So my car was leaking a bit of oil so I take it to the shop and they say I need the timing cover gasket replaced. Get it fixed, start my car up and it is idling terrible, shaking the whole car, etc. I start driving it and after 2k rpms the engine will start cutting out terribly.

Park it back at the shop, wait until monday and they call to say the seeping oil from the timing cover had ruined my opti and plugs, so they want to do a tune-up for $550 (for wires and opti, im guessing just the cap & rotor).

What I don't understand is how it didn't drive like crap before if those ignition parts had been ruined, and I really think they are trying to screw a long-time customer. The only other option I considered was that the mechanic either put the opti on wrong or got it wet.

Any advice guys? Really appreciate any help

 

If the opti gets wet it won't nessesarily stop working right away there has to be rust and corrosion to mess up the optical sensor or mess up the shutter wheel.

are you getting misfire codes? I would check the plug wires if I where you. I wouldn't trust anyone especially a mechanic with my ride... but that is cause I wrench on my own stuff.

 

......maybe, when they pulled the cover they dumped oil on it...and dont want to waste their time or money fixing it. but you can't do anything about it without them having signed something saying that it was running fine with the leak beforehand. you got screwed

the last time i took mine to a mechanic they told me i needed a new alternator. i inspected the car, started it up, checked the guage and i didnt have voltage. checked the belt...pulley...fine. i reach behind and find a PLASTIC wire connector that connects to the alternator. they also lifted on the "do not lift" point right near the pass door so now not only did they try to screw me but they screwed me by pulling my door out 1/4" from the front fender. they also said they could fix that for another 200 bucks.

 

Probably dumped coolant all over the opti when they pulled the WP.

 

Or they mixed up a couple of plug wires.

 

yep sounds like they mixed up some wires.

 

^^^Could be mixed up wires! Also just from my bad experiance. drove my car everyday, made a 1600mile trip home(in the military) decided to do the throttle body bypass. Started the car up after and rans on like 6 cylinders. Sometimes **** happens. But like others said i don't trust mechanics either. I used to work at a dealership, i know how they do!!

 

If you are not Mechanicly inclined, take it to another reputable shop and get a second opinion, it will cost you the diagnostic fee that they will charge.

 

I never even thought of the plug wires being crossed, I'll have to check on that. But as far as the coolant dumping on the opti, that could be reasonable suggestion also. I am going to take it to a shop where I know the guy won't bull**** me. I would take it there all the time but its a lot farther away.

Thanks a lot guys, can always count on the CZ28 crew for help

 

wires mixed up. sounds just like mine yesterday.
i put the opti in and everything went smooth. started it up and it idled real rough, gave it some gas and it had no power and shook alot. backfired once.
let the car sit for a few ( cooled off ) and sure enough had 2 wires crossed.
runs like a champ now.

 

sounds like a mixed up wire, and them making a quick quick $550.
check it out.
Id work on it right in their parking lot.