Gen 2.5. spark plug tube cover keeps popping off causing rough idle and causing check engine light?

[snakeyjake]

Talked to mechanic today. Gave the green light to valve cover gaskets, new lifters, valve stem seals, new plugs, plugwires. He is also going to do the timing belt (Gates) waterpump,(Aisin) new Mitsubishi crank bolt and tensioner. Anything we are missing here?

 

[dos531]

Talked to mechanic today. Gave the green light to valve cover gaskets, new lifters, valve stem seals, new plugs, plugwires. He is also going to do the timing belt (Gates) waterpump,(Aisin) new Mitsubishi crank bolt and tensioner. Anything we are missing here?

Cam seals

 

[snakeyjake]

Once the engine is sorted out it definitely needs shocks. I'm going to install some Bilsteins and figure I should do bushings at the same time. Seems allot on here going to the poly bushings. Is this a good idea and if so what brand?

 

[snakeyjake]

Dropped rig off at mechanic today. He's going to do a compression test and then a leak down test over night. I'll post what I find out.

 

[snakeyjake]

Bad news but not completely unexpected. Leak down test showed lower compression on cylinders1,3, 4. He's running a couple other tests to confirm it's the head gaskets. What else could it be? Any guesses what that's going to cost? Some good news I guess. Timing belt, water pump, etc... appear to be new. He said 229k written on the belt itself. Obviously the first owner had this done not long before selling. Trying to put the pieces of puzzle together.

 

[snakeyjake]

Sounds expensive.

 

[snakeyjake]

So he said the head gasket leak isn't too bad and is "very confident the pistons, rings, valves and cylinder walls are completely fine" Quoting me $845 for head gaskets parts and labor. Plus original estimate for plugs, wires, valve cover gaskets,intake gaskets, stem seals, new lifters. Total for everything $1571. Is that reasonable?

 

[PacS14]

Honestly if he could use an inspection camera to look into the cylinders before would be great, if he doesn't have one you can always buy one at harbor freight for cheap and have a tool that comes in handy a lot when you start wrenching or doing any kind of DIY projects. Quote doesn't sound bad to me, not cheap, but if he is a certified Mitsubishi technician sounds way cheaper than the dealership.

 

[Salonika]

For another $1,000 or so you could get the whole motor rebuilt.....that’s with you pulling it and putting it back in.

 

[snakeyjake]

I told him to proceed. I realize engine reliability is essential and he seems confident this is a good route. He's going thru the entire drive train and suspension and I already know there are numerous other issues that will be uncovered. Thanks for everyone's input. You've all been a valuable resource. I will report back with any news.

 

[snakeyjake]

Quick update. Mechanic had family member with mechanical issue so he’s just getting to mine as there’s no rush. He said the rockers were perfect and measured in spec. Advised not to replace. He said the valves were really rough and cheaper to replace than have machined and cleaned up. $177. I said ok. Photos attached.