Sonata reliability?
 

My mother is considering a Sonata as her next car (probably an '05).
I've been very pleased with the Excel and Elantra I've owned, but I have
no experience with the Sonata. IIRC, there have been some posts here
regarding problems with the automatic tranny. Any major issues I should
know about before giving her the green light?

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Don't buy the four-banger. Other than that, it should be ok.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

"hyundaitech" <notpublic@not.public.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:434614d0bc4d347659acf9d2a528d8a2@localhost.ta lkaboutautos.com...
> Don't buy the four-banger.

I agree about the fact that V6 is better, but what's wrong with 4?


--
Zotto Sonica V6 MY2002 driver
http://www.g2kweb.it/?85

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Reliability-wise, it just eats timing belts way too frequenty. I've done
several under warranty, which means they didn't make it to the recommended
maintenance interval before crapping out. Performance-wise, I'd hate that
infernal vibration at idle.

The V6 is smooth and powerful, and I've never seen one strip a timing belt
period, let alone within the warranty interval.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

My wife and I have a 2004 Sonata LX. We've had it a year this past
OCT. So far so good with it.

"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom@att.net> wrote in message
news:7PWzd.1172910$Gx4.860760@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> My mother is considering a Sonata as her next car (probably an '05).
> I've been very pleased with the Excel and Elantra I've owned, but I have
> no experience with the Sonata. IIRC, there have been some posts here
> regarding problems with the automatic tranny. Any major issues I should
> know about before giving her the green light?

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 18:21:13 -0500, "hyundaitech"
<notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:

>Reliability-wise, it just eats timing belts way too frequenty. I've done
>several under warranty, which means they didn't make it to the recommended
>maintenance interval before crapping out. Performance-wise, I'd hate that
>infernal vibration at idle.
>
>The V6 is smooth and powerful, and I've never seen one strip a timing belt
>period, let alone within the warranty interval.

Any experience with Accents (mine is a 2001) prematurely stripping
timing belts?
Mine has 70,000km on it now and i'd have no qualms about changing it
if there's any doubt about it going to it's scheduled 90,000km change
point.

For a very plain website try
http://ii.net/~farmerjim/

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

I have a 1996 Accent with 186,500 miles on it. I have replaced the water
pump twice and at the same time changed the timing belt as it was convenient
to do so each time with roughly 70,000 miles on it. In either case there
was no unusual wear and tear. Some might say I changed the early but this
way I have peace of mind.

Jozef


"Jim Vatunz" <rot13.snezrewvz@vvarg.arg.nh> wrote in message
news:qgo1t0lf85d3siko619cutefu0d2m4dq1m@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 18:21:13 -0500, "hyundaitech"
> <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:
>
>>Reliability-wise, it just eats timing belts way too frequenty. I've done
>>several under warranty, which means they didn't make it to the recommended
>>maintenance interval before crapping out. Performance-wise, I'd hate that
>>infernal vibration at idle.
>>
>>The V6 is smooth and powerful, and I've never seen one strip a timing belt
>>period, let alone within the warranty interval.
>
> Any experience with Accents (mine is a 2001) prematurely stripping
> timing belts?
> Mine has 70,000km on it now and i'd have no qualms about changing it
> if there's any doubt about it going to it's scheduled 90,000km change
> point.
>
> For a very plain website try
> http://ii.net/~farmerjim/

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Not with the Accent. I have no problem recommending you follow the
maintenance interval in your book. The engines with the problems are:
2.4L in 1999-2005 Sonata and Santa Fe
2.0L in 1992-1998 Sonata
1.8L in 1992-1995 Elantra
1.6L in 1992-1995 Elantra

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

60k is recommended. While I wouldn't expect this belt necessarily to fail
prior to 70k or 90k, there's no reason to not follow the guidlines when
you consider the cost of repair if it breaks.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:13:47 -0500, "hyundaitech"
<notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:

>Not with the Accent. I have no problem recommending you follow the
>maintenance interval in your book. The engines with the problems are:
>2.4L in 1999-2005 Sonata and Santa Fe
>2.0L in 1992-1998 Sonata
>1.8L in 1992-1995 Elantra
>1.6L in 1992-1995 Elantra

Good-o.
It's nice to know how things are from real world sources.

For a very plain website try
http://ii.net/~farmerjim/

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Jim Vatunz wrote:
> On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:13:47 -0500, "hyundaitech"
> <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote:
>
> >Not with the Accent. I have no problem recommending you follow the
> >maintenance interval in your book. The engines with the problems
are:
> >2.4L in 1999-2005 Sonata and Santa Fe
> >2.0L in 1992-1998 Sonata
> >1.8L in 1992-1995 Elantra
> >1.6L in 1992-1995 Elantra
>
> Good-o.
> It's nice to know how things are from real world sources.

Nothing wrong with those models.
"Hyundaitech" just doesn't know how to change the timing belts in the
Sirius and Sirius-II engines.
> For a very plain website try
> http://ii.net/~farmerjim/

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

hyundaitech wrote:
> Don't buy the four-banger. Other than that, it should be ok.
>
Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

I wish I had read something like this 4 years ago. My Sonata 4cyl is now as
usefull as a paperweight, thanks to the timing belt and their warranty. The
car had 60,225 miles on it when the belt broke. Hyundai says that they will
not pay for repairs since the belt should have been inspected and/or
replaced at 60K. The car was in the shop 3 months ago for a check engine
light problem, when I was advised to do the recommended mileage
maintenance on the trans, which I did. No one bothered to mention the
timing belt to me.
I am told by the dealership that I need a whole new motor at about $6,000.
I'm still waiting to hear back from Hyundai's operations manager to see if
they will cover any of this. So as to reliability, you can draw your own
conclusions.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

I wish I had read something like this 4 years ago. My Sonata 4cyl is now as
usefull as a paperweight, thanks to the timing belt and their warranty. The
car had 60,225 miles on it when the belt broke. Hyundai says that they will
not pay for repairs since the belt should have been inspected and/or
replaced at 60K. The car was in the shop 3 months ago for a check engine
light problem, when I was advised to do the recommended mileage
maintenance on the trans, which I did. No one bothered to mention the
timing belt to me.
I am told by the dealership that I need a whole new motor at about $6,000.
I'm still waiting to hear back from Hyundai's operations manager to see if
they will cover any of this. So as to reliability, you can draw your own
conclusions.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

If Hyundai does not treat you fairly, file suit in small claims court
(either before or after you pay for repairs out-of-pocket). Pay extra
for a jury (if allowed in your state). Be sure to propound questions
during "discovery" and ask questions about how many others they are
aware of that had the same problem at between 60K and 65K miles. Ask
them to describe and provide information on all known related defects.
Ask them to describe how they handled all similar requests for
repair/reimbursement (both in instances where a lawsuit was filed and
where no lawsuit was filed). If they do not give detailed responsive
answers, immediately move to compel more specific answers and seek
sanctions for failure to provide proper answers. Small claims court
personnel are really good about assisting consumers in such matters.

Responding to such questions will be costly for Hyundai and will
create further potential financial exposure, greatly increasing the
chances of a settlement. Good luck!

On Wed, 12 Jan 2005 21:41:40 -0500, "cheesesteak"
<oco34761@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I wish I had read something like this 4 years ago. My Sonata 4cyl is now as
>usefull as a paperweight, thanks to the timing belt and their warranty. The
>car had 60,225 miles on it when the belt broke. Hyundai says that they will
>not pay for repairs since the belt should have been inspected and/or
>replaced at 60K. The car was in the shop 3 months ago for a check engine
>light problem, when I was advised to do the recommended mileage
>maintenance on the trans, which I did. No one bothered to mention the
>timing belt to me.
>I am told by the dealership that I need a whole new motor at about $6,000.
>I'm still waiting to hear back from Hyundai's operations manager to see if
>they will cover any of this. So as to reliability, you can draw your own
>conclusions.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

cheesesteak wrote:
> I wish I had read something like this 4 years ago. My Sonata 4cyl is now as
> usefull as a paperweight, thanks to the timing belt and their warranty. The
> car had 60,225 miles on it when the belt broke. Hyundai says that they will
> not pay for repairs since the belt should have been inspected and/or
> replaced at 60K. The car was in the shop 3 months ago for a check engine
> light problem, when I was advised to do the recommended mileage
> maintenance on the trans, which I did. No one bothered to mention the
> timing belt to me.
> I am told by the dealership that I need a whole new motor at about $6,000.
> I'm still waiting to hear back from Hyundai's operations manager to see if
> they will cover any of this. So as to reliability, you can draw your own
> conclusions.
>
Have you been dealing with Hyundai Customer service directly or going
through the dealer? If you haven't already, contact Hyundai directly and
screw the dealer/regional rep nonsense. Press them hard on the issue and
refuse to take no for an answer. Be polite, but firm. Work your way up
the chain of command until you get to someone who agrees to fix your
vehicle under warranty. Although the warranty states 60K miles, 60,225
is well within the "spirit" of the warranty and they should be willing
to honor it, whether they are legally bound to do so or not. You may
need to shame them into it. I had a transmission problem on an Excel
with 64K miles on it and they ultimately covered the repair when I
refused to accept anything less. If your car has been otherwise well
maintained, they should be willing to help you out. If they think it's
been neglected, you'll be in for a harder time.

BTW, is this Hyundai USA or Canada? I've heard that the former tends to
be more flexible than the latter, for some reason.

If you end up having to get the car repaired, you can do a lot better
than $6000. You're not likely to need a new engine, but you probably
need new valves/guides/seals, new pistons and possibly a new head. Your
engine can be rebuilt or you can buy a rebuilt engine for a lot less
than $6000.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

I can see your frustration, I fear that you'll be hanging in the wind on
this one. If you want things covered by the warranty, then stick to the
maintenance schedule. Otherwise the've got you.

That said, I just replaced my Sonata (2001) GLS V-6's timing belt and
tensioner just yesterday at 96,000 miles for the first time. I had run it
till the spark plugs wore out and spark plug wires burned through in spots.
Prior to that it had been running just fine.

I keep the oil changes on schedule (+/- a bit of miles over) and also I had
the auto transmission filter changed and system flushed out at 40,000. (if
that red fluid turns brown, then it's time to change it!). I just had the
fuel system/injectors cleaned -serviced this week too 'for the first time'.
Now she runs like a rocket!! It's got all the options 'cept for auto climate
control and anti-lock brakes. I like the car and it's proven to be
dependable. Mileage for a V-6 ain't too bad.

Read through your owners manual carefully as with any car (inclulding the
maintenance schedule booklet). You need not be a mechanic, but if you want
warranty work covered, you got to have all the facts straight for things to
be on your side. To my recollection, the car hasn't left us stranded at the
roadside for the 96,000 miles to date.

There are better cars out there, but for the money, I'm happy.

Ron in Florida


"cheesesteak" <oco34761@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:56a7b989b82ce55fc17662565fb2aa6a@localhost.ta lkaboutautos.com...
>I wish I had read something like this 4 years ago. My Sonata 4cyl is now as
> usefull as a paperweight, thanks to the timing belt and their warranty.
> The
> car had 60,225 miles on it when the belt broke. Hyundai says that they
> will
> not pay for repairs since the belt should have been inspected and/or
> replaced at 60K. The car was in the shop 3 months ago for a check engine
> light problem, when I was advised to do the recommended mileage
> maintenance on the trans, which I did. No one bothered to mention the
> timing belt to me.
> I am told by the dealership that I need a whole new motor at about $6,000.
> I'm still waiting to hear back from Hyundai's operations manager to see if
> they will cover any of this. So as to reliability, you can draw your own
> conclusions.
>

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

"Ron" <wyhi_1570am@hotmail.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:oCvFd.220289$Oc.131191@tornado.tampabay.rr.co m...
>
> That said, I just replaced my Sonata (2001) GLS V-6's timing belt and
> tensioner just yesterday at 96,000 miles for the first time.

There is something wrong in this, as I have a V6 Sonata 2.7 and here in
Italy the scheduled change of timing belt is at 90.000 .. Km!! (about
56.000 miles)

Ane my previous Sonata 4 cyl had the belt change at 60.000 Km! (37500 miles)


--
Zotto Sonica V6 MY2002 driver
http://www.g2kweb.it/?85

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

I am dealing with Hyundai USA customer service. The 800-633-5151 number. I
am waiting on their operations manager to get back to me today. Any
suggestions if they want to cut a "Deal" which would only be a percentage
of the repair costs? I do plan to keep bumping up the line until I can
find a reasonable settlement.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

cheesesteak wrote:
> I am dealing with Hyundai USA customer service. The 800-633-5151 number. I
> am waiting on their operations manager to get back to me today. Any
> suggestions if they want to cut a "Deal" which would only be a percentage
> of the repair costs? I do plan to keep bumping up the line until I can
> find a reasonable settlement.
>
Based on my experience with them, you should be able to get them to
cover at least 75% of the repair cost, but with the mileage on your
vehicle, there's no reason that they shouldn't cover it 100%. You have a
very reasonable argument that the belt was failing before the end of the
warranty period, since they don't just suddenly fail, they break down
over time. It's also unusual for timing belts to fail at 60K miles, so a
defective part was most likely the cause. No car manufacturer would
recommend a 60K service interval if the part was actually expected to
fail at 60K miles. They're always going to leave themselves a cushion in
order to try to avoid situations like yours.

When I replaced the timing belt in my Excel at 64K, the old one was
nearly indistinguishable from the new one. The replacement has been in
the car for 100K miles. I don't think I'll do that with my Elantra,
since the belt is longer and travels a more circuitous path - like the
one in your Sonata - which probably accellerates the wear on it.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

The message <P9PFd.14237$w62.10155@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net>
from Brian Nystrom <brian.nystrom@att.net> contains these words:

> cheesesteak wrote:
> > I am dealing with Hyundai USA customer service. The 800-633-5151 number. I
> > am waiting on their operations manager to get back to me today. Any
> > suggestions if they want to cut a "Deal" which would only be a percentage
> > of the repair costs? I do plan to keep bumping up the line until I can
> > find a reasonable settlement.
> >
> Based on my experience with them, you should be able to get them to
> cover at least 75% of the repair cost, but with the mileage on your
> vehicle, there's no reason that they shouldn't cover it 100%. You have a
> very reasonable argument that the belt was failing before the end of the
> warranty period, since they don't just suddenly fail, they break down
> over time. It's also unusual for timing belts to fail at 60K miles, so a
> defective part was most likely the cause. No car manufacturer would
> recommend a 60K service interval if the part was actually expected to
> fail at 60K miles. They're always going to leave themselves a cushion in
> order to try to avoid situations like yours.

> When I replaced the timing belt in my Excel at 64K, the old one was
> nearly indistinguishable from the new one. The replacement has been in
> the car for 100K miles. I don't think I'll do that with my Elantra,
> since the belt is longer and travels a more circuitous path - like the
> one in your Sonata - which probably accellerates the wear on it.


Also - are you telling me that a Hyundai Speedo/ODO is accurate to
within 1 percent ?

even at that 60,000 has a 600mile 'swing'

We have very good Solicitors in the UK who would adore handling that one
on a no win no fee basis.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I never thought about a +/- on an
odometer. Is there a way to find out more about that?

The latest is that they are still making a decision about whether to make
a "Good will" effort at fixing this. At least according to their
operations manager, they will reimburse me for a car rental for the next 3
days over the weekend while they make their decision. I've been maintaining
a calm, professional demeanor with them, but one thing I did do was to send
an email to Frank Ferrara, Hyundai's VP of parts and service. Hopefully
since it wasn't returned as unable to send, I figured out what his correct
email address was.

Guess I'll have to wait until Monday. Thanks agin for all your support and
suggestions.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

My figures was in US miles. I did not change the belt on schedule, instead I
had that timing belt changed around 96,000 miles (155,000km??? estimated
translation).

Either way you measure it, it was a gamble where I got away with delaying
the price of getting maintenance done.

Ron in Florida
2001 Hyundai Sonata V6 GLS. All Options except anti-lck brakes and auto
climate control.
"Zotto" <zottoebasta@inwind.it> wrote in message
news:92wFd.684615$35.27570197@news4.tin.it...
>
>
> "Ron" <wyhi_1570am@hotmail.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
> news:oCvFd.220289$Oc.131191@tornado.tampabay.rr.co m...
>>
>> That said, I just replaced my Sonata (2001) GLS V-6's timing belt and
>> tensioner just yesterday at 96,000 miles for the first time.
>
> There is something wrong in this, as I have a V6 Sonata 2.7 and here in
> Italy the scheduled change of timing belt is at 90.000 .. Km!! (about
> 56.000 miles)
>
> Ane my previous Sonata 4 cyl had the belt change at 60.000 Km! (37500
> miles)
>
>
> --
> Zotto Sonica V6 MY2002 driver
> http://www.g2kweb.it/?85
>
>

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

On Sun, 16 Jan 2005 04:50:45 GMT, "Ron" <wyhi_1570am@hotmail.com>
wrote:

>My figures was in US miles. I did not change the belt on schedule, instead I
>had that timing belt changed around 96,000 miles (155,000km??? estimated
>translation).
>
>Either way you measure it, it was a gamble where I got away with delaying
>the price of getting maintenance done.

I'm sure glad you didn't wait till it was Swedish miles, golly you
Yanks are gamblers.
The price of maintenance? versus what? the price of non maintenance?
i sure hope you at least change the oil occasionally.

>
>Ron in Florida
>2001 Hyundai Sonata V6 GLS. All Options except anti-lck brakes and auto
>climate control.
>"Zotto" <zottoebasta@inwind.it> wrote in message
>news:92wFd.684615$35.27570197@news4.tin.it...
>>
>>
>> "Ron" <wyhi_1570am@hotmail.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
>> news:oCvFd.220289$Oc.131191@tornado.tampabay.rr.co m...
>>>
>>> That said, I just replaced my Sonata (2001) GLS V-6's timing belt and
>>> tensioner just yesterday at 96,000 miles for the first time.
>>
>> There is something wrong in this, as I have a V6 Sonata 2.7 and here in
>> Italy the scheduled change of timing belt is at 90.000 .. Km!! (about
>> 56.000 miles)
>>
>> Ane my previous Sonata 4 cyl had the belt change at 60.000 Km! (37500
>> miles)
>>
>>
>> --
>> Zotto Sonica V6 MY2002 driver
>> http://www.g2kweb.it/?85
>>
>>
>

For a very plain website try
http://ii.net/~farmerjim/

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Hey, I can't understand why one doesn't just buy the extended service contract,
because, for example, if/when that damne air conditioner "blows (fails),"
it'll cost ya beaucoup la bucks more than the approx $800 extended service
contract

I suppose if one's mileage is mostly on the highways--several hunderd miles a
day, and that's perhaps compensated by one's company--then to heck with all the
garbage & trouble maintenance service shite

Nobody likes to take a car into the shop for that $200 or $600 scheduled
service, but for me it beats the inevitable (or random) expense of the
alternative, and i've had several different brands of the machines to know how
the sop/ripoff works

VW's questionable quality requires ye protect yerself with an extended service
contract, as one oughta do with any brand of machine, but I recall mucho
repairs on the three VWs we've had over the years, and two of 'em were
thankfully covered

Each to his own, of course

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Graham Ridgeway wrote:

> Also - are you telling me that a Hyundai Speedo/ODO is accurate to
> within 1 percent ?
>
> even at that 60,000 has a 600mile 'swing'

Excellent point!

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Robert Cohen wrote:
> Hey, I can't understand why one doesn't just buy the extended service contract,
> because, for example, if/when that damne air conditioner "blows (fails),"
> it'll cost ya beaucoup la bucks more than the approx $800 extended service
> contract

Because the likelihood of needing to use it is very low. If everyone was
going to need it, do you think you'd be able to buy it for $800?
Insurance companies aren't stupid. The dealer is getting a cut on this,
too. It's a rip-off for the average car buyer. It's an even bigger
rip-off for DIY types.

Re: Sonata reliability?
 

Brian Nystrom wrote:
> hyundaitech wrote:
> > Don't buy the four-banger. Other than that, it should be ok.
> >
> Thanks, that's the kind of info I was looking for.

OK, I'll give you 2 examples:
here's one for the Sirius-II engine:
================================================== =========
2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GL

Engine: 2.4 L / 4 cyl / Gas / DOHC
Fuel: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Distributorless
Trans: 5-speed Standard Transaxle
Mileage: 74,083 mi
VIN: KM8SB12B62
More Info: Test results & repair history included below

_____________________ CLOSED W/SUMMARY _____________________

This one is headed back to the dealer.
One response suggested loosening motor mounts lifting engine
slightlyand retightening.
Also checking IAC and throttle bdy forcarbon buildup.
Overwhelming responses said dealer did not time balance shafts
correctly when they replaced timing belt.
There is an updated cover available to help keeptiming belt from
jumping.
The procedure for timing balancer belt is available at
www.hmaservice.com
Thanks for your imput.

_____________________ ORIGINAL MESSAGE _____________________

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this request.
This vehicle has excessive engine vibration. Car doesn't
have to be moving or be in gear. Initial start up it seems
ok. Once engine settles down to idle speed, vibration felt
throughout car.This is not a miss.Ran engine without drive
belts-no change.Replaced balancer with new oem. Seems
slightly worse with ac on. Evacuated ac and recharged with
correct amount of freon. Pressures appear normal withe the
exception of high side going to 250 before electric fan
kicks on.This feels like a mismatch between crank and
flywheel, an out of balance condition.Has anyone seen this?
The dealer couldn't figure out what was going on.

Xxxx Xxxxxx
Technician
X xxx X Xxxx Xxxx
Portland, Oregon, USA



___________________ TEST AND REPAIR DATA ___________________

TESTING AND RESULTS

compression check - good
motor mounts - good

RELATED REPAIR HISTORY

New harmonic balancer. Broken timing belt replaced at
62,000 miles, bent valves replaced at that time by dealer
__________________________________________________ ________________
From: Xxxx from Wisconsin
Date: 10/19/2004 19:38:52
The balance shafts are likely mistimed. This should have
been obvious to 'the dealer', but I guess you never know.

From: Xxx from Australia
Date: 10/20/2004 00:17:53
Hi Xxxxx, this sounds to me that when the timing belt broke maybe the
balance shaft belt was not timed right when it was replaced. The
balance shaft belt fits in behind the main belt.

From: Xxxxxxx from California (Northern)
Date: 10/20/2004 00:22:05

Hi Xxxx-
Look for a jumped timing belt, or the front balancer shaft is not in
time.
There is a new upper cover for the timing belt. Look for a small
"lump" inside the upper timing belt cover; it's there to help keep the
belt from skipping teeth. The rear balancer is driven by a small belt,
similar to a 2.2L Honda. The rear shaft is easily timed, nothing more
than lining up the two marks. The front shaft needs to be correctly
set.
With the mark lined up, turn the shaft slightly. If it turns back to
the mark from either direction, the shaft is correct. If it turns away
from the marks, the balance needs to be turned one revolution, then
reinstall the boot. Look at www.hmaservice.com for the TSB that
describes this procedure.

From: Xxxxxxxx from Texas
Date: 10/20/2004 09:52:00
if the motor mounts are good i would loosen them and raise
the engien slightly up and tighten them up again to see if
that helps. also check the throttle body for being dirty
and iac operation and to make sure it dosnt have any carbon
build up.

================================================== ================

One case for the Sirius engine:

1994 Hyundai Elantra

Engine: 1.8 L / 4 cyl / Gas / DOHC
Fuel: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Distributorless
Trans: 5-speed Standard Transaxle
Mileage: 91,138 mi
VIN: KMHJF32M9R

Misc Data: 4dr GLS
Affected Item: engine
Condition: vibration
More Info: Repair history included below

_______________________ CLOSED W/FIX _______________________

I would like to thank all who responded. The rear balance
shaft was indeed 180 degrees out.
Seems the tech spun the oil pump/balance shaft pulley around with the
timing belt off for some reason.
Set the rear balance shaft by removing plug and installing screwdriver.

Ran car without timing cover due to it being broken on the last removal
and vibration is gone.
Sorry for the delay in closing.
Seems the young owner of this car did not have money for the
repairs so I now own it and had other pressing projects.

_____________________ ORIGINAL MESSAGE _____________________

This car came with what appeared to be an exhaust
leak.Found the head gasket had burnt through the fire ring
on #1 cylinder and was leaking externally. Replaced head
gasket had cyl. head gone through.After completing repairs
took car out for a test drive and it ran great until it was
wound up a bit. A vibration starts at about 3100rpm and
gets worse with an increase in rpm.The timing belt was set
according to a timing belt manual (Autodata I
believe).Pulled every thing back down and double checked
the timing marks all was as set before right on the
marks.
Customer informs me the car had been at the dealers a
month ago and had the oil pump either resealed or replaced
and the oil pan gasket replaced.
Is it possible to not get the pully back on the rear balance shaft
correctly or is there another way to verify the position of balance
shafts.
I am leaning towards a balance shaft issue as the car did
not vibrate before the repairs.

Xxxx Xxxxxx
Owner/Technician
Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxx
Kimball, Nebraska, USA

___________________ TEST AND REPAIR DATA ___________________

RELATED REPAIR HISTORY

Replaced head gasket due to external combustion leak.
Timing belt, waterpump,idler and tensioner replaced.Valves
ground,seats cut and cyl. head planed.
__________________________________________________ ________________