This past Sunday, I finally got out and replaced the rear brakes on the car. That took care of the squealing. There was still pad left, so it wasn't bad. Never had a problem stopping. Just an annoying squeal.
Tonight, I replaced the exhaust gasket and the valve cover gasket. Been having problems with acceleration sine after coming back from the first road trip with daughter. Tried replacing the oil and transmission fluid. That didn't do anything. (Needed to be done after the trip, any way.) One reason I also did the brakes was to be sure they were not dragging. They weren't. Between different behaviors of the car, I figured I had a vacuum leak somewhere. No evident leaks I could find. I've tinkered but had no success. However, once I did the work tonight I took a short test drive. It seems to have done the trick! Much better acceleration!
Now, I will say I did not yet take it out to higher speeds. Just second gear. Since first and second gear are shifting better, I assume it will act normally again at higher speeds and gears. Test drive further tomorrow.
That's a relief. I was afraid I needed a new transmission. Of course, not clear of that idea yet. If I do, I hope it will wait until after the holidays.
I could tell while doing it that those gaskets were at least part of the problem. The exhaust gasket had spots with visible heat wear. For all I know, it's the original gasket, so it would be 22-23 years old. The valve cover gasket itself may not have been a problem. Never hurts to replace it, especially since I already bought the new one. However, the valve cover bolts were seriously loose. Only reason I needed the ratchet was because I could not fit my fingers into some spots easily. I think that was the biggest issue.
Looking forward to this weekend! Not only is daughter over but old friends (daughter's godparents) are going to be in town to visit! Haven't seen them in years and miss them.
Tonight, I replaced the exhaust gasket and the valve cover gasket. Been having problems with acceleration sine after coming back from the first road trip with daughter. Tried replacing the oil and transmission fluid. That didn't do anything. (Needed to be done after the trip, any way.) One reason I also did the brakes was to be sure they were not dragging. They weren't. Between different behaviors of the car, I figured I had a vacuum leak somewhere. No evident leaks I could find. I've tinkered but had no success. However, once I did the work tonight I took a short test drive. It seems to have done the trick! Much better acceleration!
Now, I will say I did not yet take it out to higher speeds. Just second gear. Since first and second gear are shifting better, I assume it will act normally again at higher speeds and gears. Test drive further tomorrow.
That's a relief. I was afraid I needed a new transmission. Of course, not clear of that idea yet. If I do, I hope it will wait until after the holidays.
I could tell while doing it that those gaskets were at least part of the problem. The exhaust gasket had spots with visible heat wear. For all I know, it's the original gasket, so it would be 22-23 years old. The valve cover gasket itself may not have been a problem. Never hurts to replace it, especially since I already bought the new one. However, the valve cover bolts were seriously loose. Only reason I needed the ratchet was because I could not fit my fingers into some spots easily. I think that was the biggest issue.
Looking forward to this weekend! Not only is daughter over but old friends (daughter's godparents) are going to be in town to visit! Haven't seen them in years and miss them.
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