Running stinky and shakes

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Sep 7, 2008 | 08:39 PM

chate

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Orange County California

Running stinky and shakes

Ok, my microwave stopped working and i went to get another one and on the way back from sears i noticed my car exhaust started smelling like gas and the car started to shake...its getting close to 100K miles so i was thinking maybe spark plugs are preventing proper combustion? I don't know anything though, so please advise...it goes in for a $100 "diagnosis" on monday at topflight in San Diego, my wallet is already crying...but they do have a good rep on the forum so i guess you get what you pay for??

anyway, the car still runs, just stinks and feels like an earthquake all the time, any ideas on what to expect?

Sep 7, 2008 | 09:33 PM

BLOWNBLUEZ06

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Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 10,924

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From: Forney Texas

At 100kmi, it could be anything. Replace plugs with proper gapping, wires, and consider carefully cleaning MAF and running some techron or seafoam through the engine. Inspect for any vacuum leaks and make sure you retrieve your codes. It is best to go in there educated. Pull your codes and we can help explain the possible causes. Don't clear them. Let them read them as well. I personally wouldn't pay for a diagnosis before a good tuneup. If that doesn't work, then go for diagnosis.

Sep 7, 2008 | 11:17 PM

convertz

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From: Livingston NJ

I'd say plugs and wires. Its a cheap fix, and even if its not the problem, at 100K they should be done soon anyway.

Sep 9, 2008 | 04:07 PM

chate

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From: Orange County California

Thanks for the advice guys, I don't know a lot about/how to do a lot of stuff on my own besides the basics (and I'm back in grad school now so i dont have tools here either) but anyway, i went ahead and had top flight do the scope/diagnose and they came back at me with a laundry list of problems- it seems they didn't notice the shake-so its intermittent and probably just in need of a tune up...but it looks like she's got a bad water pump, differential leak, bad O2 sensors, a leaky master cylinder...and more!

I was naive when i bought the car from west coast and didnt have it checked out...trusting people blows sometimes...thankfully the aftermarket extended warranty should cover most of the stuff besides the tuneup and O2 sensors!

Thanks again for the replies!

Sep 9, 2008 | 04:46 PM

Robls6

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From: Willow Springs IL

I paid alot of money to make my car run stinky and shake.

Sep 9, 2008 | 05:03 PM

01_torch_red_vette

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Syracuse NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robls6

I paid alot of money to make my car run stinky and shake.

now thats funny right there, cant wait to get my car shaking and smelling funny this winter

Sep 9, 2008 | 05:21 PM

lucky131969

Tech Contributor

Joined: Jan 2007

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From: Dyer, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robls6

I paid alot of money to make my car run stinky and shake.

Sep 12, 2008 | 10:12 AM

chate

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Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Orange County California

LOL, but your shakey stinkey cars are SUPPOSED to do that...and do it damn well...haha

anyway, so i heard back from top flight and they couldn't get the car to replicate the shake and stink...i guess its intermittent--but the warranty is going to pay 1600 bucks to fix the
-steering rack
-differential leak
-master cylinder leak
-water pump
Now, my question is, anyone have a link to a DIY for plugs and wire change? I've done it on my other cars (honda/toyota) but pictures always help!! And whats this about cleaning the MAF, I'm searching, but doesnt seem like theres any DIY out there. Top Flight is supposed to get back to me today on how much the the other non-covered maintainance is gonna run, but i figure i can save labor costs by doing at least the easy stuff myself...

thanks again to everyone!