As suggested by you folks (thanks) I visited the dealer to inspect the alleged crack in the block. What I found was a spot about 1 and 1/2 inches down from the top of the cylinder against the wall. the spot about the size of a dime was discolored from the torch they used to "open" the alleged crack. I could not see or feel any crack.
Visited there yesterday and went through what you all have suggested....establish that the head gaskets were not the problem and the intake manifold gasket was not either nor was the manifold itself. I mentioned about going to this and other web sites and coming up with the TSB (tech service bulletin) which discussed the plenun and egr valve problems and similar symtoms. They were not aware of the existence.
I looked at new cars before I left and asked for a value if I gave them my car in this condition...zero for my car.
I then pressed to magnaflux the cylinder in question...they called the vendor (45 miles away) and were told that the car or block must be delivered in order to do the appraisal of whether there is indeed a crack in the cylinder wall.
Today I looked for shops that would reassemble my engine and use sealer if the block is cracked ...or come up with the correct diagnosis as I still am not comfortable with what I have. I also thought that I could sell it to someone who might be able to repair it or had good engine in a bad body. The book on a limited lesabre is
5.5k +-.Prior to leaving uesterday I asked to get GM involved (as you folks suggested) they agreed to do that. Late today I got a call to say the following:
- GM advised them of a TSB covering my symptoms
- they now have a pontiac in there with the same symptoms
- they asked if they could remove my engine block and take it to Rochester for magnafluxing at their cost.
- they acknowledged that the plenum and egr exhibited the problems described in the TSB advisory. Don't know enough toknow if they could be damaged while replacing the recall fuel regulator.
I agreed to have the block removed but still now worry about the subsequent issues....if not cracked what happens and who pays, if cracked what happens and who pays....they indicated that GM will not acknowledge any help even though a clear manufacturing defect due to the age of the car (1998)if cracked.
I don't even dare to ask what the bill is at this stage...all I know is that the car was running perfect before the visit for the recall and if a coincidental problem occurred it was mis-diagnosed to my disadvantage.
Please continue your thoughts and comments
Kruggerand
ps: sorry to have such a long post