2000 jxi 2.5 l
 

Hello All,

I am having two problems as a result of a bad head gasket. I have replace the head gaskets, water pump, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor. #1 piston (bent rod) and a valve lifter. All this because I change the coolant. Just goes to show, that you shouldn't do preventive maintenance.

1st, the engine now lacks power. and according to my vacuum gauge, I have late ignition timing. I have pulled the front of the engine down and verified cam & crank alignments. I have checked and solved a small vacuum leak at the EGR tube at the upper intake manifold. Still lacks power and doesn't like to shift until RPM is above 4K. I did the cam & crank position sensor reset by placing in low gear and getting engine RPM above 4K, 3 times without braking. I'm looking for other possibilities.

2nd, not quite as serious but I used the radiator draincock to drain the coolant and now it leaks. I've attempted to remove to replace but cannot get it to release from the radiator, and ideas?

Thanks