general engine question (GM related)

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general engine question (GM related)

October 30, 2008, 04:23:51 PM

I have a quick question to ask yall. My gm engine the lovely 3.1L is got a ticking on the back side of the motor and sometimes smokes and it sounds like its missing on the exhaust sroke. Now my question is what can cause these symptoms? Its just something that has been bugging me since i bought the car but never has gotten any better nor worse. So what do yall think?

general engine question (GM related)

Reply #1 – October 30, 2008, 05:07:50 PM

They ARE a PITA to change plugs on.....
Seen it before.

general engine question (GM related)

Reply #2 – October 30, 2008, 11:07:10 PM

Plugs aren't that bad if you unbolt the upper mounts and pull the motor forward with a tie down. This was on a Lumina btw.

If it misses a lot then you may be one of the countless victims of lower intake gaskets.

general engine question (GM related)

Reply #3 – October 31, 2008, 01:54:34 AM

The smoke I would guess is probly the rocker (valve) cover gasket leaking oil onto the real exhaust manifold.

The ticking... could be several things. * lifter
* Exhaust leak

This is a SEFI motor right? If so.. you might just be hearing the fuel injectors firing. Very common and normal on GM motors (3100/3400/3800)

general engine question (GM related)

Reply #4 – October 31, 2008, 11:46:47 AM

well i know the lower intake gaskets were replaced before i bought the car. But wouldn't hurt to chage them again. very possible that something is leaking oil since i know i burn about a quart and a half every 2 weeks. and it is possible it could be a lifter or something but still wouldn't it get worse over time and not stay constant? and the plugs and wires were changed before i bought the car. now as you can see im kinda stumped since im not 100% with these gm motors. also the smoke that is showing is out the tail pipe and is that classic oil burning smell.