Who will write the Eulogy? something locked-up, accessory?
 

Yesterday got in, turn signals would not blink. Then the mechanism would click like they were blinking when they were not, then it was Okay. Drove a few miles today. Stopped a light by my house, noticed quite a bit of smoke. Drove the block to my garage, almost there and.... REEEE CRASH CRASH (not sure how describe the loud unusual noise) and it died. pushed it into garage. Opened hood, lots of smoke. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Checked oil (more so to calm my nerves). Oil level good. WEnt in to turn on to check oil pressure, noticed when I turn key to the glow position, the relay makes a much louder than normal click. Turned car on, ran for a second or two then REEE CRASH CRASH and died.

Please help.

Alternator locked up?

How was the engine temp?

It sound like an accessory locked up.

Engine temp was fine. When I saw the smoke, I couldn't see how much there was, and it was white so I thought I should check my coolant level. But the temp was okay.

It's interesting you mentioned the alternator. When I first turned on the car, the lights would not blink. But after driving it they did what they should. I thought 'I wonder if theres a capacitor or something that makes that work'.

When I first turned on the car to come home, I noticed a very slight sound, but its was light - I thought maybe the hood wasn't down, or something was rubbing. It was higher in pitch but didn't sound serious.

Yup it sounds like one of the accessories is locked up and you are hearing the belt. Have some one look and see what's not turning or start removing belts.

I initially wanted to check to see what was going on in there, but it wouldn't stay on long enough for me to get back around and look. What is a good process of checking this? Remove belt, turn on, check?

I am afraid that after the engine cools, the accessory will unlock, and I won't be able to tell.

There should be a small black plastic box with some thick wires going to it on your passenger side fender. One of those goes to your starter and the other group goes the the battery/alternator. You can jump the starter with 2 screwdrivers by shorting those wires.

i can get it started, can keep it started :). Thanks for that trick though, I always wondered how people did that, didn't think about crossing two screwdrivers.

Be sure it is in neutral with parking brake set...
since this bypasses any neutral safety switch...
We had a guy die last year accidentally starting his tractor this way.. and it was in gear and rolled over him...

I am very sorry about your friend, I would not have checked that. Thank you.


Would the money be on the alternator considering the preceding electrical funniness?

Loosen or remove the belts. You can spin the alternator by hand when it isn't tied to the engine via belts. Same with the water pump and AC compressor.

And, when you do spin them by hand, you can easily tell if any of the bearings are shot.

In this case, the problem is going to be obvious. One of them won't turn at all.

Ralphie was on this early I'm betting. Nice job!
But having said that, I can't say much for this thread having a very effective title......:rolleyes:

Considering it locked up enough to stop the car, I probably shouldn't worry about the part cooling, and no longer being frozen?

Yes, just dive in there and get your hands dirty!!! ;)
Then report back. We are curious about these types of things. :)

Thanks for your help fellas. I am reading up to prepare for when it is light outside and I can get to work! drum rolll please