Ok so I got my 2000 civic ex serviced for the timing belt, water pump, valve adjustment, all drive belts and front crankcase seal replaced as he found it to be leaking which I believe since I do my own oil changes. But anyhow I just got my car back and all was well and fine for the drive home. Well next day(today) when arriving closer to home and approaching a stop light the car idled roughly and then when I completely stopped the car idled very low and the whole car shook violently and was on the verge of stalling out. It regained its idle and normalized. It did this three separate times. Should mention that mechanic shop is 50 miles away from my house.

Now I will admit that I will be changing the following this weekend. Cap, rotor, plugs, wires. Which only have 60k miles since last replacement.

Should also mention I noticed this morning after start up that the lifters are making more of a noticeable ticking sound. More than what i feel sounds normal as it stood out to me quite easily this morning as opposed to all other times I've started my car, heck you learn your cars ways and sounds after a while 😂 But also to note my car was driving fine with no issues previous to the mechanic repairs

So everyone, what constructive input can you all give me? Is it a crooked mechanic set up? Or should I do my cap, plugs, etc as mentioned first before I pop a crankshaft! Ha

thank you

 

Check your oil.

If that's at an okay level, then I would check the valve lash when cold and verify it wasn't done wrong. They can sound horrible when maladjusted and they can also affect idle and running of the engine significantly when maladjusted.

 

Couldn't wait, I called the mechanic to let him know what was going on with my car. Upon calling him and telling him what happened, he told me to take it in as he was sure that the main issue is a maladjusted valve lash.

Now this is where I see the fishy business. When I dropped off my car I peered into the garage and saw three other technicians in the garage. I asked about credentials of all people in shop and said he had 30 years experience, the 2nd main mechanic had 15 years and the 3 techs each have 5 years experience.
Besides that, my main question here is wouldn't you say the garage should be responsible for the 2nd visit?
He didn't mention a price but I would assume it's on the garage or the guy who did the repairs. Right??

 

Yes they should readjust it for free. This is something that takes specific experience on that type of engine. Many engines are not adjustable so even a good mechanic may have little experience with it even after working on many cars that were not Honda.

 

here's how to diy but it should sound smooth when done right. they should know this.
if not yelp or mechanicsfiles might help you find a better shop.

Mechanics Files | Car Talk

 

Why is it fishy to have a couple older guys and a few younger ones working together? When I was wrenching the lead tech had been at that place since 72 or 73, other had been a tech since about 78 but at that place for about 10 years and I had about 2 years total about 1 there. I would imagine they will cover the 2nd valve adjustment since it's their issue. Also I don't even care if I sound like a dick here but if you are really that untrusting of mechanics buy more tools, a manual for your car and the the lap top out the garage and learn to fix your own ****, they aren't trying to **** you over they are trying to pay their own bills plus have to delete with shitty suspicious customers who don't like them simply because 25 years ago a horrible mechanic that lives 4 states away ripped off their dad's friends sisters husband, people like that (read that as you if you want) are the reason small shops struggle ND can't pay tech what's they're worth and why a lot of guys like me have to leave the industry.

 

Anyways, mechanic shop said they would cover it and which leads to me any thoughts constructive people with beautiful personalities and knowledge could share on the following. What potential issues or problems could I be looking at soon/later with a maladjusted valve lash? It's been 2 days since I got my car back and driving it a total of 300 miles before taking it back tomorrow for the adjustment. I ask so I know what to watch for in the event that if something happens and it's attributable to that maladjustment I'll be better prepared to mediate a fair outcome between me and the shop for it's error. A Very Big Thanks and Shout Out in advance to people of a positive nature here to help likeminded individuals. It's you guys that make this place such a priceless resource. I'm grateful!

 

The only person you can ever trust working on your car is yourself. Of course, that's if you are willing to learn and have the correct tools to do so. I know not everyone is out there to scam others but most of the time, that "mechanic" will not treat your car like it's a major priority. Don't even bother with the old saying "treat it like it's theirs". That's not true. Just look at some so-called mechanic's cars....all dirty and ****, like a homeless person is living in it.

 

bump

 

In all honesty I'm not sure you can give them 100% of the blame. Obviously the job wasn't done perfectly but dude if your car is shaking violently and you're worried that they "scammed you" or botched the work they did...then why have you driven it 300 miles with those concerns? lol

 

Exactly, if they were setting him up some how it would have been noticeable from the second he started it and at that point why would you drive it. My guess is someone at the valves that almost never does it because almost nothing requireshort it and they are trying to make it right.

 

Maybe some of us are blessed with multiple vehicles and generous family members/friends to help out or lend a car. But in my situation I'm not so fortunate, I have my one and only car and it gets me to work, home and from A to B. I don't jave cash to spill on a new vehicle nor need a car payment at the moment. So to all the know it Alls, you have the best comments showing you know everyone's situation and you obviously know all my life's parameters. So keep blindly commenting on something you know nothing about. Wait, you do know it all, keep commenting. �� Cause I ain't got time for y'all no more.

 

I'm not blessed either, I'm in the same boat with my civic. I ran it for 2 years on expired tags, no inurance, suspended registration, and had to dodge the police every time i was on the road becuase i couldn't afford those costs. I wasn't trying to be a dick with my comment, i just thought it was weird you didn't immediately go back to the shop when your car was acting up, now it makes sense why you didn't