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cava99
Novice
Oct 26, 2008, 10:23 AM
Post #1 of 8
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A few tuneup questions.
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I have a 99 cavalier 2.2L. 3 speed automatic with 64,000 miles on it. It has been running a little rougher lately and I was wondering how hard it would be to change the fuel filter, air filter, plugs and plug wires, maybe the distributor cap if needed? I was wondering If the STP Fuel Injector Cleaner was any good? Is there anything like that that you would recommend? My car starts up slowly sometimes, it cranks over just fine, It just takes a little while sometimes and I want to make sure that It will run through the winter here in Wisconsin. It also makes a loud ticking noise from the engine while accelerating when cold. I cant tell where its coming from because it only makes the noise when driving. Is that most likely sticky lifters? How hard would it to open the crank case and put some Marvel mystery oil in? Is there anything else that you would recommend?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 26, 2008, 10:59 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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http://www.autozone.com/...eId=0900c1528003c9ef
Check that for fuel filter. Make sure you have the 16mm flare nut wrench for the line fitting - sometimes 5/8th will fit.
It's the noise and you noticing a difference in starting that is of most concern. Check, belt, pulleys and make sure you are up to date with oil service. I wouldn't do additives for suspect "sticking lifters" so quick - just change to high quality synthetic oil of correct grade and IF it's a sticky lifter thing it will slowly subside.
Get a code reading and do a tune-up if not done anytime recently.
Noises are tricky of course. Could it be some exhaust part making the noise?
T
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cava99
Novice
Oct 27, 2008, 10:12 AM
Post #3 of 8
(2498 views)
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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I dont think it is the exhaust. It is a steady sound, If it was the exhaust would it be sporadic?
Are there any places that will give free code readings?
My dad bought this car 4 months ago in Oklahoma, which is good because there is no rust :), and he replaced a few things, like the oil and belt tensioner. I'll have to ask him exactly what he replaced already.
I dont have any tools, but my neighbor has some I could probably borrow. It also sounds like there might be a bearing going bad, a light grinding noise/whirring all the time.
Edit: He thinks that he changed the oil and oil filter (Isnt positive as he cant remember but Idk why he wouldnt have)
Changed the spark plugs, the old ones were in good condition.
Changed the belt tensioner, belt, and something else that has to do with the belt and was a pain to get off.
Is there anything else I should do after getting a used car and especially before winter?(I dont live with my dad, so he cant help me out)
(This post was edited by cava99 on Oct 27, 2008, 10:32 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 27, 2008, 1:19 PM
Post #4 of 8
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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Autozone and no doubt several chain stores and I've noticed other places too advertizing free code checks - of course looking to drum up a customer and some biz.
Just good oil is a good solvent for sticky engine lifters and a general but slower cleaner naturally as it's new. I suggest if age of oil is unknown to just get it done with known quality oil. How dirty it looks can be misleading as good oils have detergents and pick up the dirt. It would be like having super clean water coming out of a washing machine full of dirty clothes - if it cleaned the dirt the water would have it and be dirty - same thing with oils. Most that meet or exceed OE specs are fine.
You may just need to run it some to see what persists and needs attention,
T
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cava99
Novice
Oct 28, 2008, 7:17 AM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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I just drove it about 12 Miles and it is colder today, 30 degrees F, I noticed that it sounded even worse today and I could even here it when just idling.
Alright, Im going to get my codes read today hopefully. And I'll change the oil as soon as I can.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 28, 2008, 7:30 AM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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Beware of noises getting worse! I/we want to help you pin this down but right now who knows what you are hearing so get help if needed asap.
All sorts of things can make noise and some aren't so friendly or safe to ignore. At a minimum, make sure fluids are properly filled and just look at engine while running for something making the noise - it may show now,
T
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cava99
Novice
Oct 28, 2008, 7:49 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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Well, the only thing I can compare it to is when a diesel pickup truck accelerates and you can hear how the engine isn't smooth like a car but it is choppy and kind of loud, it sounds kinda like that, but it isn't the engine running rough its something that you can hear over the engine. Anyways that probably doesn't help a whole lot. Thanks a lot for trying to help I really appreciate it! Im going to take it to advanced autoparts and see if they will read my codes later today.
When changing oil should I do it myself, or have someone do it for me. How much more do you think it would be to have it done for me?
l l l
Woops forgot to log in in the next post V V V
(This post was edited by cava99 on Oct 29, 2008, 12:01 PM)
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Oct 29, 2008, 11:42 AM
Post #8 of 8
(2445 views)
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Re: A few tuneup questions.
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I had the oil changed today and I also put in STP fuel system cleaner. I had my codes read and nothing come up :(
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