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New problem; chugs like a train now.

S

srspicer

New member
Hello All,

Just got the car back from replacing the water pump. ( that was the source of the chronic 'low coolant' light)

I started it this morning to move it to change the window regulators, and it chugs like crazy, loudly and like a a choo-choo train. Help! I'm not familiar with the symptom, but maybe some of you mechs. are?

Any help/advice appreciated. Not sure if I should even drive to the mechanic.

Scott
 


^ This. Firstly if its chugging there will likely be a CEL and a code that could help narrow down what the problem is. If the light is on and IF the car is driveable we need to know what the code is. If you don't have a reader, a autoparts store should have a reader you can use to check it. Write the code(s) down, Pxxxx - Desc will help us know where to go for a remedy.

First guess would be the shop messed something up in the process of changing the water pump. Being an 03 GP GT you shouldn't have any problems if they just pulled the pump and replaced and refilled with coolant, but if they did anything else you could be in trouble. You may consider taking the car back to them and explaining that it started after they worked on it, see if they can look it over for free and help you out.

Anything else is just speculation, but chugging I tend to compare to a mis-fire, could be on any cylinder for any reason, fuel, spark, etc. Timing isn't really an issue with these cars but if something is off in the valvetrain it could cause a problem as well. We just need more information before moving forward and giving a direction.

Start with the shop, or codes and let us know.
 
Thanks for the replys.

No code, not lights. Thats got me worried. I'm getting a really loud tap up top and I'm smelling fuel. I have only run it for more than a minute or two at the most, I'm afraid to run it more. The mech. is going to stop by the house to listen himself. I have used these guys for years, great mechs and alway honest. They have helped me through repairs via phone, good as gold. They only did the w/pump.

Scott
 
Yes, it was fine from the shop or I would turned right around.

The problem has correct ed itself. My mech thinks it is a vale lifter that was sticking and making it run rough. According to him, if it self-corrects like this, it is not a serious problem, like a bearing, which won't self-correct. For now, change the oil more often and add a cup of trans fluid to clean things up, and change the oil a week after I add that. Until it does it again, there's nothing to do but cross my fingers every time I start it, which really sucks, as I love this car.

Any other suggestions are most welcome. Thanks to everyone who replied!!!

Scott

P.S. Just change out the pass side window regulators, F&R. Piece of cake with the 'how to' in this forum!!
 


May consider a full seafoam treatment instead of the trans fluid. Works about the same, but I know seafoam works too. I forget exact figures, but some in the oil for a week or for a long drive, some into the engine thru the intake, and a can in the gas tank and it should clear out any carbon issues you have. Full info should be on a thread somewhere, or google "seafoam treatment" and you can get all sorts of info on it.

Glad it fixed itself. Keep up on maintenance and you should be fine.
 
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