My llumina keeps stalling!

XACY0303

MEMBER
CHEVROLET LUMINA

I just bought a 1992 chevy lumina with 180,000 miles and the 3.1 liter engine. I purchased the car very cheap knowing it had a problem hoping to fix it cheap as well. The car will start but soon after stall if you dont keep your foot on the gas, also it will stall when you come to a stop sign or light if you dont keep the gas on. Other than this problem the car runs like a champ when you are in travel. I had it hooked up to a scanner and it read "MAT is too high". I have no clue what this means, however the car has a oil leak from either the distributor port or the intake manifold, also a coolant leak from arount the same spot as the oil, not nearly as bad as the oil leak though. I was warned about the "idle speed control motor", but not sure what that is, appreciate any advice I can get.

5 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Yikes! :shock:

Sounds like you dug a bit of a hole :lol:

The intake manifold gasket is probably leaking, and while your there replace the distributer o-ring gasket.
MAT is the MAnifold air temperature sensor. Also known as an Air intake temperature sensor. Try disconnecting it and seeing if the symptom changes. If so replace it

What was that?

Oh!

It's right here 8)

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Tuesday, February 6th, 2007 AT 12:26 PM

XACY0303

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4 POSTS

Okay I pulled the intake tube off to clean the throttle bore to see if this would help my stalling problem, it was dirty but my main concern was that the vent tube that goes from the valve cover to the intake tube had a trace of motor oil. My first thought was oh no the rings are fryed, but it does not smoke or even smell like it is burning any kind of oil. Is it possible that the intake gasket(that is leaking)could cause pressure in the crankcase? Also the distributor port is leaking horribly, could this cause pressure in the crankcase? Im mind boogled guys, sorry about all the questions I just want to be ready for anything when I tear into this thing this weekend. I appreciate any advice and I will be making a pretty genorous donation since you all have been so helpful to me.

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Wednesday, February 7th, 2007 AT 9:47 PM

SERVICE WRITER

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Serious donation?
That makes us happy!

You can post a pic with good lighting if it helps to describe.

One thing to look for is a plugged pvc system, Pull the pvc valve and make sure it has vacuum. A restricted one will cause pressure.
These are notorious for the intake gaskets, restricted fuel injectors, and the leaking dist o-ring seal.

My advice is to get a couple of cans of good intake cleaner when you do this job and get the most current FEL-PRO intake manifold gasket set. You'll need one or both of the egr gaskets, the dist o-ring gaskets as they don't with the set. Alos pick up a set of fuel injectors oring gaskets-I think sk-9 is the standard number, not positive. There are 2 o-rings per injector, just replace the ones that are exposed.

You want to change the oil when you done as some coolant may get into the oil on this job. Add fresh 50/50 coolant as well.

You might want to have a set of plugs and wires while your there and they are a little more accessible.
Clean the IAC as well.

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Thursday, February 8th, 2007 AT 5:15 AM

XACY0303

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4 POSTS

I pulled the MAT sensor out to check that as well and it is totally fried, I dont even have to test it because it looks like it burnt up or something. The end of it is melted and black. Not sure if this one sensor would cause me all this grief(car stalling all the time)would it? Im sure that im not soooo lucky that one sensor could fix the problem aside from the massive oil leak. Lol. As for the pcv valve, almost positive that it is stopped up just like you guys said. Uuuhhgg I really opened a can of worms buying this car, atleast im learning something, right?

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Thursday, February 8th, 2007 AT 4:55 PM

SERVICE WRITER

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Yes, you are learning something. And remember it's fun.

Check your email.

One sensor can give the car headaches.

The oil and coolant aren't going to stop however.

I have found that if you spend less than a grand on a car, you'll put a grand into it if you aren't doing the work.

And you get to have fun to boot!