Car has NO get up and go...

[nqc2k]

Check engine light codes 300, 404 and another, maybe random cylinder misfire. She has trouble starting, and when you pull up to a stop sign, you inch accross the road at 2mph for about 12 feet then slowly picks up speed. Went to my mechanic, he said I have a intake seal leak so thats why my antefreeze always needs filling, and my problem might be a bad EGR or bad cat, but either way, he said we could spend a ton of money to fix the coolant leeks and it still might not go at the stop signs. Anyone have any idea's? If not, i'll need to dump her this week and find the wify a safe car. I love the alero, i dont want this to be the end of her.

Youtube video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozrMpRt7AiQ

Thanks.

99, 3.4, 161k
new plugs/wires/coils/gas,oil filter/

[BNaylor]

Were the LIM gaskets ever replaced with the revised ones? Just get that taken care of and maybe you will be able to salvage the Alero and get some more mileage out of it.

[nqc2k]

LIM gaskets are original, and the engine itself is all original, never opened up. Do you think that would help with the hesitation? Looks like a fun weekend project. Thanks

[BNaylor]

I think so and probably explains the lack of power and random misfires not to mention the coolant loss. Burning coolant in combustion.

[nqc2k]

I put a new head gasket on and torqued it down. I had to remove the head a few minutes later. Can I re-use my new head gasket, or do I need to buy a new one now?

Thanks

[nqc2k]

I did the LIM and head gasket today and she sounds the same. I've heard the EGR and CAT could be bad and to replace those? Think its worth the money, or give up?

Thanks

[Iflylow]

A back pressure test on the cat will cost about $75. You might also just look at it after a drive. A plugged cat will be very, very hot, maybe even glowing.

[telnetu_23]

I had the same problem...the resolution was a catalytic converter.

[nqc2k]

Sold her yesterday. Good times, good times.