Thread: Is My Engine On Its Way Out?

I'm assuming lefty Loosey righty tightly

Lol. Got the first bolt off, had to put my man pants on.

Well something like that I suppose. I had my free hand bracing the wrench so the socket didn't tilt while trying to remove the nut. I yelled when it finally broke I was so excited haha. I still have to get the other nut off of the bolt in front of the cat. It was dark by the time I got to that one, and I cracked my phone screen while trying to use it as a light source. So I sprayed the crap out of it with the PB Blaster. Going to try to tackle after work. I'm hoping the two nuts towards the back are easier. I'm assuming they will be as there is much more room to work with on those. Forgot to spray those with anything though, just hit me. FML.

okay, so what do I do if they break? I'm guessing I can just go get new ones at home depot?

ok, no it doesn't have studs. So just get whatever fits well? Buy a couple washers, and whatever nuts fit on the bolts I buy? Sounds easy enough.

I know it's unrelated to this thread, but I found out why my Traction Control and ABS lights are on. I'm guessing the tow truck driver somehow cut the line / sensor when he was securing the vehicle with the tire straps. I was under the car working on the second bolt and noticed a cut wire coming from what appeared to be my brake, to somewhere up in the engine bay. I'm assuming that's the problem, and will look into that and address if my car comes back to life after I get the clogged exhaust out of there.

ok great, thanks for the advice Scotty, I will take the gasket with me.

Just think of all the experience you'll have doing your own work. I won't dare pay a shop these days unless it comes to internal transmission work, or if I don't have the proper tools to do the job.

^ Great point. I had a 2000 Escort ZX2, little zippy go cart like car. That car seemed much easier to work on, but then again I was in the Marines at that time, and had access to the hobby shop which had lifts, any tool to do any repair, and the All Data program. I wish I had that program now, it's great. I probably should invest in a Chiltons, or Haynes for this car.

Dwnpipe installed, and I have power again!!! Thank you ALL!!!

Yea I looked down into the cat, and there was what looked to be a solid layer of black, in assuming that's carbon? I bet it's been clogged the entire time I've owned the car, because when I test drive it, it seemed a bit more powerful.