coolant loss

chevyguy10 · #1 02-16-2009, 08:36 AM

I am losing coolant from my 97 Lumina. It has about 120,000 miles on it. I don't see any on the driveway or signs of coolant on the radiator hoses or anywhere under the hood. When I had a water pump go out on vacation last year, the mechanic said the intake manifold was leaking. Could this be the problem.

Forscythe87 · #2 02-16-2009, 11:51 AM

I had the same symptoms and it turned out to my my lower intake. Does your oil look like a milk shake, or is your coolant resevoir nasty? It doesnt always happen this way but mine did.

chevyguy10 · #3 02-16-2009, 11:58 AM

No, my oil looks OK, a little dirty but not foamy and the coolant reservoir looks clean. I'm not sure what lower intake is, is that part of your intake manifold. I was checking the exhaust to see if it looked different but couldn't detect anything. Seems like it has to be burning it if it's not leaking out on the ground.

jfitzsi1 · #4 02-16-2009, 09:10 PM

Check for leaks between the power steering pump and the base of the intake manifold. Intake manifold gasket on your car is probably the cause, one way or another.

discnik · #5 02-17-2009, 12:17 AM

If it turns out to be the LIM gasket(More than likely), be sure to use either the Dorman or FelPro upgrade set. The Dorman comes with new manifold bolts, valve cover gaskets, metal w/ rubber intake gaskets, and other items for the job.

chevyguy10 · #6 02-17-2009, 07:00 AM

Thanks for the replies. I will check into the gasket availability. I guess this is a common problem with this engine from some of the comments I have gotten.

Bearwulf · #7 02-19-2009, 01:24 AM

Yes VERY common. Usually happens before 100,000 miles.

chevyguy10 · #8 02-23-2009, 10:29 AM

I bought gasket set for lower intake manifold. The lower manifold instructions say no gasket adhesive required but i'm not sure about the upper manifold. Does it need some kind of sealant.

ChrisinVT · #9 02-24-2009, 03:23 PM

Is this a problem with the 3100 and 3.1? I know there isn't too much of a difference between the two, but I figured I'd ask the question anyway.

jfitzsi1 · #10 02-25-2009, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisinVT

Is this a problem with the 3100 and 3.1? I know there isn't too much of a difference between the two, but I figured I'd ask the question anyway.

Yes, it is.

manicmechanix · #11 02-27-2009, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyguy10

I bought gasket set for lower intake manifold. The lower manifold instructions say no gasket adhesive required but i'm not sure about the upper manifold. Does it need some kind of sealant.

Don't put any sealant or adhesive on the upper manifold. It isn't necessary. It isn't necessary on any of the gaskets on this application. Just put the RTV at the engine end seals.

Quote:

Is this a problem with the 3100 and 3.1? I know there isn't too much of a difference between the two, but I figured I'd ask the question anyway.

The problem is mostly on '95 (93?)-'03 3100 and 3400. The 3.1 has a different intake manifold, and I'm not sure if the lower gasket is different but I haven't heard of them having the problem. the 3100 with the newer style manifold came out around '93. In '95, they swirtched to Dex-cool which seemed to make the gasket problem more common.

chevyguy10 · #12 03-09-2009, 11:11 AM

I changed the lower gasket last Thursday and Friday, quite a job but it seems to have cured the problem. On another subject, does a 97 Lumina have a diagnostic port where you can hook up an analyzer. I have a Haynes manual but it doesn't mention it in there.

manicmechanix · #13 03-10-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyguy10

I changed the lower gasket last Thursday and Friday, quite a job but it seems to have cured the problem. On another subject, does a 97 Lumina have a diagnostic port where you can hook up an analyzer. I have a Haynes manual but it doesn't mention it in there.

Yes it's below the steering wheel under the dash.

chevyguy10 · #14 03-11-2009, 06:38 AM

Thanks, I was thinking of getting an analyzer but don't even know what they cost. Do you know if there's one out there that an amateur mechanic can afford.

manicmechanix · #15 03-11-2009, 10:09 AM

There's the Innova Equus scanner. That's what I have. I think they are the best scanner for the price.There's several models. They run from between $90-150 if you look around. They have some Equus models that are more expensive, but you don't really get much more for the extra cost. if you're looking for a basic model the 3100, I think it is, will get you by, but for a few dollars more I went with the 3130, which if you look around online you can get it for under $150. What I'd really like to have is a GM Tech2

, but they can run in the couple thousand dollars

. I'd really like to have a fuel injector tester kit and an injector cleaning kit too..

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