Mechanic changed my timing belt and I think he might have messed up...
Bought a 1995 mighty max with 150,000 miles. It ran well, looked great (like the PO really took good care of it) - passed CA emissions - I drove the truck for 1000 miles and was getting around 25-26mpg and had great power and no noticeable oil loss. The previous owner said that she had never had the timing belt replaced so, as an armature mechanic and not wanting to risk screwing up my new truck, I took it to a local shop - one that I'd never been to before - they were $200 cheaper than my regular shop. I had them replace my timing belt and my crank and cam seals. The truck drove pretty well after that... thought I noticed a slight loss of power and slight loss of mpg (down to 22mpg with no changes in driving habits). I changed the plugs, wires, rotor & cap at around 151,500.
By 153,000 miles the truck had continued to lose power and began to suddenly burn through oil (went through a qt in 1000mi) no oil in the driveway and just a puff of smoke on cold start. 153, 500 and the puffs of smoke are lasting longer up to two minutes. So I changed the PCV valve, replaced the heated oxygen sensor (been throwing that code randomly off and on since I got the truck), and did a compression check - 150psi all around. No noticeable change in performance. Still burning oil and running weak. 153,700 starting to shake at 60-65mph on the freeway and seems like every time I start up it smokes a little longer.
Going to take it to a very good shop on Monday but, I thought I'd run my story by the forum to see what yall thought. I am a novice mechanic and really trying to DIY everything I can but, this is really getting out of my league.
One suggestion on my previous thread (1995 mighty max - check engine light turns on and off while driving) was that I need to replace my valve guide seals.... Just thought I'd give a detailed account of everything that's been going on in case someone here has an aha moment that might save me a few bucks. Thanks!
just got back from the shop
Took my pickup into the shop that did the timing belt today and had them check to make sure the timing belt was on correctly. They say it was and the timing was dead on. As for the oil burning - they said that they did a compression test, a leak down and pressure tested my cooling system. Compression was great & leak was less than 10%. No sign of exhaust gasses in coolant and cooling system did not leak. They did a cold start and said that the smoke was just condensation burning off... I am pretty sure I know the difference and if it's just condensation where is all of my oil going????? I am burning one qt per 1000 miles!!! The mechanic recommended BG44k engine cleaner. I usually avoid additives like the plague - but I'll put it up for debate (I do have the signature sticky lifter clicking at start up - maybe It'd clear that up). I take the truck to my trusted mechanic tomorrow and I'll just have to wait and see what he says...