Battery light and slow crank

[DavidT]

Next up: I just changed the oil after the front end work. I was running the engine beforehand and noticed a subtle bearing type noise from the top timing cover area. I revved the engine, it sped up with the engine. I’m thinking NO! is it the timing belt tensioner that I couldn’t tq. down all the way?? So I proceeded to change the oil. Afterwards I start it up to check the oil level... and it cranks ever so slowly. Starts. Sounds crappy. And the battery light illumines. It goes from faint to bright as I rev the engine. Is the alternator shot? Wonder if the tensioner to the alternator pulley was too tight? Or is this the timing belt tensioner losing tension? OR is it from oil crapping all over the starter when I changed the oil filter?
Oh and also the brake pedal got super stiff.

 

[sperold]

What year is your car?

 

[DavidT]

1992

 

[sperold]

Check the vacuum line to the brake booster, and all other places vacuum can be lost.

Alternators can go bad at any time without the addition of an outside event. You can get that checked.

How are your battery cables, do they have the pre-formed ends like from the factory, or are they clamp on ends?

Your starter getting oiled is not good generally. Have a look at the wiring going the the starter, on the starter. it is a long shot, but it is suspicious that it was after the oil change that you had a slow moving starter.

Not enough info on the noise to make a guess. You need to go over the enginewith a long screwdriver and use it as a stethoscope.

Any codes?

 

[DavidT]

Code 75 iirc. The battery cables are clamped on. I don’t remember any of my previous shos dumping oil all over the starter when changing the oil filter!?! I even made a little plate/ funnel to keep it off the starter. It failed big time though lol. Could I spray down the starter connections with CRC electronic cleaner?

 

[luigisho]

Sure, electronic cleaner shouldn't hurt anything at least.

SM105K uses aluminum foil to prevent fluids from getting on parts during fluid changes. Might not be a bad idea for your oil changes.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

If you have a voltmeter, battery should be 12-12.5 volts engine off, 13.5-14.5 volts engine off.

If you don't, loosen off the negative battery cable and start the car. Pull the negative cable off the battery. If the car dies, bad alternator.

You do mean the the noise is coming from the front of the engine where the timing belt is, right? If it's from the rear where the camshaft timing chains are, could be that the plastic guide on one of the chain tensioners has disintegrated. The rivets on this front tensioner had reached the the guide and had to be replaced. The guide on the rear tensioner had gone completely.

 

[DavidT]

Got new alternator, new battery, and tightened up the connections at the starter. All good to go now. Thanks!! No more noise from the front end either. I also now have a lot less tension on the accessory belts. I had way too much beforehand. And yeah, I’ve had the loose timing chain tensioners in one of my old shos. It was loud and obnoxious.