Persistant ticking sound coming from engine. I have heard/read about lifter tick. Could this be what it is? If so, is this a major thing, other than being an annoyance?
Very loud squealing sound. I sprayed WD40 on one of the wheels that guides/drives the one belt. Also with the battery indicator moving up and down, I was thinking it could the belt that connects to the alternator.
The car cut out today, and it took a couple tries to start it again.
Any input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Lifter tick is not common on these engines, but it *is* possible. A much more likely prospect is piston pin knock, especially if it's more of a "Took-took-took-took" sound rather than a higher-pitched "Tick-tick-tick-tick". Piston pin knock is common on these engines, and it is annoying -- in its more severe/advanced form, it can make the engine sound much like a diesel -- but it's not something to get too upset about, or really to do anything about unless/until an engine rebuild becomes otherwise necessary.
Loud squeals generally do indicate belts or the things they turn. It's not wise to squirt WD40 anywhere near the belts. Proper diagnosis is called for.
This could be anything from vacuum leaks due to cooked/cracked hoses near the throttle body, to a failing distributor pickup plate, to a wiring fault. If your '93 K-car is like most other similar cars, it's not had the most fastidious of maintenance over the years and there are some things that have been allowed to slide.
First step is to check for flash codes.
To check the computer codes:
With the engine off, switch the ignition key on-off-on-off-on, leaving it "ON". Do not go to "start", just "on" during this procedure.
Watch the "Check Engine" or "Power Loss" light. It will turn on, then go off, then will begin to flash-out any trouble codes that have been stored. For instance, if it flashes:
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