Hi All,
Hoping someone can illuminate me regarding an issue with my V70XC (2001). A week ago I had plugs/coils replaced to fix a misfire in two cylinders. THe mechanic also fixed a gasket, which I was told was not the head gasket. This was all done to meet CA Emissions in order to reup the registration. After nearly a week in the shop the mechanic stated that it would not pass smog, but he knew a guy that could run a series of tests and procedures that would allow it to pass the smog test. It did and I was happy to hang on to the car for a few more months.

Fast-forward to yesterday ...the engine begins knocking erratically at an idle, and the car wants to lurch forward while at red lights. Upon accelerating from a stop it hesitates and jerks till around 2.5k RPM, then smooths out.

I looked for a loose vacuum hose last night and noticed that the coolant was now brown, instead of the bright pink it was prior to the repairs.

The car starts/runs fine when cold, but is besieged by the above when it warms up.

Any thoughts? The car's KBB value is nearly zed, and I've already spent $1600 in getting it to pass smog.

Thanks All!