I recently returned from a long trip(about 1000 miles) and
while pulling into my driveway, I heard what sounded like a flapping
sound. As I hushed my kids to try to listen I noticed that the
sound did was faster as i accellerated. Somewhat like a tapping or flapping sound. While pulling into my
parking spot, the car stalled, and will no longer start. Lights and accessries work(although i think they are now starting to die after a few days of trying to diagnose this problem). It sounds like a high pitched, geary, whining sound with some thudish whipping (which goes away after about a second....then it remains a steady sound as i described above)as i try to start.
To me it seems like the starter isn't working, but i dont know a thing about cars. Just how to follow directions & turn wrenches. Then driving them is pretty fun too when they work. First thought was that a belt was
snapped or something. I havent noticed any broken belts upon
inspection or anything out of the ordinary. Please help.
also, on my trip i did notice the radiator light came on once or twice when the engine was cold. The fluid level is good. It stayed on for a minute or so and went off when the car got warm.
definately isn't running... made the first tapping noises as i was driving...tapping went away when i quit accellerating. i coasted into my parking spot and as i was coasting, cater stalled. Gets power but noticed tonight that lights did go out as i tried to start. While trying to start is when i get that whiny vreeerm noise...like the starter is firing(mabey) but wont crank.
Check the tension of the belt (push on the belt and see if theres tension)
Otherwise, it sounds like it may have done some damage internally... if not that then your starter may be damaged.
As for the engine, it could be some valves dropped out of their seats or one of them hit the piston. Somehow could be due to the cam tensioner issue on early Cateras. The tensioner would fail (or the water pump), causing the car to go out of proper cam timing when running and then bend the valves, hurt pistons and etc.
Otherwise, dont drive it or attempt to start it anymore and get it to a mechanic to check out the engine until you know whats gone bad.
The belt feels as though it is properly on. i am able to press it down approx 1/2 inch. It is the one directly to the front of the engine right? mine is the '97 model.
From what i read and know , even if the tensions good, the belt can slip and your timing goes. From either the tensioner slowly dying, or the belt being old. It could also be your waterpump has injested its bearings and the engine sucked them in. Id start with checking the starter first before anything else.
Your best option right now is to get it to a mechanic or a cadillac dealer to have them find what the problem is. If its not the starter, a siezed engine or an internally damaged one is what you have right now.
To add... see if you can have a friend look while you start the engine, to see if its turning over while you attempt to start it. Do not try this more than once being that its in an unknown state.
