So the radiator developed the infamous leak and started overheating (but the guage would never go up past the middle). I told the wife to fill it with water before leaving anywhere and not go far. She had it overheat on her a few times before i could buy a radiator which I just installed thanks to the guide here. Now it holds coolant no problem. When I started it to pull it onto the ramps it felt almost like it was missing or off timing, but it was pretty much out of gas. When I filled it with coolant and pulled it off the ramps it ran the same way. I drove it to the gas station and put gas in it, then pulled into the advance auto next door so that they can pull the codes. It threw p0300, p0420, p0455, p1122, p0021, p0221, and p0300 and was still running like crap. I drove it the half mile or so home, now it will not start at all... wtf???

 

if you run it too low for too long or too often your fuel pump goes bye bye...

how's your fuel filter?

 

not sure... can i test the fuel pump somehow?

 

can you hear it faintly run when you turn the key to the ON position?

 

yup, i can hear it run....dammmit!!!!!

 

Correct me if i'm wrong. but aren't you SUPPOSED to hear it run when it's in that position? As in it's Priming?

 

yeah, but that means it was not the fuel pump... probably worse

 

i wonder if it is worth doing the old key reset trick...?

 

Get out the FSM and look at all the possible causes for these codes. EC section I believe

 

It's probably going to be one general problem causing the slew of codes. Given that it did overheat, I'd suggest you start by checking the compression to rule out a blown head gasket (or God forbid, cracked head or block).

 

So it has been in the shop. The mechanic says it is getting backpressure into the radiator, so blown headgasket. He is saying I may as well look for a new motor?? No way can I afford to do that now. I am going to go throw up in a corner for a while...

 

Why a new motor? Which bank is it blown on? It's a pretty straight-forward job in all honesty. The most expensive part of it is labor. If you are a decent DIY'er then it might be something you can tackle without too much trouble. It may seem daunting, but once you get into it, it's not too bad.

-Nathan

 

WUT

 

Aww, man. I joined this thread thinking the OP wanted a yelling contest

GL with your car, though!

 

Pay to have a second opinion by a shop that really knows these engines. It will be money well spent. Don't let anyone fool you, this isn't a simple job. This is not a typical backyard mechanic task. It is very involved for the average org member. That is not to say you can't attempt it, but I want to be honest with you about the labor involved. TBH, a known-to-be-good-condition used engine will most likely be less money in the long run. But first things first. Get a second diagnosis.

 

I am just about the polar opposite of a backyard mechanic. My wrenching skills leave MUCH to be desired. I was extremely proud that I was able to change out the radiator with the guide here, so me doing it is out. This sucks azz i cant afford this right now!!

 

I apologize if I was misleading, but I have done dozens of head gasket jobs, and I still remember doing the first one on a 1997 Honda Accord V6 my mom had. At first, I thought it would be a nightmare, and it didn't end up being that bad. I was 17, and did it with basic tools. It took a while, but I got it done, and done well, and I didn't find it incredibly challenging. It wasn't on par with changing oil or anything.

-Nathan

 

I would just like to say one other thing... !@#$!#@%$!^%!#$!@%!#$^%!#$^!$%!$%!!#$%!%$#%

 

 

[quote=nelledge;8524849]TBH, a known-to-be-good-condition used engine will most likely be less money in the long run. quote]

This. Head gaskets will run you about $50 from rockauto, but it will take as much labor, if not more than just a strait up engine swap. I have swapped my engine twice now. Good luck!

 

so is even worth trying? I could ask the mechanic to try it... Just really can not afford to replace the motor right now...

 

As a temporary fix to get back home or get the car to the mechanic, it can work, but it's not intended to be used as an alternative to proper repair.

You never know though. If you're going to replace the motor in the end, it certainly won't hurt to try it. I've only used it once because I was out of town and needed to get my car back home and I didn't have the money for a tow. It worked for long enough to complete a 40 mile trip.

-Nathan

 

ok, so I had the head work done. It ended up involving milling the heads and some extra valve lash work. 2200 smackers later I get the car back. The thing is it is making this strange sound under the hood and doesnt seem to have any power under load, like when going up hills etc. It almost sounds like the exhaust is outputting somewhere under the hood to my untrained ear... video to come

 

It does sound like you have an exhaust leak, but I can't tell where exactly where. It also sounds like the power steering pump is whining.