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I've bought several used cars at General Services Administration (GSA) auctions. A few years ago there were a lot of base Luminas with police options and 3.8L engines being sold. They may still be around.
The 3.1L has chronic intake manifold leaks and piston slap, serious and expensive problems. You can look at "Common General Motor's 2.8, 3.1, 3.4 V6's engine problems" here on Edmunds and alt.autos.gm on the Usenet. There are also lots of trouble free 3.1Ls that their owners like. You have to decide. My 3.8L is okay.
tks
thanks
Thanks!
The new struts provided an added bonus over the expected results. They eliminated a clicking, popping noise from the front of the car whenever I turned the steering wheel, either stationary or moving at low speeds. It sounded like a bad CV joint. They got rid of most of the rattles too.
I've done most of the work on my cars for years now and struts are nothing new, but if you are unfamiliar with suspension replacement, I strongly urge you to leave it to the pros. I was addressing the people who have enough ability to undertake this repair,and they know who they are, but I was negligent in pointing out the potential for serious injury to those with little or no experience. So pluto5, thanks for bringing this up. By the way, how's the Impala? I've been lurking in that forum for months now.
Either way, it would not save gas. You are using electricity to run any electric heater, and that is generated by the alternator, which uses engine power, thus consuming gas.
Internal combustion engines by laws of thermodynamics never will be 100% efficient. The waste heat energy has to be dissipated anyway, so part of that waste heat is what is used to heat the passenger compartment in the winter. It is not a good idea to use electricity generated by the alternator to heat the passenger compartment when you have all this "free" energy available anyways.
Some cars seem to direct the initial waste heat generated after a cold start much more quickly to the passenger compartment than others, however.
moments before the engine warms up.
They've got heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheels and Ford used to have the instaclear windshield, so this just seemed like the next logical step.
At work people start their cars and let them idle for at least ten minutes to warm the cars. The gas saving I was thinking of would come from less warm up time. Just a thought.
What's the weather like in your part of the country? If it's colder than normal, this could be the issue (especially if you warm up your car).
Did your area switch to RFG (reformulated gas), which causes a drop in fuel efficiency?
Any other changes to your driving style?
Has the check engine light come one?
Are you losing coolant?
Is it the 3.1L or 3.8L?
Have you noticed any coolant leaks around the rear of the block?
If it is the 3.1L, these engines are prone to intake leaks. When that happens, fule economy suffers, as well as eventually causing problems with injectors.
As for your leak observation, the 3.8L Series II, like the 3.1, is prone to intake manifold leaks (go see the Bonneville board for more data). GM switched to plastic intake manifolds, which crack/warp, allowing coolant to leak and get into the engine. Best to get this checked out ASAP, as the longer this goes on, the more damage (and more expensive the repair).
Re: your temp gauge, I'd check that out as well - doesn't sound right (though I remember my Lumina tended to always run on the cool side - gauge rarely went past the 11:00 position (don't remember the temp markings).
The cold weather can definitely affect fuel consumption. I no longer have a Lumina - own a '98 Aurora. I usually get ~20 mph (not bad for a 250 HP V-8 in a 4000 lb car) average in mostly city driving, but that drops to 18 or worse when the temps fall below 25 degrees for any extended period of time.
Hope this helps,
--Robert
First determine where the leak is. Then confirm that the coolant temp is as low as the guage s stating.
More than likely the low coolant temp is what is affecting the mileage.
dshepherd3,
On the 3.1 you must remove the throttle body
Incorrect.
According to GM's information system.
V6-3100 3.1L VIN M SFI
Removal Procedure
Tools Required
J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers
Partially drain the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
Carefully remove the throttle body air inlet duct.
Use the J 38185 in order reposition the hose clamp at the thermostat housing.
Disconnect the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
Remove the thermostat housing bolts.
Remove the thermostat housing and gasket.
Remove the thermostat.
Clean the mating surfaces.
Install the thermostat.
Install the thermostat housing and the gasket to the intake manifold. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the thermostat housing bolts with RTV sealer GM P/N 1052366 or the equivalent.
Tighten the thermostat housing bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
Connect the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
Use the J 38185 in order reposition and install the hose clamp at the thermostat housing.
Carefully install the throttle body air inlet duct.
Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
Inspect the system for leaks.
The fuel injector cleaner is probably good advice--thanks for the reminder I'm going to get some of that Chevron brand.........
I came across a 1999 ex-opp white Lumina for 5 thousand Canadian. It has the 3800II, 4t65e transmission, recaro seats, stiff suspension, H rated tires(max speed 130mph) and the odometer says 147k km (92k miles). After taking it for a drive last week I found no apparent flaws such as pulling to one side, engine whine or rough shift points. To my surprise when I check the dipstick for the automatic transmission fluid, it is showing bright pink fluids which indicates the fluid is fairly new.
What advice would you have for this situation? The price is right and the car is in relatively good shape, I know it would be hard pressed to find a late model vehicle in the 5000 dollar (CDN) price range, and this one has the 3800II in it which is a big plus. I have always enjoy the power the 3800II outputs, and its smoothness and reliability. Anyways, I would like to take the car home next week unless somebody comes with a convincing reason for me not to.
This is my first time car shopping, I would appreciate any suggestions and comments. Thanks in advance.
Basil