QuestionRecently I had a new lower and upper intake manifold gasket replaced. At first it hesitates, and when you give it gas it starts knocking..a pop pop pop noise. Ever sense I had the gaskets replaced you can feel it in the gas pedal. No power and happened instantly while driving down the road about 25 minutes after leaving the garage. Could it be they put the push rods in wrong or a valve went out? Please help.
AnswerHi
The pushrodss in the wrong place is VERY likely if done by a mechanic who is not experienced. They are VERY close to being the same length, but they are not. Putting pushrods in wrong place on a 3.1/3.4 WILL bend valves.
It could be a crossed plug wire, or a faulty wire or coil. Does the check engine light come on?
I will tell you to take it back. They MAY HAVE done something wrong, now it's their responsibility to fix it correctly WITHOUT any more money spent by you.
If it is not due to their work, ask them to PLEASE diagnose and give an estimate to you for proper repairs.
The mechanic needs to test drive vehicles after repairs.
With the way we are paid (most instances) it does not pay to take a car on a 15-30 min test drive, but it is a good practice to avoid instances like this.
I Hope this helps.
Good Luck
Follow post back, if needed.
Pawl
