1995 Chevy Lumina Car smoking from under hood, leaking antif

PLUMADW

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

My car started smoking from under the hood. It was leaking antifreeze from side of engine. It was dark out so am not sure the exact location of leak. Came home and parked car. The next day I started the car and lifted the hood. I noticed a small stream of water running down left side of engine. It stopped when I turned car off. Weather turned cold so let car sit 4 days. Went out today and checked oil. Oil was way up on dip stick when I first took it out. Wiped it and put it back in. The oil was barely showing on dip stick when I took it out. The oil was also very dirty. I had just returned home from 400 mile trip 2 days before car started smoking. My oil was clean before I left there. My low coolant light came on while out of town. My heater wasn't heating good either. I know nothing about cars! I have Multiple Sclerosis so I really need my car. I would more than greatly appreciate any information anyone could give me!
Thank you, Kathy

5 Replies

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

The coolant leak could be a bad water pump. When a water pump fails, a weep hole cracks open and leaks coolant out. This would explain the heating issue. Fix the coolant leak and then move on to the next step. The low oil may or may not be a serious issue. Let the engine sit for a few hours before checking the oil, and check it again. If it is low, add the appropriate amount (indicated on the dip stick) to fill it. Dirty oil means that the oil is doing its' job. What really matters is the age of the oil. You should change your oil and oil filter every 4000 miles - without fail.
Before you left for the trip, was the oil level full?

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Sunday, January 10th, 2010 AT 3:30 AM

PLUMADW

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I change my oil every 3000 miles. My oil was full before I left to drive 400 miles to get home. I know this for sure because I had to add oil before I left. I always check all my fluids under the hood, especially before a long trip. I'd like to thank you very much for the information you gave me!
Really appreciate it! Kathy

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Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 AT 12:42 AM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

400 miles and low oil indicates a serious oil leak. A engines' dip stick barely indicating oil is at least 2 quarts low. Your radiator may be busted. Engine oil flows through the radiator (in a sealed coil) to cool it down. If this coil breaks, engine oil will get into the coolant and, and worse, coolant will get into the engine oil. It wil cause serious damage if this coil is busted. Find the oil leak and the coolant leak ASAP.
How does the engine run? Does it smoke out of the tail pipe?
BTW -- keep us posted on the repair.

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Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 AT 3:08 AM

PLUMADW

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Bob, Ken & 2CarPros Team,

I can't really say how my car runs or if it smokes. As soon as it started smoking from under the hood, I came home and parked it. The only time I have started it was to back it away from the snow bank, in order to check the oil.
I have to wait until the first of the month to take it to a mechanic. I will definitely inform you of the repairs needed! Thank you so much for the information you have given me!
I regret I'm unable to donate at this time. Becoming disabled at 22 has left me with a very limited income. But when I win the Lottery, you are first on my list!
Thanks again,
Kathy

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Saturday, January 16th, 2010 AT 4:57 AM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

The next time you get a chance. Check your oil (cold) before you start the engine. I suspect you are getting a false reading on the oil dip stick - because you may not be letting the oil settle into the pan.
Your coolant leak may also be a lower intake gasket failure - this is common on these engines. If it is a lower intake gasket issue - then you may want to look into the GM Dexcool Class Action Lawsuit Settlement. It may be possible for you to get this repair done for free.

BTW - If you hit the lottery, I hope you fix your car - and not junk it. LOL keep us posted.