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1996 Lumina overheating

Tiny
OUTLOOK7777
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina and I am having to add coolant to the radiator about once every 1-2 weeks because the car's temperature will shoot up 3/4 of the way when the car is driven from a cold start and the gauge will fluctuate from a little over 1/2 back to 1/4. The heat will also stop working when the temperature is around 1/2 or higher, and there won't be any heat at all until the car is moving, after about 5 minutes.

I replaced the water pump and it was fine for about 1 month and it all started again. I haven't seen any water in the oil, so I'm hoping it's not a head gasket.

My brother-in-law suggested it might be the thermostat. A friend of a friend hooked up a pressure tester to the radiator and it held pressure, but he only had it connected for a minute or 2.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 AT 5:13 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You definitely need to pressure test the cooling system to find the leak. Your really taking a lot of risk by driving it. This engine is notorious for leaking intake manifold gaskets.
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Tuesday, November 30th, 2010 AT 5:17 PM
Tiny
OUTLOOK7777
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
You think it's most likely the intake manifold gasket? If so, what's the average price to repair that?
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
No, I didn't say I think it is anything. I'm not there to inspect your car. You have to do that. All I'm saying is to be sure to check that closely because it's common. It's usually around $500 to do the intake gaskets.
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Wednesday, December 1st, 2010 AT 9:21 PM

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