Lights dim down, fuel pump screams, temp gauge sky rockets.

[Mr95Gl]

As usual, I haven't the slightest clue on where to begin with my newest problem. I start the car up, idles high for abit, then the lights start to dim in and out. Also, the fuel pump starts whining like crazy, and my temperature gauge begins to skyrocket. Once the lights stop dimming, the temp gauge shoots back down, and the fuel pump stops screaming. During this occurence, I can hear a noise (sounds bearing related) around the belt area. Could this be my alternator going south? If so, would it cause these other symptoms? I believe the last time I drove the car, the battery light came on for less then a second.

While I'm here. . . . my heater core took a dump. To bypass it, all I need to do is run one hose connecting the metal lines from the firewall to each other? I'm guessing the same goes for the lines that run to the motor? Thanks in advance. I think I need to start prepping the 3.2, because with my luck lately, I'll be needing it shortly. To bad I realllllly love this car. . . .

*Edit* Car in question is a 94 MTX, if that matters.

 

[mclarida]

Gete a multi meter and check the voltage output at the alt. and charge at the battery(while the car is running). That should tell you the issue(don't forget to rev it to get max charge). I do not know about the heater core. You might have an overheating(or at least hot) if you bypass it. The core is like a mini-radiator as well and to eliminate it is to take away a cooling source. The core is not that hard to change(whole dash out...but it can be done).-
M

 

[Mr95Gl]

Gete a multi meter and check the voltage output at the alt. and charge at the battery(while the car is running). That should tell you the issue(don't forget to rev it to get max charge). I do not know about the heater core. You might have an overheating(or at least hot) if you bypass it. The core is like a mini-radiator as well and to eliminate it is to take away a cooling source. The core is not that hard to change(whole dash out...but it can be done).-
M

My understanding is that it can/has been bypassed with no ill effects. Since we're coming into the warmer months of the year, I figure I can put it off until I need to use the heat. That, and I dread the fact of having to remove the dash.

 

[doclees]

Heater core can be by-passed without issue. My alt did just die. Alt light came on over 1500 but not under. Then within a few days it was on off flickering. Also had my 3rd Advance auto starter go. With the screwy solenoid electronics did weird things. I would guess an Alt would do the same. Mine would put out 12.5 volts not 14.5.

 

[1993MTXSHO]

yeah bypassing the heater core is fine, wont hurt anything, iv done it a few times with cars, mainly my 69 mustang, and lets face it, old cars always had overheating problems. As far as the alternators it might be that, liek stated check the voltage or take it to autozone or advanced and get it checked free, shos are known to do very weird things with a bad alternator from what i hear, good luck

 

[Shoaz]

The next time it's making the noise and the temperature is rising, open the hood and make sure the belt is turning.