Compression test first , then if warranted a leak down test.

you can rent the gauges at local parts palace

 

In response to #6...

- I had to replace the entire cat because I live in NY and no shop would only replace the flex joint. It cost me $870 for the cat, 2 O2 sensors, 2 flange seals or whatever they were called, and the labor to have it installed.
- I've spent less than $1500 total with labor and parts.
- I did not replace the MAF. We unplugged it because it was shifting easier with it unplugged. We plugged it back in after the plugs fouled out after only being in for a month.
- My gas cap wasn't loose. The car doesn't take gas. Every few seconds the pump stops like it's full and you have to start the pump again.
- I replaced the injectors because the shop told me that was the reason for the code. They wanted to do it themselves but they were going to pay $60 for one injector and they ordered an injector for an HHR engine. They ordered the wrong injector. It had to be for the Cobalt engine. I decided to replace all four because the injectors that were in it were in the engine when it arrived. They were not replaced when the engine was installed. I got all 4 for less than $120.
- Coolant is not disappearing and the oil level is not growing. They replaced the thermostat because the temperature was fluctuating and the heat was not as hot as it should be. That cost me $300 but included the diagnostics for the injectors, that's when they told me that changing the injectors
- I read this on this forum <Fuel pressure per the manual 50-60psi "key on - engine off".> so that's what we were expecting. It was from this post - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...re-spec-46361/
I think I answered all of the questions. LOL

I asked my cousin if he has the compression gauge and he said not yet. I will buy him one this weekend so we can run this test. They have one for $30 at Advanced. He said the fuses have not been checked yet so we will do that also and replace those plugs. He asked me why I didn't get AC Delco also. He wasn't with me when I bought them. I thought the name brand would be better.

I will post my results as soon as I have them. Either Saturday or Sunday.

Thanks,
Jessica :)

 

The auto parts store should have a loaner compression tester, give them a call.

 

The autozone on transit road has a pretty good selection of loaner tools. It shows they have a compression gauge but not a leak-down setup.

However, I have found that the Harbor Freight tools are perfect for these "once-in-a-while" jobs and are pretty cheap. HF has expanded their automotive tool selection a lot in the past few years.

For the record, I bought a replacement catalytic converter with the flex pipe online for $130 last year (a source that was suggested by OIdblue).

Steve

 

And AC Delco isn’t a brand name? Well, I guess the counter clerk has his ideas also. I think they were the double platinum Bosch plugs, they just do not stand up to our trucklets.

 

LOL Yes, AC Delco is a brand name. I don't know what I was thinking!! LOL

Hey how did I manage to find someone else from Lockport, NY on here - Steve? LOL Yes Auto Zone on Transit is always a big help. I was looking on HF last night. They also have the compression tester for $30. I'll let him pick which one he wants though. He'll use it more than I will.

I got the cat from Rock Auto. With that, the O2 sensors, and the flange things the total with shipping and tax was $699. Either way it's already done. I can't go backwards. LOL

I just don't want to ruin this engine.

Thanks,
Jessica

 

Have a search thru here!

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/north-east-27/

fastsuv is a Lockport member. And there are other’s, some haven’t been on the site for a long time, maybe sold their HHR’s , maybe lost interest, but some are still around.

 

I just remembered something I wanted to add...

When I start it in the morning or after work, when it's been sitting for a while, I have to push the gas peddle sometimes to the floor to get it to start. Like it's not getting any gas.

I should have said that in my initial post but realized today that I forgot to.

Thanks,
Jessica

 

Well, now you are citing reasons to replace both EVAP valves. Pump cutting off ios the one under the gas tank, hard to start in the morning is the one under hood, and possibly a fuel pump.

Test the fuel pressure the way I suggested. I don't see any instructions in your link.

Many compression testers are also fuel pressure testers, just different adapters on the same gauge.

 

The morning start issue could be the under hood purge valve, and as Donbrew says the EVAP valve under the car would cause fuel filler problems.
perhaps, as you already have those valves, ask your cousin to change those for you. Be careful with the under the car valve, make sure the gasket is there with the new one or transfer it from the old one.