After replacing the head gasket, the engine does not run properly and will not stay running?

AMANDA0202

MEMBER
2014 DODGE AVENGER
2.4L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

Hello, thank you for taking the time in advance!
my husband and a mechanic buddy of ours replaced the head gasket on my car, and now it starts but it a very rough start its loud and idles hard it almost sounds like a bit of misfiring in addition to like this erratic idle, to me but I'm not sure, then if I let my foot off the gas it shuts off.
what could this be? So, our mechanic buddy is not reachable for a few weeks, and we don't know much about this field.
could something had not been put back correctly or is this issue not related to the head gasket repair and replace they did?

Any help would be much appreciated, thank you.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,858 POSTS

Hi,

Certainly, it could be related. When reading through your description of it stalling at idle, the first thing that came to mind is there is a vacuum leak. However, that shouldn't make it loud.

Is it possible for you to record it starting, running, and then stalling and upload it for me to hear?

Also, if you haven't already, check for engine vacuum leaks.

Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

If you are hearing any knocking from the engine, let me know.
Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 7:31 PM

AMANDA0202

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you!
Okay, so there is no knocking. And the car only stays on if I'm giving it gas. I have a straight pipe in place of the muffler, I know that makes it loud. But to me, I feel like it's loud but a different loud than the normal no muffler loud.
Now I'm not sure if it was even idling because I never took my foot off gas.
Yes, I will record it as it has a great idea because it's difficult for me to know the exact words to describe it.

We just checked the plugs and connectors and that's all good. And tonight, we will do the vacuum leak check and upload the video.
Thank you again.
-Amanda

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Thursday, January 26th, 2023 AT 7:58 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,858 POSTS

Hi,

I haven't heard from you for a couple of days and was wondering if you have been able to make any progress. I'm just interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, January 28th, 2023 AT 8:10 PM