Hi, I just bought a 91 SE auto and I've got a few problems.
Frist, sometimes I hearing some low pitch humming sound seems to come from the belt alternator area. It almost sounds like belts rubbing together but they're not. It sounds worse when I turn my head light on and when I'm in park when idle dip slightly. Any idea?
Second, when I accelerate I can hear a somewhat loud metal cling that almost sound like bad exhaust or something was lose. I've seem in some FAQ that 3rd Gen. have problem with bad exhaust main. bolt, does this sound like the problem?
Finally, I had the car for about 2 wks and I've been getting <20 mpg. I had a 90 GXE before and I used to get at least 24 - 28 mpg. I've already check wire, rotor, cap, new plugs, new fuel filter and a bottle of textron fuel system cleaner. Nothing seems to help. The engine runs pretty strong and smooth, but I just can't think of anything thing else to look for. The exhaust don't have a foul odor, so I don't really suspect cylinder leak, or myabe I should do vaccume test on each cylinder?
Any suggetion appricated. Thanks
Frist, sometimes I hearing some low pitch humming sound seems to come from the belt alternator area. It almost sounds like belts rubbing together but they're not. It sounds worse when I turn my head light on and when I'm in park when idle dip slightly. Any idea?
Second, when I accelerate I can hear a somewhat loud metal cling that almost sound like bad exhaust or something was lose. I've seem in some FAQ that 3rd Gen. have problem with bad exhaust main. bolt, does this sound like the problem?
Finally, I had the car for about 2 wks and I've been getting <20 mpg. I had a 90 GXE before and I used to get at least 24 - 28 mpg. I've already check wire, rotor, cap, new plugs, new fuel filter and a bottle of textron fuel system cleaner. Nothing seems to help. The engine runs pretty strong and smooth, but I just can't think of anything thing else to look for. The exhaust don't have a foul odor, so I don't really suspect cylinder leak, or myabe I should do vaccume test on each cylinder?
Any suggetion appricated. Thanks
Senior Member
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Hi, I just bought a 91 SE auto and I've got a few problems.
Hi, welcome back Hi, I just bought a 91 SE auto and I've got a few problems.
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Frist, sometimes I hearing some low pitch humming sound seems to come from the belt alternator area. It almost sounds like belts rubbing together but they're not. It sounds worse when I turn my head light on and when I'm in park when idle dip slightly. Any idea?
Could be the alternator is going out.Frist, sometimes I hearing some low pitch humming sound seems to come from the belt alternator area. It almost sounds like belts rubbing together but they're not. It sounds worse when I turn my head light on and when I'm in park when idle dip slightly. Any idea?
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Second, when I accelerate I can hear a somewhat loud metal cling that almost sound like bad exhaust or something was lose. I've seem in some FAQ that 3rd Gen. have problem with bad exhaust main. bolt, does this sound like the problem?
Yea the exhaust studs are a problem on the VG engines. That sounds like that's what it may be, take it to a mechanic to check.Second, when I accelerate I can hear a somewhat loud metal cling that almost sound like bad exhaust or something was lose. I've seem in some FAQ that 3rd Gen. have problem with bad exhaust main. bolt, does this sound like the problem?
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Finally, I had the car for about 2 wks and I've been getting <20 mpg. I had a 90 GXE before and I used to get at least 24 - 28 mpg. I've already check wire, rotor, cap, new plugs, new fuel filter and a bottle of textron fuel system cleaner. Nothing seems to help. The engine runs pretty strong and smooth, but I just can't think of anything thing else to look for. The exhaust don't have a foul odor, so I don't really suspect cylinder leak, or myabe I should do vaccume test on each cylinder?
Could be the O2 sensor. Try unpluging it and running through a tank of gas, if the gas milage doesn't change replace it.Finally, I had the car for about 2 wks and I've been getting <20 mpg. I had a 90 GXE before and I used to get at least 24 - 28 mpg. I've already check wire, rotor, cap, new plugs, new fuel filter and a bottle of textron fuel system cleaner. Nothing seems to help. The engine runs pretty strong and smooth, but I just can't think of anything thing else to look for. The exhaust don't have a foul odor, so I don't really suspect cylinder leak, or myabe I should do vaccume test on each cylinder?
Senior Member
The humming may be the alternator, I had the same exact humming sound you described. When I really noticed it, I got the timing belt replaced because I thought it might have had something to do with it. If you just got the car and dont know when the last time the timing belt was replaced, its probably a good idea to get it fixed and get it over with. Needless to say, that didnt fix the problem. I still had the humming sound but I could sleep at night knowing that the timing belt was replaced. I replaced my alternator about 3-4 months ago, and now that you mention that hummuing sound, I no longer hear it in my engine. Its really quiet and I am almost sure thats what fixed it.
As far as the exhause leak sound goes, its probably the manifold studs...Have that problem too, until the engine warms up.
The gas mileage! You guessed it, I had that problem too. CHECK ALL VACUUM HOSES!! I found a stray hose dangling in my engine compartment last week and found that it was supposed to be plugged into the bottom of this black cylinder-looking thing on the right hand side of the engine compartment bolted to the side where the drivers strut mount is. I plugged it in and HOLY GAS MILES!!! I went from approx 325 miles to the tank to 415 miles! So once again, check all hoses and connections.
Hopefully my past experiences help you. Let us know how it all turns out. Later
As far as the exhause leak sound goes, its probably the manifold studs...Have that problem too, until the engine warms up.
The gas mileage! You guessed it, I had that problem too. CHECK ALL VACUUM HOSES!! I found a stray hose dangling in my engine compartment last week and found that it was supposed to be plugged into the bottom of this black cylinder-looking thing on the right hand side of the engine compartment bolted to the side where the drivers strut mount is. I plugged it in and HOLY GAS MILES!!! I went from approx 325 miles to the tank to 415 miles! So once again, check all hoses and connections.
Hopefully my past experiences help you. Let us know how it all turns out. Later
How much did it cost you to replace the alternator?
As far as the exhause sound, it's there even after I've been driving around for a while. I'll take a look at the main. studs toady a see if they're OK.
I didn't hear all these noises when I test drove the car with the A/C blowing. I guess that's why the guy sold it to me for only $2600.
As far as the exhause sound, it's there even after I've been driving around for a while. I'll take a look at the main. studs toady a see if they're OK.
I didn't hear all these noises when I test drove the car with the A/C blowing. I guess that's why the guy sold it to me for only $2600.
I just went and look at all the hose, there seems to be one not connected to anything coming out from the top of the auto tran case below the air box with a U-shaped metal hose on the end. Can you see on your 91 where it's supposed to be connected? I've attached a pic of that hose from my car here.
Thanks
Thanks
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Originally posted by DaBoxGTI
The humming may be the alternator, I had the same exact humming sound you described. When I really noticed it, I got the timing belt replaced because I thought it might have had something to do with it. If you just got the car and dont know when the last time the timing belt was replaced, its probably a good idea to get it fixed and get it over with. Needless to say, that didnt fix the problem. I still had the humming sound but I could sleep at night knowing that the timing belt was replaced. I replaced my alternator about 3-4 months ago, and now that you mention that hummuing sound, I no longer hear it in my engine. Its really quiet and I am almost sure thats what fixed it.
As far as the exhause leak sound goes, its probably the manifold studs...Have that problem too, until the engine warms up.
The gas mileage! You guessed it, I had that problem too. CHECK ALL VACUUM HOSES!! I found a stray hose dangling in my engine compartment last week and found that it was supposed to be plugged into the bottom of this black cylinder-looking thing on the right hand side of the engine compartment bolted to the side where the drivers strut mount is. I plugged it in and HOLY GAS MILES!!! I went from approx 325 miles to the tank to 415 miles! So once again, check all hoses and connections.
Hopefully my past experiences help you. Let us know how it all turns out. Later
Originally posted by DaBoxGTI
The humming may be the alternator, I had the same exact humming sound you described. When I really noticed it, I got the timing belt replaced because I thought it might have had something to do with it. If you just got the car and dont know when the last time the timing belt was replaced, its probably a good idea to get it fixed and get it over with. Needless to say, that didnt fix the problem. I still had the humming sound but I could sleep at night knowing that the timing belt was replaced. I replaced my alternator about 3-4 months ago, and now that you mention that hummuing sound, I no longer hear it in my engine. Its really quiet and I am almost sure thats what fixed it.
As far as the exhause leak sound goes, its probably the manifold studs...Have that problem too, until the engine warms up.
The gas mileage! You guessed it, I had that problem too. CHECK ALL VACUUM HOSES!! I found a stray hose dangling in my engine compartment last week and found that it was supposed to be plugged into the bottom of this black cylinder-looking thing on the right hand side of the engine compartment bolted to the side where the drivers strut mount is. I plugged it in and HOLY GAS MILES!!! I went from approx 325 miles to the tank to 415 miles! So once again, check all hoses and connections.
Hopefully my past experiences help you. Let us know how it all turns out. Later
Senior Member
hmm... Im not sure what that is, it looks like it may have something to do with the brake lines or something (in that case I hope its connected) I will double check my engine to find that one.
Senior Member
It's a transmission breather hose. It's not supposed to connect to anything.
I couldn't tell from your photo, but on my car, the hose actually comes up towards the rear bank of cylinders and the bend part of the hose is held by a black slip on clip/clamp.
I couldn't tell from your photo, but on my car, the hose actually comes up towards the rear bank of cylinders and the bend part of the hose is held by a black slip on clip/clamp.