2nd Mitsubishi, first major problem

[clmrt]

Here, though, it sounded like the cooling fan blade hitting something metallic as if rotated. It was metallic all righty, but not the fan blade - it was the passenger side head, tapping hard enough to feel it shake the cam cover with my hand. It did this for maybe 15 seconds before it dawned on me what it was. When I killed it, the accessory belt disintegrated. That's not normal, either.

Contact happened and I'm paranoid as hell. I want to avoid wrenching on it because it's warranted.

But I think I'm done bitching about it. I'll check back in a month and update the final outcome.

 

[clmrt]

I visited the dealer. They had the front cover off the engine and had installed a new tensioner. Everything did indeed seem to run normally.

The mechanic said the cams had kept time, and the noise I heard must have been the tension pulley banging around.

At this point I'll take it and hope everything works out.

 

[Jay Ayala]

Oh awesome. That engine is an interference engine. Had it lost timing, you would be needing to overhaul that engine for sure. I'm glad it was just the tensioner.


1989 Dodge Raider 3.0L
1997 Mitsubishi Montero 3.5L

 

[clmrt]

I cannot believe my luck - good and bad.

Moral - Noise like spoons banging on steel might not be the valves.

I will still do a leakdown test when I do the plugs

 

[montypower]

Don't waste money on leak down test. Make sure you put in the proper plugs and get factory wires.

You'd know if the valves were bent. It would run like crap and noisy. Sounds like you'll be fine.

 

[clmrt]

I may do it myself. I have three cars to maintain so buying a gauge wouldn't be insane. Time to shop and read.

Thanks for the advice. It does seem to idle nicely. I'll have it back tomorrow night.

 

[clmrt]

UPDATE

Tensioner, water pump and timing belt done. Idles smoothly.
Transfer case switches, done.
Solenoid pack, done.
New accessory belt and coolant, paid for by dealer.
11 days of car rental, covered.

Out-of-pocket = $107.50

I love my local Mitsubishi dealer.

 

[BOPOH]

i'm glad you got it all taken care of now it's time to go have fun with it

 

[clmrt]

I just drove it home. Better than expected, no issues. I'll take it for an extended cruise this weekend...

Total bill was $2840. I'll list part numbers and prices later, for reference.

 

[BOPOH]

so how does it feel to drive it again after a major problem? something like this? :wings:

 

[clmrt]

Actually, after driving an outlander sport for a week...it feels like piloting a barge.

I have to get used to slowing down for corners again.

What I do like is looking at the dash and seeing two green wheels without a flashing square!

 

[clmrt]

CEL came on, oxy sensor. They also agreed the valve cover gasket is leaking, so those two things will get done under warranty, $100.

They recommend wires and plugs. $434 for those.

Any aftermarket recommendations or should I pay the piper? They said they'd be happy to use parts that I supply.

 

[BOPOH]

i got my head gaskets replaced for less than that. if you study service manual and locate all the bolts (i painted them yellow) it will take you 20 minutes to remove intake manifold to get to spark plugs, from there it's easy

 

[clmrt]

Except the warranty company is doing the VC work for me, so I have no hands-on for this. I know $434 is nuts for plugs and wires. I want the dealer to wrench the plugs since they'll be in there anyway.

The wires and boots are soaked in oil and should be replaced, but the warranty company says they are maintenance items and should be replaced as such, and are not covered.

 

[BOPOH]

I would talk directly to tech who will be doing the work, give him cash and suggest that old plugs and wires miraculously get replaced for new ones when he is ready to put them back after replacing VC gaskets It's not like he's gonna be doing anything extra.