vtail745
09-15-2012, 06:40 PM
Hi all,
I'm hoping I might hear from a helpful soul or two on my ongoing issue. About a month ago, I had my local dealer replace my vacuum pump and change the spark plugs. The vehicle was at 97,000 miles, so both were normal wear and tear maintenance. About four days later, my Service Engine light came on. Went to Autozone and they showed the codes for lean condition on both banks. I went back to the dealer and they found that the crankcase vent valves were chewed up and "guaranteed" me that this was causing the vaccum leak and I had them replaced. Drove about 40 miles and the SES light came on again. Back to the dealer and this time they diagnosed about every gasket and seal needed replacing to the tune of $3800.
Figured it was time for a second opinion so I went to my local reputable indy that I had done some work with before. They ran the codes, did a smoke test, and a fuel system pressure test. According to the shop, the smoke test was negative so no vacuum leak. They also said they ruled out O2 sensor problems. The fuel system was putting out about 60% of standard pressure at cruise.
So we decided to replace the fuel pump and filter and add a can of BG44K. That was yesterday. Also, before going in for the new pump and filter, I changed the air filter and cleaned the MAF sensor.
The car is driving noticably better and I saw an immediate return to my former MPG that I was getting before starting the work. The car runs better, smoother and stronger and does not have any surge as low speed, low RPM. Am pretty sure the fuel pump replacement has helped.
BUT...today after driving about 40 miles, the SES came on again. Stopped at my local Autozone again and they ran the codes. Same codes for lean condition on both banks. I have a new MAF sensor on order and will replace that this Monday or Tuesday.
The car is still running very good and the engine is quiet, so I'm at a loss. I will be going back to indy shop Monday to have them run the codes, but I am hoping someone here might have an idea too. Doesn't matter if it's the dealer or your good indy, give them a problem without a clear solution and you might as well hook a vacuum to your bank account while they explore and fix every possible cause.
Again, thanks kindly to anyone who might have an idea on this.
Jim
I'm hoping I might hear from a helpful soul or two on my ongoing issue. About a month ago, I had my local dealer replace my vacuum pump and change the spark plugs. The vehicle was at 97,000 miles, so both were normal wear and tear maintenance. About four days later, my Service Engine light came on. Went to Autozone and they showed the codes for lean condition on both banks. I went back to the dealer and they found that the crankcase vent valves were chewed up and "guaranteed" me that this was causing the vaccum leak and I had them replaced. Drove about 40 miles and the SES light came on again. Back to the dealer and this time they diagnosed about every gasket and seal needed replacing to the tune of $3800.
Figured it was time for a second opinion so I went to my local reputable indy that I had done some work with before. They ran the codes, did a smoke test, and a fuel system pressure test. According to the shop, the smoke test was negative so no vacuum leak. They also said they ruled out O2 sensor problems. The fuel system was putting out about 60% of standard pressure at cruise.
So we decided to replace the fuel pump and filter and add a can of BG44K. That was yesterday. Also, before going in for the new pump and filter, I changed the air filter and cleaned the MAF sensor.
The car is driving noticably better and I saw an immediate return to my former MPG that I was getting before starting the work. The car runs better, smoother and stronger and does not have any surge as low speed, low RPM. Am pretty sure the fuel pump replacement has helped.
BUT...today after driving about 40 miles, the SES came on again. Stopped at my local Autozone again and they ran the codes. Same codes for lean condition on both banks. I have a new MAF sensor on order and will replace that this Monday or Tuesday.
The car is still running very good and the engine is quiet, so I'm at a loss. I will be going back to indy shop Monday to have them run the codes, but I am hoping someone here might have an idea too. Doesn't matter if it's the dealer or your good indy, give them a problem without a clear solution and you might as well hook a vacuum to your bank account while they explore and fix every possible cause.
Again, thanks kindly to anyone who might have an idea on this.
Jim