1997 Pontiac Grand Prix intake manifold repair caused blown

ddunmore · Posted at Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:33 am

Engine Mechanical problem
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 80000 miles
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I had the intake manifold replaced on my car at the garages suggestion. After getting the car back it was not running right. Idle was inconsistant, and downshifting too much. I had to drive the car for 3 days before I could get it back to the garage, by that time the engine was knocking sounded like the valve train was rattling. The garage tried to place all the blame for the problem on me saying I waited to long to have the gasket replaced, but the car was running fine before they did the work. I ended up taking the car to another garage where they found that the previous garage left the o-ring off of the pcv valve in the intake manifold. They also found that the rod bearings were spun. Now I am fighting with the original garage to have them pay for repairs but they are denying any responsibility. I am understanding that a vacuum leak like this could cause pre-ignition which would account for the damage. What do you think?

Advertisment · Posted at Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:33 am

blackop555 · Posted at Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:39 pm

i have never heard of a bad intake manifodl wrecking a vehicles engine and any well known mechanic will tell you theyve seen vehicles run with horrible leaks and no lasting damage.

but since this problem has occured AFTER they messed with you car then it would hold up in court for you.

if you have the regular diagnostic paper of what was wrong, then you have proof that there was no engine problem BEFORE they got their hands on it, then you can show the service sheet from the other shop and show that there is a problem and why the problem has occured in their oppinion.

the other place wouldnt be able to back up their claims.

ddunmore · Posted at Sat May 03, 2008 2:08 pm

I appreciate your information. I am wondering if it is possible to download historical information from the car's computer. If so then I might be able to show the before and after readings from the garage that screwed things up in the first place. I am thinking about buying some obdII scanning software for my laptop. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

blackop555 · Posted at Sun May 04, 2008 5:53 am

if they cleared the computer then there may and may not have some in the history.

take it to a auto zone and have them throw a scanner on it and see if they pull any up, if they cant its up to you to buy the scanner.

if you can get it however, buy the scanner and print off all you can