so I guess bad things happen in 3's even on cars. I took my car in to have the lower rocker seals replaced, and a valve adjustment, because I don't have the tools to do those myself. i get the car back and its running fine, I change the oil and then drive it 160 miles down the highway. When I get off the highway and into stop & go traffic the engine starts chugging at idle, the best description I can give is a slow choppy idle like what you would hear on a harley bike. but when I step back on the gas to go, it runs great, no sign of the chug. I have changed fuel filter, PCV valve, no exhaust leaks, plugs/wires/cap are new-ish, and my air filter is new. what else could this be? because Im about to take it back to the mechanic and make him put my valves back where they were.

 

I would take it back to the mechanic, describe the problem and let him solve it under his work warranty.

 

I did, he says there is nothing wrong, that I have an exhaust leak somewhere

 

better description, it sounds like it has a bad vaccuum hose somewhere, since it only idles rough

 

Check the PCV seal and hose....if loose you can get a "looping" idle. If they had the VC off, possible that something happened to it.

 

re checked the PCV and hose, both are good, the grommet is still soft and pliable. I found a vacuum diagram in my Chilton manual and went through all the lines, so I know for a fact i don't have any vacuum leaks now.