ht4100 giving me problems

still_walkin · #1 (**permalink**) 07-11-09, 04:09 PM

I was trying to check my pvc valve and the groumet that is on the other fell inside the block where the valve goes how do I get it out. Now I have this weird clicking noise when my car starts. Secondly does anyone trust those redid belt tensioners they sell or should I get a good used one. Also I think I had a spark plug go out on me I drove the car home. After changing my spark plugs does my engine need to be retimed or its good to go

steelybill · #2 (**permalink**) 07-11-09, 10:37 PM

I replaced the belt tensioner on mine, with a new one from Advance Auto, for 40-some bucks, including the pulley. It seems to be a good one.
You PVC valve is in the rocker cover, isn't it ? The rocker cover should be fairly easy to remove to get the grommet out.
The ticking noise when you start the engine may be just a noisy lifter. Put half a pint of Marvel Mystery oil in with the engine oil. It's available all over, but less expensive at Walmart.

still_walkin · #3 (**permalink**) 07-11-09, 11:26 PM

Ok thanks was the tensioner a remade part or a orginal oem replacement . Autozonw and kragen wants 80 -140 for a non oem replacement according to them it fits but not like my orginal. How hard is it to change the spark plugs. I looked at my manual and it told me to release the tensioner and take off the bracket that holds the tensioner in place with the ps tank and take one bolt off the alt. Did you have to do the same thing.

steelybill · #4 (**permalink**) 07-12-09, 09:48 PM

Mine must be laid out different. The spark plugs are hard to get at, but are accessable without removing anything. The tensioner was an after-market type, which bolted on with no problem You might try Advance Auto for a price on one.

still_walkin · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-09, 04:23 AM

No I think you mis read what I wrote I was explaining how to take the rocker cover. What year is it. I believe yours is a transverse engine too. The spark plugs aren't hard to get to when you changed your did you pull the cable right off or you had to turn it half way then pull it. The manual specified I do that. Was one of you plugs dead when you changed them or was it preventive maintenice. I'm in san diego and a there is no advance auto near here but I looked t autozone ,kragen and they look the same as the ones you suggested.

steelybill · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-09, 09:39 PM

Plug wire boots can be difficult alright. Twisting them back & forth gets them broke loose. The main thing is not to pull on the wire itself. There are tools available to reach under the plug wire boots to pull them off. Yes, mine is also transverse mounted.

Advance Auto is online also, and will ship parts .

still_walkin · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-09, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the reply , I'm going to try some junkyards for a used one and I was hearing that they can be universal for all caddis 85-89 fwd (4.1/4.5/4.9). Do you know if this is true

steelybill · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-09, 10:29 AM

The salvage yards sometimes have a Hollanders Manual, which lists parts that will fit various years. You could ask about that when you look for a part.

still_walkin · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-09, 04:35 PM

Ok thanks ill try that .when you changed your plugs did you have you engine retimed or you just plugged the spark plugs in and you where good to go. I noticed last time I drove it , it was idling low at stop signs and such. The engine sounded quiet but I didn't notice any acceleration problems .

steelybill · #10 (**permalink**) 07-15-09, 01:19 AM

Changing plugs has nothing to do with ignition timing. It's just another thing worth checking when it comes to gas mileage and performance. I set my timing by the way it runs, and not by the manual. (old habits are hard to break)

still_walkin · #11 (**permalink**) 07-15-09, 04:12 AM

Thanks so I should be good with just changing the spark plugs if one died on me and I was running on seven cylinders I.e. sparkplugs. When I discovered that was the issue I drove it home. But I've started a couple times since then because I been trouble shooting the tensioner issue. By the way thanks a million your a great help.

still_walkin · #12 (**permalink**) 07-17-09, 04:17 PM

I was reading that cadillac with systems the alternator tends to wine or sweak , you my alterantor could at fault for the sweak I just got it rebuilt 2 months ago.

still_walkin · #13 (**permalink**) 08-01-09, 09:17 PM

I'm still having problems I'm trying to avoid taking it to the shop. What else can I check that affects engine performance. Last time I drove it seemed to idling low like the engine didn't sound the same. I'm gonna change out the spark plugs and see if that helps. What else can trigger a service soon telelight

steelybill · #14 (**permalink**) 08-01-09, 11:58 PM

If the engine is running OK, like smooth etc, a low idle speed may be the ignition timing is a bit late.
The service engine light can be a number of different problems.. Have you checked for fault codes? Do you understand how to get them?? If not, with ignition on, engine not running, hold the "off" and "warmer" buttons in until all the displays are lit. After they are all lit, let up on the buttons. It will go thru a segment check ( the read-out) and then display trouble codes, with an E prefix, and after they are finished, an F suffix series of codes. When all those are finished, a 7.0 will light, for further diagnostics. To exit the operation, press "auto", or turn ignition off.

If you do this, have a note pad handy to write the codes down, and get back here where folks can help you.

I probably should have referred you to the "sticky" on the thread page, for 4.x diagostics !!

still_walkin · #15 (**permalink**) 08-02-09, 05:40 PM

I know about the codes , however. I noticed it was idling low when it cut off on me at the gas station and when I parked it after 30 min of getting to my destation I noticed white smoke from the spark plug manifold area which came out to be old grease or something that had collected on the side of the valve cover. I won't be able to post the codes. Due to the fact I think I blew out my battery . I tried to start it cuz the car has been sitting for a week and I haven't started it. I turned the key nothing but lights so I plugged the jumper up to it couple hard starts then I heard a pop then saw white smoke. I think I blew a cell in my battery so I attempted to charge the battery the car started fine. But two days later the battery voltage dropped from 12 to 10 and I haven't done nothin but open the door here and there which led me to belive the battery is dead. Ill take a look at the sticky