1996 Chevy Corsica Corsica Problem

PA CHEVY

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET CORSICA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
108,000 MILES

Recently, when driving my Corsica, the temp gauge went all the way up and then all the way down. Service engine light went on. Noticed it was low on coolant. (No visible puddles or leaks). Refilled coolant and service engine light went out. Now, there's a tapping sound when I start it. Tapping goes away after driving it for 10 minutes or so. The newest symptom is, for the first 5 minutes of driving, the car won't take the gas and the car has trouble making 40 mph. After driving it 10 minutes it's fine and runs like new. Mechanic suspects a leak in the intake manifold and bad bearings. Says engine should be replaced. Oils clean and clear, no smells or smoke. Any suggestions?

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

The tapping may be a lifter that got some dirt in it. If you put some trasmission fluid in the oil like a quart and run it it may clean it up. It sounds when car is in open loop it runs like crap. Then when closed loop occurs it straightens it out. I'd check vacuum hoses for holes or a vacuum leak. EAsy to do with a vacuum guage or have your mechanic do it. The leak in the intake manifold would give you low vacuum and when the computer takes over it is ok. There are good gaskets from fel pro as well as dealer that are now good for fixing intake leaks. 96 cars weren't known for their leaks though. But with the mileage it could be possible.