[IdahoDoug]

Agree something's wrong. I've driven that route dozens of times.

Check to be sure all your warning lights illuminate when you turn the key to 'on', and then go off after a few seconds. I'm particularly interested in the check engine light and the hot transmission warning light. Check your owner's manual to see where these lights are so you will know if they don't light - there's a nice diagram showing every warning light on your dash.

I suspect you've got a check engine light, but the bulb's burned out so you're not being informed. If that's not it, you may have a vaccum line off or something improperly reinstalled from the head gasket work. Timing could be off, a tear in the bellows section of the rubber intake tube, or all of the above.


Definitely not right though - I'm thinking timing due to the heating up.
DougM