Ok, i was heading to work when the engine lost power comming off the interstate, I rolled to a stop, and the engine was still running, but it sounded like it was fireing maybe 2pistons, it knocked, and pinged, so i turned it off, I tried recranking it, it started up and fireing like 2 pistons. Then i died. After that, it wouldnt restart, and i had this strong sulfer smell. Ok, heres what i think, Ive had the car kinda do this before and it turned out to be the coil, rotor and distr, I think thats what it might be this time, but if it is, umm thats the third time in 3yrs, What that F>>>, umm why does that keep failing? Does anyone think it could be something diffrent this time? Pontiac is gonna look at it monday, just dont wanna get screwed like always, thanks guys, oh and its a 305 with 186,000miles on it, oh and the fuel filter is about 4months old. Thanks, later, Jimmy

 

Jim,

First, a year on a cap/rotor/plugs should be about normal if you put 10-12,000 miles on your car annually. I'd at least want to inspect them that often. At the same time, I'd check the ignition wires and meter the coil. If you are following the recommended maintenance schedules for your car, you should be doing most of this regularly. Since your car has a lot of mileage, you might want to increase the frequency a bit.

Second, why do you think you're getting screwed at your dealership? If you feel they aren't capable, are misdiagnosing your problems, or are performing unnecessary work, talk to the service manager. If you don't get a thorough, satisfactory explanation of the work performed, take your business elsewhere. I'm sure there are other GM dealers in your area, and since the engine is actually a Chevrolet, you aren't married to the Pontiac dealer just because the badge on the car says "Pontiac".

Third, since you had a sulfur odor, the cat converter was probably hot. This can be caused by an incorrect mixture, late ignition or valve timing, leaking exhaust valves, or restricted exhaust. The oxygensensor is very important in maintaing correct fuel trim, and if yours has more than 30,000 miles on it, you might want to consider a replacement. The rich mixture caused by a weak O2 sensor may have been enough to foul some plugs, cause overload of the ignition system, cause incomplete combustion, and overheat the cat converter - sound like your symptoms?

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
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