaylor,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I do believe that it is the original A/C Compressor.

I talked to my mechanic yesterday. Every time I bring in the car and tell him about the noise it never actually makes the noise. It is intermittent and won't happen for some time and then all of the sudden it is sooooo loud it is annoying.

The mechanic said the same thing as you did. I take it to be fixed on Saturday.

[happydog500]

Depends on what the "sputter" is. I don't think it's it, but it could even be fluid going past the valve body in the transmission.

I say this, because mine kind of misfires, feels just like it, but it's actually not even in the motor. I found out it's the common problem of the valve body.

Hope it's the plugs and/or wires. The trans problem you will swear it's in the motor.

Chris.

[imidazol97]

Originally Posted by keysmann

This LeSabre has 102k miles and was a corporate fleet car before this. I am also having the problems with what seems everyone has with these. When going up a slight grade, the engine seems to sputter as if it's not getting enough gas. After reading other posts here I believe I will get my Plugs and Wires changed before doing anything else.

If the plugs and wires haven't been replaced with quality wires and the exact plug recommended by AC Delco, I'd give them the vote here. It might be something in the coils or the contacts under the coils. But because it happens at the lowest speed in 4th where the lockup to 99% of the torque convert happens, I'll go with wires and slight misfire.

There is a transmission problem with the sliding valve that modulates the percent of torque converter lockup. I don't recall the name but it wears in the passage or sticks and gives erratic lockup percents. The tach varies a few hundred RPM without any reason. It usually happened when the engine and trans are really warmed up after 20-30 minutes. It has a replacement called a Sonnet valve which may be a name brand that might help you find more about the problem. But it would occur in 3rd lockup as well as 4th and at varying speeds.

Your problem again is at the maximum point for showing any breakdown in wires or plugs.

Good luck.

[keysmann]

Well my LeSabre is in the shop as I type and they called to tell me that the coil was indeed bad but it fixed only 80% of the problem. I told him I know about the plugs and wires also being bad so to go ahead and replace them. But whatever they do, use the AC plugs NOT BOSCH. At first the counter guy was kind of dumbfounded (probably thought I wasn't a informed consumer Thanks AF) but said he'll make sure they use the AC's.

By the way, the other noise I was talking about was the A/C compressor clutch. Unfortunately the shop closes at noon today so they wouldn't be able to get to it. I told them that it's the least of my worries at this time so don't worry about it. Is it something I should be concerned with?

I really appreciate this forum so much. Thanks for all your help everyone.