Steve W Nast

hey guys, I just finished putting head gaskets on my 3.0, had the heads magna-fluxed and pressure tested, cleaned, new valve seats, and checked for warping (it never overheated, I was just being cautious). started back up no problem, no leaks or anything. it idles extremely high (like 2000-2500 rpm), but always has especially in the cold. the engine light is on, and it has a complete lack of power. I'm talking like a 3-year-old in a barbie jeep could beat me in a race. I've pretty much had it with this friggin' thing, so before I set it on fire, does anyone have any ideas? has anyone experienced this before. The thing that really sucks is aside from some fender rust, the thing is in good shape, and the frame is surprisingly rust free. I'd hate to have to get rid of it, but I just can't afford dumping any more time or money into it.

MudHippy

First, check the codes. Then fix the high idle issue. Or whatever else it's telling you to.


Then, if it still ain't right, bring it over to my place. I'll be able to tell you what it is in about 5 minutes flat. J/K. I mean you could do that...if you wanted to. But I don't know how far of a drive that would be for you.


Anywho, these engines are really easy to diagnose and fix...once you get to know them well enough that is.

Steve W Nast

figured it out, it's the knock sensor, which is directly below all of the crap that i just spent the better part of 3 days removing and re-installing. So, to avoid have to take off the intake stuff again, is there any way to mount a sensor somewhere else? The guy who read my code for me said that he's seen it done on nissans and doesn't see why it couldn't be done here, but to research it. I don't want to bypass it, because without it the thing runs like an absolute POS. would mounting it closer to the original be better than somewhere easy like the engine hoist hook? just wondering if anyone has tried it before or has heard of it.

MudHippy

You can do that. It'll work. If the problem isn't the wire. The cost of a knock sensor makes that a little less attractive. That and/or a new wire, which is usually the problem. Or rather corroded connections(wire and/or sensor). I fixed one of mine for free just cleaning those up.