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Is it a Head gasket or not
Topic Started: Apr 27 2011, 10:29 PM (900 Views)
dmonslayer
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Hey forum, I own a 95 geo metro 3 cylinder. Lately, when I start it up, when it's been off for a while, it sputters and runs real rough for about 2 blocks. After which, the car runs normal. I was told by my mechanic that this issue is the onset of a failing head gasket. Here's my issue with that, I'm not missing any coolant. The coolant level is perfect. Could this be an ignition issue, coil maybe. The oil is low, but nothing out of the ordinary. I just want to exhaust every option before I tear the head off. Please help. Thanks, Brett
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

Could be the head gasket. You may see oil in the coolant or vice versa. A good place to start is with a compression check. Click on http://geometroforum.com/topic/2574993/1/ However your mechanic may not do it that way. The compression should be above 156 psi.

This would seem to be a case of cold start until the engine parts expand or reach normal operating temperature. You could unscrew the O2 sensor and test drive it to see if it acts the same way.

Does it do it just the first time in the morning or for every start? Is the Check Engine Light on? How old are the ignition parts and spark plugs?
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Johnny Mullet
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Fear the Mullet

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Apr 28 2011, 12:59 AM
How old are the ignition parts and spark plugs?
:gp

Plugs, wires, cap, and rotor every 30K :deal
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Memphis metro


Is the check engine light on?
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dmonslayer
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The engine light is on, but I check the codes and they have to do with the speedometer not working, which is going to cost WAY too much to fix. I am unsure about the age of the spark plugs, but the guy I bought it from is a mechanic and said he "replaced" the head gasket, which is why I bought it in the first place. The coolant is clean as the day I put it in. I like the idea of replacing the cap, wires and plugs. Have you guys had experience with buying the tune up kit from Rockauto.com, which consists of "Distributor Cap & Rotor, and PREMIUM Packard/Delphi Spark Plug Wires"? And I was thinking of going with Bosch Platunium spark plugs. Thanks for your help guys!
Edited by dmonslayer, Apr 28 2011, 12:23 PM.
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

The Speedo needs to be fixed.

With the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) not reading, thus the code, the ECU (engine control unit) is missing a piece of the puzzle to control fuel & other functions. It's running in "safe mode", to get you there, until it's fixed. Fuel economy & power suffers much.

Full tune up is the norm, for me, on Any new to me vehicle. So that's a Good idea regardless. NGK V-Power Spark lugs are the best bet, IMO.

The speedo fix should not be as bad as you think.

If it's the cable, a used one can be had at a junk yard.

If it's the VSS, the entire cluster can be swapped out. Either a junk yard cluster or E-Bay for about $70.00
Edited by snowfish, Apr 28 2011, 12:59 PM.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

:+1

If you can get a distributor cap with copper posts that would be good but pricey. The kit would be a good idea if the price is right. You can click on www.robietherobot.com/ for quality plug wires for $50 shipped.
BTW, I like my Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. :D NGKs are the more popular and recommended choice.

The PO being a mechanic is good but not a guarantee that the gasket was not defective or that it was coated with copper spray or other things that could be wrong. mwebb gives us 'NEW means Never Ever Worked.'
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dmonslayer
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Thanks a lot! I had no idea that the speedometer was that vital. Just a couple of quick questions, how do I know if it's the vss, and where is it located? Sorry, but I have never messed with the speedo or a vss. I called a local parts store and they didn't know where it is located. It's a 3 cylinder 5 speed. Thanks again!
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

VSS is in the Speedometer Cluster. If the speedo cable is bad, it will not read.

Could be the speedometer drive too. The cable can be disconnected ,from the transmission, and spun to see if the speedo reads. If not, then it's probably the cable. If it does read, then probably the drive is at fault.
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dmonslayer
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THANKS! I sure have learned a lot from you guys. Is the speedo drive hard to replace? Brett
Edited by dmonslayer, May 2 2011, 01:02 PM.
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