Sudden LOUD knock and sputtering

[headrjo222]

Approx. 560 miles ago my 03 Century had a head gasket replaced as well a valve job done. I was told to take the first 500 easy, WHICH I DID. This evening while getting off of the freeway, my car started sputtering, like it was starving for air or something. I turned my stereo down and I heard a extremely alarming sound. A VERY LOUD KNOCKING THAT GOT FASTER AND LOUDER AS I ACCELERATED, BUT NO ENGINE LIGHT... I was a few blocks from my house and i honestly didn't think I would make it. When i pulled in the garage, with my engine running I looked under the hood, as well as under the car and saw nothing. No leak, no loose hoses, no discoloration of any kind. However, the knock was so severe that it shook the engine. I might be tripping but i really think the motion the running engine was abnormally violent. It barely starts, sounds agonizing from the moment i turn the key till i turn it again and when I went to turn the car off i noticed that the engine light had not only turned on but was now blinking at me???🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁🙁 I'm taking it back to the mechanic but i'm looking for someone who knows whats going on to give their advice so i don't get ripped when i bring it in. Anything you can think of I can do. Thanks

 

[dcraig1000]

well the blinking cel means there is a misfire. im thinking the mechanic forgot to hook something up or didnt secure a connection very well and it came apart. maybe the spark plug wires didnt get snapped back on all the way, or got damaged in the process of doing the engine work. its probably going to be related to the work done. dont let those guys give you the run around. it wasnt running like that until they did the work

 

[marsbuick]

Anyway to make a recording or video of this?

 

[GalaxySilver03]

There is a possibility that a Rocker arm has come loose. Best case it backed out of the threads... Worst case the threats in the head pulled out.

Both are fixable, and very commom after head gasket or intake gasket Replacement. ( you have to use an inch lb torque wrench, the conversion to Ft Lbs is not acturate enough for Aluminum threads in the head.

This would expain the blinking CEL light. with the valve not opening, the car will misfire because it can not intake or exhast the cylinder.

The real worst case is a rod knock, but that usually does not cause the CEL to blink.

Yes get hold of you mechanic.

 

[BU TECH]

I've seen a couple 3.1's split the cam shaft right in half.... hope for your sake that isn't the case!