slant 6 troubles

I'm thinking it's a lash problem. Maybe an intake too tight by a hair? In any case, I support the "find a new technician". You replace what's not good. You dont replace until it gets good. If he can't tell what's good before he replaces, find someone who can.

I believe (and & I am taking a guess here) that the person working on the car is from her place of business and perhaps she doesn't want to offend this person by pulling the car (especially, if some of the work might be discounted). Just taking a guess.