Good news or bad news...

[Modemagic]

Still no starting... but I think I'm getting closer to an answer!

I drained my oil out and discovered that it wasn't/isn't water in the oil! Thats good news... I think. Smells like gas though. Bad news?!?!? I got it all drained out, and actually letting it drip for awhile. Is this an indication of Piston rings or something flakey with the valves?

Finally, Will codes 21, 24, or 81 cause it not to start? I intend to take care of all of them, just curious what the general concensus was.

 

[sdpatt]

The 21 and 24 codes won't prevent the engine from starting, but the 81 might. The idle air control valve is not moving as directed by the EEC. You may try cracking the throttle open with the gas pedal while cranking. Do not go to WOT.

21 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor out of range

24 Intake Air Temperature (IAT or ACT) sensor out of range

81 For '89: Insufficient IAS output voltage change when solenoid activated.

 

[projectSHO89]

Gas in the oil usually means that either an injector(s) is leaking or that the engine has flooded excessively to the point that raw fuel has seeped past the rings and gotten into the oil pan.

Neither the 21 (ECT) or 24 (ACT) will cause a no-start condition. The 81 code appears to be an internal (to the PCM) test of either :

1) the Intake (Inlet) Air Solenoid. This is the solenoid that opens and closes the "secondaries". It should not have an effect on the ability of the engine to start. This device for 89-92 SHOs should be designated as the IAC (Inlet Air Control) and as the IMRC (Intake Manifold Runner Control) for 93 and on.

or

2) the Idle Air Solenoid. If this is the device represented by the designated test, it can cause a no start condition. Follow Scott's suggestion on the throttle.

As you can see, the diferent terminologies is confusing - I'm quite befuddled about what which acronym means what. Even Probst appears to be inconsistent with his useage of these terms....


Steve

<small>[ February 20, 2003, 10:06 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>