1999 Chevy Lumina

COTEYTHIEM

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

I have a 99 chevy lumina with the 3.1L engine and I have seem to run into a problem. I was gonna go somewere so I started my car and it started ok, but with it running just for a few minuits it started to get very hot. The first time ever its done this. So I drove it for a few miles and stopped at the library. It ran very hard for the few minutes I drove it. I looked up my car on line and it said that allot of people have been haveing the same issue as me with that motor. The lower intake gasket is what I assume it is. I checked my oil when I went back out to my car and it looked like coffee and was way over full.I work at a shop called tire kingdom so I know the basics of a car. Anyway I gently drove it back home cuz I knew there was antifreeze now with my oil and I started to tear down the motor to see wat it is.I have new intake manifold gaskets and valve cover gaskets ready to put in. But I cant seem to fiquire out how the fuel rail comes off. Can you help me? And I also would like some tips and advise for taking this motor apart. Im going all the way down to the heads to replace them gaskets too. Thank you and hope to hear from u soon.

Monday, April 13th, 2009 AT 11:18 AM

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Not trying to blow you off, but the amount of information you will need is much too large to post here. I strongly recommend you buy a "good" service and repair manual. You'll find it'll be the best money you've ever spent. There are issues with cleaning, gasket choices, torque specs, etc. That are a must, Also, if you're like me, you can't remember it all. So you will need to back to the book for reference.
My personal opinion. Don't waste your money on a Chilton, Haynes or any of the "cheapies". They'll tell you just enough to get you in trouble, and you don't want to have to do it all over again in a couple of months. Get the best one you can. You won't regret it. We handle the Mitchell line at this site, which also is our moderator reference system, but Motors is another good one.
What you have is a "common" problem with GM intake manifolds. There is a new gasket available to compensate for it. Be sure the gasket you select is the upgraded unit and not the OEM. I believe most dealerships are using the new one. Hope this helps.

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Monday, April 13th, 2009 AT 1:20 PM