I cant figure out whats wrong with my car?

Question

i have a 1988 Cadillac fleetwood hearse front-wheel drive v8
(60 special) and awhile ago it started smoking when we where going down the road, so we ended up replacing the alternator and belt which made it stop smoking. but then a few days later it died on us and we had to keep jumping it to get it home. so then we decided to replace the battery and once again it ran fine for a day but then it died again. we then had the alternator, battery, and the starter tested and they were all fine except one of the wires was a little lose on the starter, so now my dad and i think we may have fixed the wire but so far since the last time it died we haven't tryed taking it back out yet, because my dad wants to wait untill we can find out what wrong with it first and we dont have the money to get it tested, so if anyone has any ideas i'd really appreciate any responses. thanks.

Answer 1

If you have already tested the alternator and battery and they are testing good but you noticed a loose wire that may be your problem. Generally the positive lead from the battery to the car is connected from the battery to the starter where it is then supplied off in all directions to the car. the negative(ground) wire is usually bolted strait to the engine. If there is a bad connection on the charging system like the wire the comes from the alternator to the starter solenoid to the battery your vehicle would not charge properly and the battery would die repeatedly. Make sure that you disconnect the ground wire from the battery before fixing the connection on those wires as you might just melt your wrench or screw driver on the arcing electricity.

Answer 2

If you haven't tried taking it out it since you fixed the loose wire on the starter you should. If you still have a problem since fixing the loose wire, then you have to take it out till it dies. Take a test lamp with you and check if there is power to the coil +ve. If there is, check for power on the distributor input wire on the side. If there is power there, take a plug lead off and hold it about 1/4 inch from metal, the rocker cover is good, while someone else turns the motor over. There should be a spark there when the motor is turned over. Sounds like a coil, condenser or a loose wire.
You can't find out what's wrong with it unless the problem is there when you look.

Answer 3

Poor connection on the large red wire at the starter solenoid B+ terminal

It's a common problem

Answer 4

what color is the smoke? if the check engine light is on you should check your codes. that will help you. it sounds like more than one thing is wrong with the car these symptoms are nowhere near similar to one particular thing. smoke coming from exhaust that is white is an internal leak causing your coolant to leak into your exhaust (blown head gasket, leak in the intake manifold, EGR valve leak, etc.). definitely try and get a mechanic to look at it but do find a trustworthy mechanic unfortunately there are jerks that are just out to take your money so be very careful. good luck

Answer 5

When you get the car started try this.... with the car running remove the positive battery terminal if the car stay running then the alternator is good, if it dies it is bad. Make sure your fan belt is tight on the alternator....

Answer 6

make shore your battery cables are clean and all the wires are hooked up to your alternator and the belts are tight if the belts are loose your battery wont charge. good luck

Answer 7

Good idea go to a real mechanic he will find the problem and fix it otherwise your just replacing everything and yes it too expensive

Answer 8

That could be many kinds of problems.

Answer 9

I bet you put a rebuilt alt. on it, and it is bad. or

Answer 10

You have a cracked engine block, go get a new car or new engine.