Problem Reports

The engine may develop an intermittent stalling or no start condition. Our technicians tell us a common repair to correct this condition is to replace the distributor pick-up plate.

Pinched or restricted transmission oil cooler lines can cause automatic transmission failure due to lack of lubrication. Our technicians recommend complete inspection of the transmission cooler and lines if this type of failure is noted.

Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, timing cover gasket, distributor o-ring, and rear main seal area are common. The leak at the rear main seal area is generally not the seal itself but the bearing cap to the engine block seal. An oil leak could also be internal to the distributor, if oil is found inside the distributor then the distributor should be replaced.

The blower motor may operate erratically and the blower switch operation has a sticky or mushy feeling, the detents almost non existent. Our technicians tell us that the blower switch should be removed and inspected for overheating. This is common if the blower motor is frequently operated on high speed as the current flow through the switch tends to melt internal the components. Also carefully inspect all of the switch connector terminals for discoloration due to overheating and replace as required. A poor electrical contact at the connector will also cause the switch to overheat.

The powertrain control module (PCM) may fail resulting in a lack of AC cooling. The lack of cooling could be caused by evaporator freeze-up due to the AC compressor staying on continuously or conversely, not coming on at all. Proper diagnoses of the PCM should be performed before replacing it for this concern.

Engines using a throttle body fuel injection system may develop a fuel leak from the fuel injector nozzle or the injector o-ring seal can cause any of the following: Hard starting, rough idle, black exhaust smoke, and poor fuel mileage.

Transmission fluid may leak from the area of the vehicle speed sensor. Replacement of the vehicle speed sensor and/or the speedometer adapter may be required to correct the leak.

The manual transmission may become stuck in or blocked out of reverse or 5th gear. Our technicians tell us the repair involves replacing the transmission overdrive rail, lug shift fork, and synchronizer assembly with revised parts.

An internal oil leak may develop from the intake manifold plenum gasket. The symptoms could include engine spark knock on acceleration and increased oil consumption. Our technicians tell us that replacing the plenum gasket should correct this issue.

The engine may develop a lack of power or stalling condition due to low fuel pressure. Our technicians tell us that this can be due to contaminates passing through the fuel pick-up screen resulting in fuel pump failure. If fuel pump failure occurs it is recommend to replace the entire fuel pump module as it includes both the primary and secondary fuel pump filters.

An intermittent fault with the electrical connection at the crankshaft position sensor may result in poor engine performance and/or a no start condition.

The engine my develop and buck, surge, or noise due to a worn distributor drive gear. If the distributor shaft has excessive rotational free play the distributor drive gear and bushing should be replaced.

The mainshaft bearing plate retaining bolts may loosen causing the manual transmission to become difficult to shift. If this occurs the bolts should be replaced. If the bearing retainer plate or any other components are damaged they should be replaced as well.