My car has been in the storage unit for about three weeks with no attention (vacation, holidays, extra busy).  I did not prep the car for winter storage because I usually go out no less than once a week to start the engine and go for a short spin, when I am not driving her regularly.  Never have had an engine problem before, but this is the first time its has set this long without driving. Went to get her for the weekend and the battery was dead, no surprise.  Got her jumped and left her to warm up while I went to get a couple of things out of the unit for the trip.  When I returned a few minutes later, smoke was coming from under the hood and out of the tailpipes. Looked like a major meltdown.  Oil level is fine (recently changed), transmission fluid level slightly low, coolant level fine, engine temp never spiked. The smoke from the engine cleared somewhat, but the tailpipe smoke continued. I also noticed the automatic transmission would not shift. Engine light is on. 

This car was running 100% without a single problem prior to this situation and I watch fluid levels frequently. Hard to believe this problem appears to have come out of nowhere and seems so serious. Needless to say, no trip. I plan to have her platform transported to the hospital on Monday.  Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated.

I don't know where you live, but could it be condensation? Water is the gas tank?
Did you pull a couple of plugs and inspect them?
Any sign of something strange in the gas, oil, tranny or coolant?
Could anyone have messed with it while it was in storage?
What year is it?

Check the vaccuum modulator valve, on the trans. It is on the pass. side, rear, of the trans. Pull the rubber hose off. If any trans fluid runs out, the mod. is bad. It would explain all of the above complaints, except the check eng. lite, but it might also be the cause for that.

If the mod. is ruptured, the engine will suck trans fluid up into the intake. This will lower the fluid level, and create smoke out of the tailpipe, as the fluid burns. The mod. needs to work right in order for the trans to shift. It could also cause the oxygen sensor to become coated, not allowing it to work properly. Adams' Apple38689.9339351852

I don't know where you live, but could it be condensation? Water is the gas tank?
Did you pull a couple of plugs and inspect them?
Any sign of something strange in the gas, oil, tranny or coolant?
Could anyone have messed with it while it was in storage?
What year is it?

I live in the mid-west, temps have been very cold but not down to freezing for any serious stretch, overnight maybe.  I didn't see any condensation coming from the tailpipes and there was nothing suspect in any of the fluids.  I didn't check the gas, the tank was three-quarters full. It sure as hell seems like somebody messed with it but that would be next to impossible since keys are kept in a secure location and it has three tiers of security. It is a 1981 Bowling Green late production model.

Joel:

Thanks man, I will definitely bring that up tomorrow when it goes on the lift. I think you might have hit a homerun on this and if so, saved me some serious cash in the process of elimination. 

If this is the problem, is it due to sitting, or was it just age?  Does this occur very often?  Any preventative measures I could take? I will keep you posted.

Paul

 

Paul, if the mod. does turn out to be the culprit, it is just a normal thing. The rubber diaphragm, over time, will eventually rupture. Hot/cold cycling, and the effects of the trans fluid just take their toll. It is a very common problem, and there's just no way to keep it from happening.
I hope that's all it turns out to be, in your case!

Wow!  Okay, this is the reason I am glad I have spent the money for the Lifetime membership.  Although I have not had this particular problem, it is good to know that now if it does happen I will know the first place to look.

Only problem is...my memory is not as good as it used to be and I'll probably forget Joel's information before I have the problem occur.  What would be nice would be a troubleshooting section on the forum that lists the problems encountered in the group and the likely causes, with the person having the problem listing what the actual problem and fix was.

Now THAT would be unique!

Good info Joel!

PKS,

Since the Engine light is on and the car is a 1981. I'm assuming the computer is still hooked up and functioning. Scan for trouble codes. The ALDL connector is under the ashtray BTW. If the engine is inhaling tranny fluid, I'm willing to bet money that the O2 sensor is bad.

Sarge

Update:

She was flatbedded to the hospital today. I mentioned the vacuum modulator valve to the doctor and his eyebrow immediately shot up indicating "How does this dork know what a VMV is?" Cautiously impressed, he said it would be the first thing he looked at.  So we will see. I'll add Sarge's info about the O2 sensor tomorrow.

I agree that a troubleshooter's guide would be an excellent idea.

Paul

Would that cause the transmission not to shift or just shift to low gear abruptly....?