Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - I don't know whether to ask for help, or donations for a new car.

MSD · 11-23-2003, 10:21 PM

I am hesitant to bring the car back to my mechanic after he charged us $300 (not including labor) for a power steering pump that I could have gotten for $85. I don't know if I can fix this myself, or if I should bring it somewhere, or just buy a new car.

'93 Lincoln Town Car - Executive Series w/ Limo package (not stretched, but can be done)
4.6L OHC and 4sp auto OD transmission
Transmission is new (20k), engine is original. Almost 200k miles
Nothing modified

Diagnostic computer reveals the folloiwng:
-Cylinders 3,5,8 failed cylinder balance test
-Error codes point to lean air/fuel mixture due to faulty EGR valve
-Coolant temperature sensor is running at higher than maximum allowed voltage.

Two major problems:
1: When the engine is warm, antifreeze will leak out of the cooling system as quickly as I put it in, but water won't. This is mind-boggling. I'm going to flush the radiator, refill, and check for leaks tomorrow.

2: The enging backfires severly after it is started. The problem is worse on humid days. If I put it inot neutral and floor it for 10 seconds, it seems to clear up. If driven normally, it clears up after 2-10 minutes of driving (about the same tiem that the engine warms up.) The problem briefly disappeared when I replaced spark plugs (not wires,) then got worse, got better again when I whacked the EGR valve with a wrench after two error codes pointed to a sticky EGR valve. The problem also improved briefly after I replaced the fuel filter.

Another problem I just thought of:
The transmission takes a long time, as much as 5-10 seconds after disengaging 2nd gear, to shift into 3rd. The harder I press the accelerator, the longer it takes. The harder I'm accelerating, the harder the shift is when it finally happens. I almost have to stop accelerating to get it to shift within a normal period of time.

11-23-2003, 10:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I don't know whether to ask for help, or donations for a new car. I am hesitant to bring the car back to my mechanic after he charged us $300 (not including labor) for a power steering pump that I could have gotten for $85. I don't know if I can fix this myself, or if I should bring it somewhere, or just buy a new car. '93 Lincoln Town Car - Executive Series w/ Limo package (not stretched, but can be done) 4.6L OHC and 4sp auto OD transmission Transmission is new (20k), engine is original. Almost 200k miles Nothing modified Diagnostic computer reveals the folloiwng: -Cylinders 3,5,8 failed cylinder balance test -Error codes point to lean air/fuel mixture due to faulty EGR valve -Coolant temperature sensor is running at higher than maximum allowed voltage. Two major problems: 1: When the engine is warm, antifreeze will leak out of the cooling system as quickly as I put it in, but water won't. This is mind-boggling. I'm going to flush the radiator, refill, and check for leaks tomorrow. 2: The enging backfires severly after it is started. The problem is worse on humid days. If I put it inot neutral and floor it for 10 seconds, it seems to clear up. If driven normally, it clears up after 2-10 minutes of driving (about the same tiem that the engine warms up.) The problem briefly disappeared when I replaced spark plugs (not wires,) then got worse, got better again when I whacked the EGR valve with a wrench after two error codes pointed to a sticky EGR valve. The problem also improved briefly after I replaced the fuel filter. Another problem I just thought of: The transmission takes a long time, as much as 5-10 seconds after disengaging 2nd gear, to shift into 3rd. The harder I press the accelerator, the longer it takes. The harder I'm accelerating, the harder the shift is when it finally happens. I almost have to stop accelerating to get it to shift within a normal period of time.