My Lumi has a few problems...

[spini937]

Hey everyone!
I have an issue that doesn't affect the drivability of my 96 3.1L Lumina, but it's a bit worrisome. Once in a while while driving (most of the time uphill) I'll get a rumbling sound and feeling from the engine while accelerating. If I let off the gas and then press the pedal again, it goes away. Just wondering what this is. Another problem is that my car engine has gotten louder. Sounds like an exhaust issue with the engine itself as that's where the sound is coming from so I'm wondering if it's the donut gasket. Also, I replaced a bad strut, and now the middle nut from inside the trunk won't stay tightened down. Any help with these would be VERY appreciated.

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, from here there is no way to diagnose vague noises as you describe, many things can cause this. I would suggest getting someone to drive the car to get a definitive idea of what is happening. About the strut nut, the upper strut mount may be bad.

[spini937]

Thanks for the reply, Max!
That's totally understandable, I'll get someone to listen with me. I was able to solve the nut problem today using a wrench and a star bit. Thanks for the help again!

[AllGM]

Both of my daughters have Luminas, and both had cracked rear exhaust manifolds. Maybe this is the cause of the loud engine.

[spini937]

Interesting! I will check on that and reply back with what I find.

[Bearwulf]

These cars do not have exh. donuts. It is a ball & socket type joint. Not unusual in cars with 200k+ miles for exh. man. gaskets to be leaking either. I agree with Maxwedge about the first problem also.