just replaced intake gaskets - still have probs - please help

[dna_alexov]

I've got a 98 Transport with 232,000 kms. Had it for 3 years with no probs, except about a year ago I noticed that I would loss antifreeze (not sure where though my oil never looked milky).

Well about 3 weeks ago it finally caught up with me. For the last 4 months, the van started to need more frequent dex top-up than ever (every 3 to 4 weeks). I forgot once and the van hit the red mark on the temp gauge and the van started to run very rough (that was 3 weeks ago). I instantly pulled over, let it cool off and refilled with dex. I then drove 15 minutes to home, and I instantly noticed a constant spew of antifreeze coming out the side of the pulley area. I took it to the shop and they said my water pump went - $300cdn later and I had a new pump.

After the water pump replacement, I noticed that the van ran extremely rough for the first 30 seconds everytime it was started - after 30 sec it ran fine. I ignored it and took the van camping pulling my 2000 pound tent trailer. Luckily the campsite was only 1 hour away because just before we got there I noticed the van started to overheat again and started to run rough. I luckily got it to the camp spot and had extra dex with me. Filled it with dex when leaving and it got me home without overheating.

When I got home, I checked the oil and sure enough very milky. I took it to MrLube and they told me there was antifreeze in the oil. I then took it to my mech and he changed two intake gaskets ($400cdn). I just got the van back today. Note that the mech checked the plugs and said they did not show signs of a bad head gasket (he said the plugs would be wet and "clean" from the dex - they were old dry and dirty).

Now for the current problems. First I still smell antifreeze in the engine compartment after running the motor for a while. Though the plastic antifreeze reservior is full (this never used to stay full before) and I have no signs of leaks and oil is good. Now that my intake gaskets are new, could I have the head gasket prob? Second, the van hesitates and wants to stall when first accelerating from a stop unless you are very gental on the pedal. This used to be a very occasional problem in the past but now is constant. Again, to prevent stalling or the jerking motion I have to press the pedal a few cms and then accelerate harder. If I press the pedal even 1 inch or harder, the engine hesitates for a second and then all of a sudden fells like the tranny made contact and the van jerks forward (or stalls). If in neutral, you hear the 1 second hesitation which explains the jerk - I don't think it is the tranny. It is a motor issue. Is this easy to adjust.

Any input would be very appreciated.

Thanks

[cdru]

Originally Posted by dna_alexov

Note that the mech checked the plugs and said they did not show signs of a bad head gasket (he said the plugs would be wet and "clean" from the dex - they were old dry and dirty).

Note that this doesn't exclude it being a head gasket. If a major leak were to happen, the plugs could be wet. However if the combustion chamber was still allowed to reach operating temperature, it would quickly dry off. Also if the leak was very minor, not enough steam would be created to "steam clean" the chamber, plugs included.

First I still smell antifreeze in the engine compartment after running the motor for a while. Though the plastic antifreeze reservior is full (this never used to stay full before) and I have no signs of leaks and oil is good. Now that my intake gaskets are new, could I have the head gasket prob?

It's possible but not guaranteed. The antifreeze smell could be coming from some other leak as well. There is a maze of hoses for the heater cores behind the engine. It's would be very easy to imagine one of those starting to crack or a weak clamp leaking. When I did my heads earlier this year I checked everything back there. Many of the clamps had indications that they had leaked a little over time. I replaced all of them with worm clamps.

It's also possible that it's still burning off spilled chemicals from doing the intake. How long ago did you have the intake gasket done?

Second, the van hesitates and wants to stall when first accelerating from a stop unless you are very gental on the pedal. This used to be a very occasional problem in the past but now is constant.

I had a similar problem in the past but I can't for the life of me think of what it was. When my head gasket went, I don't beleive this was a symptom. I want to say it was bad plugs or wires but I can't say for sure. Do you have any trouble codes?