Been a great car and has 188k miles on it. Just had the radiator which had been a small crack completely give it up. It was replaced ($286 part). Also had the heater quit working and the mechanic said it was a problem with blower motor? Replaced that ($238 part).

My issue with heater continues, though. It just doesn't blow out with force or very hot air. And when on defrost and on high, there's a huge vibration. What is that?

That was three weeks ago, and now a new problem.

Not every time but several times over last several starts, there's an initial loud racket. Doesn't sound like clacking lifters, but engine sounds louder more pronounced like the belts whirring is louder. The first time there was some squealing too. Seems to diminish after running for a bit.

Should also add that exhaust has been whitish for a long time and is noticeble. No particular smell to it, and mechanic(s) haven't commented on it.

Any thoughts?

 

Hello, If the fan vibrates when on high it's either way out of balance or not bolted down right. Did you mechanic use a new one? The whirring belt noise which diminishes when warmed up points to a bad spinning element. Loosen the aux. belt and see if the noise goes away at startup (which is when you hear it,no?). If it stays the same then make sure it's not from the timing belt driven components. Those would be the tensioner and idler as well as the water pump. Check these out soon as things squeel more in the cold weather. Whitish exhaust points to water in the exhaust. Are you losing coolant? Kira

 

Thanks! Just took to mechanic this morning and had them listen. The sound is coming from driver's side of engine bay, and not the engine. They believe that it is likely the starter gear remaining engaged. Hope that is it. Pulling tran would be bad $$$ if gear's damaged.

What should I expect cost for new starter installed?

 

Hello, Rebuilt starter ~$260, as I recall. Add to that 2 hours of labor. $425?-$460? Tell us how you make out. Kira

 

New starter installed $350-400. That's a quote for new--they didn't say rebuilt. Guess I'll have to ask to clarify and confirm.

 

starter installed $360.