PENNY IS UNDEAD

Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, SSEi, Buick Le Sabre 00-05 and Buick Park Avenue 97-05. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
User avatar
MattStrike
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 4760
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:32 pm
Year and Trim: '99 Montana
'04 Dirtymax
'97 Camaro
'92 Trofeo
Location: SE Michigan

Re: PENNY IS DEAD (motor swap?)

Post by MattStrike »

I'm not going to lie, I'm not hearing knock in the video. It sounds like the engine is firing during the compression stroke and beating on the starter.

I'll say it again, no babbit in the oil means no bearing problems, especially if it's been cranking all this time. There isn't much for oil pressure during cranking.

Edit:
Do you have a timing light? Use a dowel rod to find top dead center on piston #1 (through the plug hole), and make a mark on the balancer and a reference on the subframe or block that line up straight, i used a silver sharpie on my LG3 and the marks outlasted the oil pump.

Then, put everything back together and hook the timing light onto the #1 wire. Have someone operate the light while cranking. 0-10 degrees advance (about 1/2" between the marks) is acceptable for cranking. It shouldn't be erratic or firing before 10 degrees advance.
Boost addict
Image

The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS DEAD (motor swap?)

Post by nos4blood70 »

Ummm. I think you're right Matt. No metal flakes. I checked through all her oil that was drained today. Thank you for the advice.

So she runs. Upon finally starting there was a black smoke screen the size of a city block moving through my neighborhood. Then white smoke. She ran a bit rough but then it worked. The only quirks are, check engine light, high hissing noise regardless of the FWI is on or off, and a crazy vaccuum under the oil cap which affects the way the engine runs. Here come the videos.

Image


Image

Image

Image
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
yonkerse
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67
Posts: 1221
Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:16 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 SLE
Location: Soutwest Michigan

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by yonkerse »

I believe the hissing is from the FWI...sounds about like mine at a cold start..

My car had "crazy" vacuum at the oil cap when my PCV Valve malfunctioned. I would swap that and see what happens.

How did you get it to fire?
Eric

2005 SLE, Greystone Metallic, 152K.

A few mods..

Image
User avatar
sethjamesrimrodt
Posts like an L36
Posts like an L36
Posts: 880
Joined: Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:09 am
Year and Trim: 2004 GXP
Location: Mason City, Ia

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by sethjamesrimrodt »

I had a huge smile on my face once I saw the title change! I hope it all works out well for you.
Seth
ImageImage
Bonita 78,000 miles traded on a CTS4
RogueSSEi wrote: Bet she'll stop on a dime and give you 3 pennies back!
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

Thanks Seth and Eric.

I will get a new PCV and see what she does.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
SSEiMan01
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5766
Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU
Location: DeKalb, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by SSEiMan01 »

We'll scan her again Sunday, but go ahead and swap the PCV, they're cheap anyway. We'll check codes when I see ya Sunday.
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

James May wrote:Hello.
yonkerse
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67
Posts: 1221
Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:16 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 SLE
Location: Soutwest Michigan

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by yonkerse »

sethjamesrimrodt wrote:I had a huge smile on my face once I saw the title change! I hope it all works out well for you.
Agreed, 61K is too young for L36!!
Eric

2005 SLE, Greystone Metallic, 152K.

A few mods..

Image
User avatar
MattStrike
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 4760
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:32 pm
Year and Trim: '99 Montana
'04 Dirtymax
'97 Camaro
'92 Trofeo
Location: SE Michigan

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by MattStrike »

AAAACCCK!!! What was the problem?!? It's going to drive me nuts not knowing!

Good work on getting it running again!
Boost addict
Image

The Fleet:
'93 SSEi - Twincharged + manual Build thread
'97 Camaro - Top swap
'05 STS - V8, AWD, her DD
'92 Trofeo - Fair weather DD
'99 Montana - top swap 3800
'04 Sierra 2500HD - LLY Duramax

Current project:
Something cool, trust me.

Upcoming projects:
'92 Bonneville SSE
'87 LeSabre T-type
'67 LeSabre

Gone to greener pastures:
'84 Sierra Classic - Twin turbo 3800
'97 LeSabre - Top swap

RIP:
'86 LeSabre - pictures
'93 SE - L67
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

I honestly have no idea. I just kept cranking and cranking and cranking. O.o Tomorrow she'll get a new PCV.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

Replaced the PVC today and I still get a vacuum coming into the oil filler hole. Car almost barely runs without the cap in place.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
SSEiMan01
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5766
Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU
Location: DeKalb, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by SSEiMan01 »

I really wanna see what codes she's spitting out before I say anything on this. Knowing Penny it's something completely random. :P
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

James May wrote:Hello.
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

I was missing an O-ring in the assembly. The vacuum is now gone. Still has check engine light. This is cause she has to be cleared right?
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
yonkerse
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67
Posts: 1221
Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2010 7:16 pm
Year and Trim: 2005 SLE
Location: Soutwest Michigan

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by yonkerse »

hmm....Getting codes will be best bet. Staying tuned until Sunday!!
Eric

2005 SLE, Greystone Metallic, 152K.

A few mods..

Image
User avatar
SSEiMan01
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5766
Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU
Location: DeKalb, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by SSEiMan01 »

Might need a reset, might be something else too. We shall see Sunday. Is she running perfect now?
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

James May wrote:Hello.
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

Perfectly perfect! And smoother than I remember before. Inside it's dead quiet. Almost eerie.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
SSEiMan01
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 5766
Joined: Sun Dec 05, 2010 6:17 pm
Year and Trim: .
92 SSE
92 Lumina Z34
99 Tahoe
03 PAU
Location: DeKalb, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by SSEiMan01 »

Like I said on the phone, disconnect the battery and let it sit a minute and then see if the SES light comes back. If it does we can always scan/reset it Sunday.
Will
91 Riviera | S2 L67 Swap/4T60E | 127K mi | Antelope Met. w/ Tan Int. | Saved From Death By Crusher
92 Bonneville SSE | L67/4T60E | 77K mi | Med Slate Grey w/ Two-Tone Grey Int. | Low Miles Time Capsule
92 Lumina Z34 | LQ1/4T60E | 177k mi | Torch Red w/Grey Int. | Rusty In Odd Spots
99 Tahoe LT | L31/4L65E | 276k mi | Spiral Grey Metallic w/Grey Int. | Truck for Truck Things and Portable Concert Hall
02 Bonneville SSEi | 171k mi | Black w/Neutral Int. | Backup and road trip car
03 Park Avenue Ultra | 212K mi | White Diamond Met. w/ Shale Int. | Southern Time Capsule
05 Acura RL | 165K mi | Carbon Grey Pearl w/Ebony Int. | The Super-Hooptie Daily

James May wrote:Hello.
User avatar
flatlander745
GXP Member
GXP Member
Posts: 293
Joined: Mon Oct 11, 2010 8:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2000 Bonneville SSEi
Location: Poconos, PA

Re: PENNY IS DEAD (motor swap?)

Post by flatlander745 »

nos4blood70 wrote:I would love to keep her going 10 years from now. I even found an L67 and trans combo for 800 dollars. 89k miles. Apparently he switched two ignition wires today and he got her running for 40ish seconds. But now I have just finished trying again and nothing...
I was in the exact same position with my 95 L67 about a month ago. Did a bunch of shopping and calling and decided on a combo that was supposedly 67,000, ran the VIN and all seemed ok. Drove three hours to pick them up ($1,200.00 for the pair) and brought em home. First thing we did was pull plugs, oil pan and ran compression check. #1 was oil fouled and #3 was consistently reading 25 PSI :eek2: :bluetwitch: :eek2: !!! Long story short drove another 6 hours got a refund then drove another 5 hours and bought a 00 SSEi.
:btruestory:

Good luck with it, hope you're all ok and back down the road.
2000 SSEi Galaxy Silver with New TEP Trans, A 62,000 mile engine out of grandma's car, all new front and rear suspension KYB/ Energy Suspension.
[url][URL=http://s871.photobucket.com/user/flatlander745/media/image-5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i871.photobucket.com/albums/ab278/flatlander745/image-5.jpg[/IMG][/URL][/url]
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

Check engine light went away today after a ride around the block. She seems to be operating normally at the moment.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
nos4blood70
Certified Bonneville Nut
Certified Bonneville Nut
Posts: 9522
Joined: Mon May 10, 2010 6:11 pm
Year and Trim: 2003 SLE
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by nos4blood70 »

Will scanned her today and all the codes are gone and are not returning. I think she's fixed. We'll see how she handles the next 1000 miles.
-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 250k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 101k miles
Image
User avatar
Jfridge92
Posts like an L67
Posts like an L67
Posts: 1472
Joined: Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:15 pm
Year and Trim: 1999 Buick Lesabre Custom
Location: Palm Bay, FL

Re: PENNY IS UNDEAD

Post by Jfridge92 »

Great to hear Carl! Hopefully she doesn't give you anymore trouble down the road!
Image


Joseph

Current: 2013 Infiniti G37 Journey
1999 Infiniti G20T - Sold
1999 Buick Lesabre - Race Couch - gone but not forgotten
Post Reply