I just had my head gasket replaced, and now the car wont hold a steady idle when warmed up, and there is a whining sound coming from the engine. Any ideas?

 

does it sound like a chain rubbing against the rail?
did you reset the timing chain tensioner before installing it? you have to pull out the inner part completely throught he front and install it last. the outer casing must go in first at 80Nm then the inner at 40Nm.

was it a mechanical or pnuematic whinning sound?

 

I didnt do the repair myself, and the so called mechanic that did, told me to drive it for a couple of days to let it "work itself out" I do hear a clunking noise every once in a while with my head right next to the engine, like something is loose inside. the whining sound speeds with the rpms, but i dont know enough to indicate pnuematic or mechanical.

 

no, it doesn't sound like a chain rubbing.

 

it's an excuse if the mechanic says "work itself out". it's just a cylinder head job, nothing to do with "break-in" time or something to settle itself after some time.

such problem can only be diagnose with the presence of a good technician for it takes a trained eye and ear to detect it immediately.

all i can advise is you have it checked soon.

any unusual noise means a minor problem which could lead bigger problem because of the friction and wearing out of parts.

 

thank you, I have not driven it, nor will I untill I Have it checked out.