99 Buick Regal

buickbabe · #1 12-30-2005, 08:50 PM

I have read all of the inquiries regarding Regals that won't start. I've come to the conclusion of one thing that the mechanic did not check on my car is the crankshaft, which I will ask about. Here is my situation. The car has been running well, with no signs of any problems, no oil leaks, no warning lights....nothing. The other night, while out, the car started a clicking noise as we pulled into the parking lot. While the car was running, we looked under the hood and the noise sounded as if it was coming from the bottom of the car. The noise stopped, so we turned it off and went indoors. When ready to go home, we tried to start it; the car clicked, hesitated then started. We started home and it started the clicking noise again, got louder, then just died. We pushed it off the road, left it until the next morning. The next morning we tried to jump start it, nothing. Checked for bad fuses...nothing. Everything (lights, key indicator, lights on dashboard, horn blows.....everything) comes on strong. Hooked it up to the meter to determine if it is electronic....nothing. The mechanic said he tried to manually crank it, but it won't turn, so he believes its the engine. That is sooooo hard to believe, because this car has been well kept with no problems. Checked the starter, the solenoids....nothing. Could it be anything else?! The mechanic believes that whatever is wrong with it has caused the engine to freeze/lock up, so now we need a new engine. Any ideas?!

BNaylor · #2 12-30-2005, 09:07 PM

Sounds like you may have a problem with the timing chain between the crankshaft and camshaft. When they break it will get jammed up and may prevent the cranskhaft from turning. I'm assuming the mechanic tried manually turning the engine at the crankshaft pulley. The frontend of the engine will need to be disassembled for access and further inspection. Hopefully the sound is not a connecting rod that let loose or other engine damage. Good luck!

buickbabe · #3 12-30-2005, 10:05 PM

I sure hope you're right! Anything but the engine! Your assumption is right...he did try to manually turn the engine at the crank shaft pulley. He said that he could pull the oil pan and check the engine from the bottom to determine what is wrong with the engine. Will he be able to see the front end of the engine or will I need to ask him to do this? I am willing to try anything and everything BEFORE I replace the engine. I don't believe I will get a better engine than the one in it (although it's not working right now). Thank you.

BNaylor · #4 12-31-2005, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buickbabe

I sure hope you're right! Anything but the engine! Your assumption is right...he did try to manually turn the engine at the crank shaft pulley. He said that he could pull the oil pan and check the engine from the bottom to determine what is wrong with the engine. Will he be able to see the front end of the engine or will I need to ask him to do this? I am willing to try anything and everything BEFORE I replace the engine. I don't believe I will get a better engine than the one in it (although it's not working right now). Thank you.

The mechanic may be able to see part of the timing chain at the front of the crankshaft when the oil pan is dropped which is not a bad idea since it is easier than removing all of the parts in front of the timing chain cover like the waterpump, crankshaft harmonic balancer, etc. There should be open segments at the front of the engine block so oil can drain back into the oil pan.

The Series II 3800 is a great engine and hopefully you can save yours. Our '99 Regal LS has 111,000 miles and still going strong. Out of curiosity how many miles are on your Regal?

buickbabe · #5 12-31-2005, 01:49 AM

Thank you! The more I think about it, it's got to be that! I'm wishing this anyway. That would explain the noise we heard and why the mechanic couldn't turn the engine. Of course tomorrow is the weekend/holiday so I will have to wait until Monday! This thing has overwhelmed me, as you can see... the time I'm writing this! My 99 Regal has 76,600 miles on it! It has been an awesome car. It rides smooth and quiet! It's got to be something other than the engine! Just got to be!

BNaylor · #6 12-31-2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buickbabe

Thank you! The more I think about it, it's got to be that! I'm wishing this anyway. That would explain the noise we heard and why the mechanic couldn't turn the engine. Of course tomorrow is the weekend/holiday so I will have to wait until Monday! This thing has overwhelmed me, as you can see... the time I'm writing this! My 99 Regal has 76,600 miles on it! It has been an awesome car. It rides smooth and quiet! It's got to be something other than the engine! Just got to be!

You are welcome. Only 76K miles? That is a shame but problems do happen.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

buickbabe · #7 12-31-2005, 12:55 PM

Thanks. I will.

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