Backyard Mechanics

[Charries]

Im have some car issues with my 98 malibu and was wondering if there are any guys on here that work on cars on the side? I live in St.Paul.I would like to have it looked at by someone that knows engines to give me an ideal whats wrong with it and give me a quote on the cost to fix it,then set up a time to fix it.I use to have a guy i always brought my cars to,but he moved out of the state.Anyone interested? Thx in advance.

[Jeremy airjer W]

What are the symptoms?

[Charries]

Gosh,where do i start?When you step down the gas pedal there is alot of hesitation and sputtering which i think could be the EGR valve or plugs or both?About a year ago it was doing the same thing and i replaced the EGR valve,,seemed to solve the problem for about 6 months,then slowly went back to the way it was again..Also have an oil leak,,not sure where from...Also has a clunking in the rear of the car,,,thing it could be a strut,but dont know?Im scared to bring it to a garage because i have had to many bad experiances..It really needs a good tune up in my opinion.....I dont know what to do?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Check engine light on?

Not likely an EGR valve. The hesitation/backfire is a pretty good indicator of bad ignition wires. The other possibility is the cat is starting to plug up and could be as simple as a fuel filter but not likely.

I think your on the right track with the strut causing the clunk but there are any number of suspension pieces that can cause those types of noises.

Thye oil leaks (i assume you have a 3.1) is likely the oil pump drive o-ring if you notice it more on the driver side of the engine almost right below the bell housing on the transmission. These are very common. If it is on the passenger side than the timing cover or the front crank seal are also fairly common. Typically we (I) replace the oil pump drives when the intake gaskets are done as it is right out in the open with the upper plenum and intake removed.

We charge $99.95 for driveability diagnostics which would figure out what is causing the hesitation. Depending on how much oil is covering the engine we may have to degrease it to figure out where specifically the leak is coming from. That runs $59.95 w/die (without die is cheaper). We would look at the clunk typically as a courtesy.

I work nights and would be more than happy to take a look at it and at least get you pointed in the right direction. Whether or not you have me do the repairs is up to you.

[Charries]

Hey airjer,i really appreciate you taking time to post some ideas !!! When and where would be a good time for me to bring you the car to take a look at it? My e-mail is [email protected] Thx.......Tom

[Charries]

By the way,the check engine light has came on and went back off speraticly since ive owned the car,,,,,and also,if im on the freeway,and i put the pedal to the floor,car will hesitate and sputter,then the chech engine light will flash...

[Jeremy airjer W]

I work out of the Linn Companies woodbury Autocare location. Any time is fine. You can make an appointment by calling 651-739-4526. Joe, Skip, Mike, or Eric will be happy to take your appointment info. Just tell them you want me (Jeremy) to look at it. We'll see you soon? If you ask nice I may even let you look over my shoulder! I do have a five foot rule though!!

[Charries]

LOL!!!!!!!!!!I would appreciate a little peek,thx airjer

[Shack]

Yep, bring it down to Airjer

He will get it fixed at a great price. If anyone needs that mechanic "guy I know" that you bring you vehicle to, Airjer is that guy He is extremely friendly and you will be satisfied. I am sure of this.

Heck, look what he does for free on FM. I know he will treat you right in his shop.

[Charries]

Geez,now today the fricken power steering pump went out!!! Cant win.....