Thread: New problem; chugs like a train now.

Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1 New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    51
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Hello All,

    Just got the car back from replacing the water pump. ( that was the source of the chronic 'low coolant' light)

    I started it this morning to move it to change the window regulators, and it chugs like crazy, loudly and like a a choo-choo train. Help! I'm not familiar with the symptom, but maybe some of you mechs. are?

    Any help/advice appreciated. Not sure if I should even drive to the mechanic.

    Scott
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    GTX Level Member nos4blood70's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    1,416
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Any Check Engine light?
    -Carl
    "Penelope" - 145k Miles 2003 Bonneville SLE


    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Durant, Oklahoma, United States
    Posts
    8,033
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    ^ This. Firstly if its chugging there will likely be a CEL and a code that could help narrow down what the problem is. If the light is on and IF the car is driveable we need to know what the code is. If you don't have a reader, a autoparts store should have a reader you can use to check it. Write the code(s) down, Pxxxx - Desc will help us know where to go for a remedy.

    First guess would be the shop messed something up in the process of changing the water pump. Being an 03 GP GT you shouldn't have any problems if they just pulled the pump and replaced and refilled with coolant, but if they did anything else you could be in trouble. You may consider taking the car back to them and explaining that it started after they worked on it, see if they can look it over for free and help you out.

    Anything else is just speculation, but chugging I tend to compare to a mis-fire, could be on any cylinder for any reason, fuel, spark, etc. Timing isn't really an issue with these cars but if something is off in the valvetrain it could cause a problem as well. We just need more information before moving forward and giving a direction.

    Start with the shop, or codes and let us know.

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    51
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Thanks for the replys.

    No code, not lights. Thats got me worried. I'm getting a really loud tap up top and I'm smelling fuel. I have only run it for more than a minute or two at the most, I'm afraid to run it more. The mech. is going to stop by the house to listen himself. I have used these guys for years, great mechs and alway honest. They have helped me through repairs via phone, good as gold. They only did the w/pump.

    Scott
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5  
    GT Level Member Utter99's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Warsaw indiana
    Posts
    412
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Did you drive it home from the shop ? If so was it fine then ?
    MY LUGNUTS REQUIRE MORE TOURQE THAN YOUR HONDA PUTS OUT!!!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    51
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Yes, it was fine from the shop or I would turned right around.

    The problem has correct ed itself. My mech thinks it is a vale lifter that was sticking and making it run rough. According to him, if it self-corrects like this, it is not a serious problem, like a bearing, which won't self-correct. For now, change the oil more often and add a cup of trans fluid to clean things up, and change the oil a week after I add that. Until it does it again, there's nothing to do but cross my fingers every time I start it, which really sucks, as I love this car.

    Any other suggestions are most welcome. Thanks to everyone who replied!!!

    Scott

    P.S. Just change out the pass side window regulators, F&R. Piece of cake with the 'how to' in this forum!!
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    I live here. TLSheff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Durant, Oklahoma, United States
    Posts
    8,033
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    May consider a full seafoam treatment instead of the trans fluid. Works about the same, but I know seafoam works too. I forget exact figures, but some in the oil for a week or for a long drive, some into the engine thru the intake, and a can in the gas tank and it should clear out any carbon issues you have. Full info should be on a thread somewhere, or google "seafoam treatment" and you can get all sorts of info on it.

    Glad it fixed itself. Keep up on maintenance and you should be fine.

    Quote Originally Posted by AmericanSoldier View Post
    ...not scanning/monitoring your motor is like bangin a hooker and you just HOPE your not infected.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: New problem; chugs like a train now. 
    SE Level Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    51
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Thanks TLSheff, I'll look into that !

    Scott
    Reply With Quote  
     

Similar Threads

  1. School me on the Valve Train
    By Beelzeboul in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 10-30-2012, 01:21 AM
  2. Valve train noise problem?
    By rotti3800 in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-13-2011, 11:00 AM
  3. Valve train questions
    By whodat79 in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: 03-07-2010, 09:54 AM
  4. all aboard the bullitt train :)
    By gotboost3 in forum Tires & Wheels
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 05-25-2009, 08:31 PM
  5. Valve train questions
    By TDCRacing in forum 3.8L V6 Supercharged (L67)(L32)
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 05-03-2008, 05:59 AM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •