240 shut down/start-up problems

I have an 86 240 DL sedan with 107K miles.

I am now experiencing the following problems, which I hope are
interconnected and caused by a single common problem, like a relay. I
don't know the terminology, so I hope my layman's description of the
symptoms is enough for you to go on.

1) Periodically, when turning the car off after a couple hours of
highway driving, the engine shuts down fine but some kind of very loud
whirring motor sound/feeling with clicks and grinding noises continues
from behind the center of the dash behind the radio, and quickly
increases in pitch, as if the car were being shifted to a higher gear.
It usually takes a couple re-starts and shut-downs to get it to stop.

2) Again, while coming off a few hours of highway driving recently, I
idled the car in "park" for a few minutes in a rest stop while I heeded
nature's call. I noticed a new gentle buzzing sound, similar to an
insect noise, coming from somewhere under the car, towards the rear, on
the driver's side. Then as soon as I put it in drive, it stalled out.
When I attempted to restart, all I got was a loud "thunk," which I
could also feel under my feet (driver's side) as if some part was
turning a half rotation then stopping.

3) Several other occurances of this no start/thunk thing.

4) Once, after the shut-down problem in #1, I restarted the car with no
problem, but all the electronics were out -- instrument, radio,
headlights, climate control. The instrument cluster then flashed once
before going dead again. I pulled into a gas station, and again
experienced the shut down problem from #1.

5) I've blown and replaced 5 radio/cigarette lighter fuses in as many
months.

I guess I should add that these problems only started this winter.

Bottom line: Is this an electrical problem, like a relay? Or is it a
problem with the fuel pump system? Or the fuses, battery?

ANY HELP is much appreciated. This board is always helpful.

John

 

1)No clue. Starter, Heater motor, recirculate door closing????
2)Main fuel pump buzzing noise. When it stops you walk. Remove #4 fuse
when car is running. The noise should be quieter with the fuse
installed. If there is no change the in-tank prepump or prepump hose are
not contributing.
2a)Starter, or possible (probably likely) engine harness problem or
both.)Also sounds as if a motor mount is broken.
3)
4)Gently turn the key towards the I position after having the motor
running in the II position. If you can duplicate the dash light problem
the ignition switch is going bad.
5) Check the wiring for the power antenna, behind the spare tire in the
trunk. Even if you don't have a power antenna the wairing is there and
can chafe in the clip on the left hand hinge that holds it and the wires
for the trunk light, tag lights and trunk lock wires.

Bob

 

Thanks Bob. I wonder why I didn't get the usual number of replies on
this one. Have I violated some message board etiqutte or something?

As for #1, I definitely think it's the starter. I will do as you
suggest on #2 and #3.

#4 makes sense. There are a lot of wires/cables in the spare tire well
in the trunk. What are the others, and if they are getting banged
around, could it be causing any of my other problems?

BTW, the car is now officially dead. Turn ignition and starter makes
noise but engine won't turn. I think I definitely have a fuel pump,
filter, or relay problem.

Also, I looked at the relays on the driver's fire wall and couldn't
determine which is the fuel pump relay. There was a small white one
bolted to the firewall and a big translucent plastic relay just hanging
there, tucked in with a small black relay.

 

#1) sounds like the starter selenoid. Could be a bad starter or a loose
ground cable.

#2) "buzzing" is the electric fuel pump. "thunk" is the starter trying
to engage, could be a poor battery or an electical problem or the
starter itself.

#3) Yeah sounds like you have some electrical problems. I would
suggest checking the ground straps on the engine. This is not all that
uncommon in older vehicles the coating on the wires becomes brittle and
cracks then driving moves it just enough to short occasionally.

#4) see #3

#5) Run a new power wire to the radio.


Regards
Russ

 

Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it.