Fishy Smell

[ahachme]

I have a 1990 Mirage with manual transmission. It has 80,000 miles on it and was running ok until recently. I just got the oil changed but now when I start it the engine is pretty rough... it goes off and on... and is letting off a fishy smell. When I start driving it the Check Engine light goes off and on a few times and I can feel the car jolt because something in the engine is malfunctioning. I was just wondering if anyone has had this before or can point me in the right direction. I will take it in soon but am not sure how much I am going to have to spend to fix it. Thanks for any help!

[DFBonnett]

Look at the basics first. Age and condition of the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air filter? Any vacuum lines broken or disconnected?

[ahachme]

I really know nothing about cars... but when I take it to a place should I say please check out the basics first?? I plan on taking a guy with me cause I don't really want to be taken advantage of and told I need $1000 worth of repairs if I don't. Thank you very much for the advice! Very helpful!!

[DFBonnett]

Originally Posted by ahachme

I really know nothing about cars... but when I take it to a place should I say please check out the basics first?? I plan on taking a guy with me cause I don't really want to be taken advantage of and told I need $1000 worth of repairs if I don't. Thank you very much for the advice! Very helpful!!

First, find a reliable shop that is recommended by someone you trust. Next, when you go there describe the problem as accurately and concisely as you can. Describe the nature of the problem and under what conditions it presents itself. Be specific. If you are concerned about unethical activities, ask them to call you with a price before commencing work. A reliable shop doesn't cheat people. They don't have to. Their problem is trying to keep up with all the work coming in. The same car with the same problem will cost the same whether it is brought in by Mother Theresa or Beelzebub. Bringing a "guy" with you won't cut anything at a reliable shop nor will it save you money. It won't work at an unethical shop either. They know perfectly well that if the guy knew what he was talking about he'd already have fixed it.
FWIW
YMMV

[ahachme]

Thank you very much for the info. I was told of a couple of places to go. You have been very helpful!

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by ahachme

Thank you very much for the info. I was told of a couple of places to go. You have been very helpful!

Tips on finding a good repair shop.
Good Luck MT
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.