1996- Chevy Lumina runs hot and overheats

COLEMJL

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET TRUCK

I bought a used 1996 Chevy Lumina with 130,000 miles. The car keeps overheating (recently started smoking coming from my radiator).I have changed the waterpump twice and now am working on replacing the radiator (assuming this is the problem). I know nothing about cars and don't have the money to take it to the shop so I am trying to fix it on my own. Any help would be appreciated!

4 Replies

AMNORTO

MEMBER
17 POSTS

I had almost the same problem with my Chevy and what I found out was that the intake gasket was leaking engine coolant. An easy way to check for this is to take a flashlight and check aroud the top of the engine if you see a orange or green color then you will need to replace the gasket.

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Friday, March 16th, 2007 AT 10:44 PM

COLEMJL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I called a few places and they said if I changed everything else it has to be the intake gasket. I think I have to bring it to a shop to get to the gasket. Under the motor. How were you able to change your intake gasket on you Chevy?

Thanks for the response

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Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 2:32 PM

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Before you get to the intake manifold gasket have the system pressure checked they can do it at a auto store. You said you replaced the radiator and water pump, did you do the thermastat too?

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Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 3:11 PM

COLEMJL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks. I did change the thermostat, water pump and the radiator. The temp. Gauge is in the red when I start up the car. Steam comes out of it when I am driving.

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Monday, March 19th, 2007 AT 3:30 PM