weird problem

[mystery]

'94 Continental
105,000 miles

I recently had both front engine mounts replaced, along with yet another serpentine belt. Apparently the moving engine was affecting the belt travel.

The next day I had new front tires installed.

A scraping noise was apparent because of a heat shield out of position, which they fixed.

Now I notice that after my car has warmed up, it gets loud (like what you get when you have leaks in your exhaust). I patched the small holes in the mufflers and it doesn't seem to have fixed it.

Why would it be only once it warms up? I would think the engine runs more roughly when cold.

Could anything have been forgotten or knocked out of wack when the engine mounts were replaced?

[mystery]

When I had my tires replaced, they showed that my lower ball joints were worn (which I had replaced 2 - 3 months ago, so I'll get them fixed under warranty). They also said my wheels were out of alignment (FR pulling to right, FL pulling to left)but I had an alignment done recently also. Is this indicative of my tires 'bulging' near the ground due to camber
tires look like: / \ )
when I go in reverse? Or is this caused by the worn ball joints?

I am thinking maybe the new tires are providing more resistance than the older ones which may be making the engine work harder. (coolant temperature is normal and engine is not hot to the touch though.)

Any opinions?

[Conti94]

How long has it been since spark plugs were replaced?
Also check the alternator sometimes it makes noise when it goes out.
One more thing check both the clearance-intake valve and the clearance exhaust valve.
I had a similar problem it was easy solve the valves needed to be cleaned.
In you're case one of these valves could be wearing out. Hope this helps smile.gif

[mystery]

Thanks for the response. I had my spark plugs replaced and a tuneup within the last year. I also had a motorvac done. Both procedures solved my hiccuping idle problem at the time.

[Conti94]

What about the Alternator? smile.gif

[mystery]

Situations resolved!

1) had my left lower ball joint replaced under warranty; they also put on new wheel bearings. This cured my excessive tire wear and positive camber.

2) the sound and loss of power was due to a big leak on one of my mufflers that I couldn't find at first (but the friendly guys at Speedy did for me); they wanted to replace everything from the resonator down for $750 Cdn so I told them 'no'. I went to Canadian Tire for more Steely putty and patched it myself. Car runs quitely and strongly once again!

[Conti94]

Glad to hear the problem was fixed smile.gif Sorry I wasn't much of a help redface.gif