I'm a murderer (car won't start)
 

This last Monday I installed a cold air intake and today I took the FD out for its first extended trip (about 400 miles). I noticed some odd things about halfway through the trip.

When I would punch it, I could smell what seemed to be a burning belt coming through my air-conditioning.

About 100 miles later, my cruise control started acting funny. Normally going up a hill, the RPM stays relatively constant and my boost gauge registers about 5 psi. However, my boost gauge was barely moving above a vacuum, and the RPM's were moving from about 3500 to 5-6000 (and this is in 5th gear).

Then finally I had to slow down for another car, and when I went to return to my cruising speed I did not speed back up. I gave the car gas, and the RPM's redlined very easily (still in 5th) like the engine had no load. I downshifted to 4th and tried again. At this point the water temp read normal.

I pulled over and shut the car off, and heard clicking (like a very hot engine) coming from under the hood. I opened it but it did not seem particularly hot.

I got back in the car and decided to try moving in a lower gear, but the car wouldn't start. The starter does not turn over either. Now the water-temp reads extremely hot and the add coolant light is on as well as the check engine light.

I had it towed to my apartment (Was something like 10 miles away), and tried to start it again now that it is cooled off. I can hear something turning, but its not the starter, and from under the car when I let off of the key I hear something metal make a "shing" sound (like a knife).

Have I blown my engine? Until I shut the car off, it sounded fine and I did not think I had engine problems. Or is something else the problem. I have made this trip before, and the only thing I changed was the new intake. Could I have caused the car to overheat?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

-Michael

Sounds like you lost a clutch and your engine may have overheated. I don't know if the two issues are related.

You need to see what diagnostic codes you're throwing, that may shed some light on the situation.

I also think its clutch. If your car was also smelling, and the revs were going up that easily, it should be ur clutch.

yep and the extra revving due to slipping clutch probably got you pretty hot

Thanks guys that seems to explain everything pretty well

Guess it's time to check it out... and then spend some money lol

The difference between an overheated engine and a normal one is probably not enough for you to tell just by standing over it. If the gauge was pegged, or close to it, then there may be a major problem due to coolant loss or lack of flow.

Sounds like your clutch disc is worn out as well.

You need to get some coolant in there and get the car to turn over and go from there.

You're in Norman Oklahoma? Take the car to www.GothamRacing.com