New to FE and went to start the car for the first time since purchasing it. I was attempting to start the car to check on the new AiM Steering Wheel and EVO data logger we installed. Fuel cell was empty, so we filled it. Checked oil and topped that off as well. Car hasn't been started in a year.
Car wouldn't start, just kept chugging but wouldn't turn over. We would hold the start button for about 5-6 second bursts in trying to coax it over. Then rest for 10 seconds and try aagain. Hit throttle only a few times during this entire exercise to try and avoid flooding. After about 3 or 4 attempts, we heard a loud pop from forward drivers right area of the engine compartment. Sort of around the distributor area. That pop was partnered with a puff of smoke immediately followed by a loud bell-like ringing sound. Immediately after that we stopped holding the starter button. We scratched our heads, did a little reading on these types of threads, inspected the car, nothing stood out. So we decided to try and start it one more time.
Upon turning the power on the first thing we noticed was that the new AiM Formula Wheel dash no longer powered up, just blank. We tried the same 5-6 second bursts on the starter button, got maybe 7 or 8 attempts and car wouldn't turn over. On the 8th and final attempt we heard a pop again (no smoke this time) followed by the loud metallic bell ringing sound.
From this point we were fearful of.......well we had no idea but stopped trying to start the car for fear of causing any more damage.
We found posts in various threads and websites that this could be something related to a condenser, the bell housing, etc. No idea ourselves so looking to see if any of you have perhaps heard this and know what problem we are facing. Also, concerns that the first pop blew out the dash or at least the dash no longer comes on.
Thanks
Bill