My 99 Protege is having an asthma attack - Engine produces high panting noise

[bumbl3bbb]

Hello, this is my very first post and I hate the fact that I'm posting a problem instead of praising my protege. Anyhoo...

I have my 99 protege SE since Feb 99. Besides a few known issues, my car has been really good to me until a month ago. After my last major tune-up and $1k later, things started to go wrong. Besides the engine light went on (which had been corrected by my mechanic), my engine began to make this panting noise. When I start up my car in the morning, the noise is not noticeable. Once the car is warmed up, the noise would kick in. It sounds like a person is trying to catch his breath after running a marathon. The noise remains constant when my car is idling and it picks up when I start driving. Besides the noise, my car seems to be running fine. No issue with the driveability whatsoever.

My mechanic stated it is my engine that's making the noise. He said considering the age of my car, I should just trade it in and get a new car instead of replacing the engine.

I can't afford to get a new car due to financial constraints. I'm just hoping my protege can last for another 6 months or so.

Does anyone have an idea what caused this noise? If I don't replace my engine, would my car just cease to run anytime soon?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

PS. I am totally illiterate when it comes to automobile troubleshooting. If you can use layman terms in your replies, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again

 

[protegericky]

Welcome to the forums!
but as far as your problems i cant think of anything...seals maybe?

 

[99zomzom]

I would check your entire air induction system. Bacially make sure the filter, air box and pipes that goes to the metal intake manifold (metal tube thing on back of engine) are all good and there arent any leaks. If there was a crack/hole, it would cause a vacum leak. I had one and when i let of the gas at high rpm it would blow off air. could be a similar problem for you.