Hey guys--just bought an 89 Bonneville w/the 3.8 fuel injected motor--has 99,000 miles on it. When I 1st bought it the oil was diluted w/gas--really runny--thought it was from sitting and being started alot--had the oil changed maybe 700 miles ago--now the oil is again smelling like gas and drippy. Car doesn't smoke and pwr is fine. Sound like it could be the injectors or something?
Does anyone have any guesses on what it could be? Sound like a big problem??
i was thinking other then the injectors leaking(how can you tell)it might be the rings? But if it was why isn't there smoke coming from the tail pipes?
Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 

Thats really weird, I would say that it probably is a big problem since the oil will lose its viscosity and probably break down faster and not coat the parts as well.

Is it a direct fuel injection? Like and MPFI setup or is it more like a TBI. I probably know, but I can't picture it right now. I would guess that its more like an MPFI with direct injectors (maybe not if only an 89). If that is so though that would definatly point to injector leaking into the cylinder.

If you've got another car, I would say pull the injectors, leave them hooked up, and let them drip into a pan. Note which ones are leaking and correct the problem. I couldn't think of where the gas would leak into the oil supply though if it weren't bad rings...

-=-Mike

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1989 RS.. 355, Hypereutectic pistons, double roller cam, double roller timing chain, accel wires, blue streak cap and rotor, rapidfire plugs, chevy caprice 350 chip, 200* fan switch, 3 angle valve job, 3 inch cat-back exhaust, 3 core radiator, 3.73 gearing with POSI.

 

You more than likely have leaking injectors, or a blown fuel pressure regulator. The newer "K" engines are bad about the regulators, but I guess the older "L" engines could be the same way. You definatly want to get it fixed ASAP.

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If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen

1987 Trans Am 305
14.88 @ 92.81

 

Tony,

Just for grins, check the PCV valve and system. A lot of short trips (or just starting) can allow buildup of fuel in the oil and a non-functioning PCV and inadequate warm-ups will tend to keep the fuel there.

100K miles on a 231 shouldn't be a problem unless it was abused. They are a pretty stout and reliable design.

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Later,
Vader
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Guys--tons of thanks!!
I was leaning more towards the injectors also. Pretty sure the pvc is still good--but I'll definitely check it in the AM. Best way is if it rattles right?(only way?)
It's the mpfi type--the oil is over filled now-due to the gas that's in the pan. I do alot of city driving w/it also.
What's a good way to check the regulator? I was thinking of buying a fuel pressure gage, and check leak down after pressurizing the system--would that determine leaking injectors or for the bad regulator?
Tons of thanks , and keep the ideas coming!!
Also--anyone know the cheapest route to go on injectors? Would running cleaner through them maybe fix it? The stuff that the pros use?

 

Simply remove the vacuum line while its running. If you don't see fuel come out, replace the regular vacuum line w/ a clear one and see if you see fuel.



------------------
If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen

1987 Trans Am 305
14.88 @ 92.81

 

Ok--checked the fuel reg--all is good w/that.
Someone said that it could be the intake manifold gasket--does that sound feasible?
I've been picking everyone's brain about it.
Guy said he doubts it could be the injectors leaking--would have to be leaking tons of fuel--he says--to get that much gas in there.
other then the gas getting in there--car runs great!! No hesitation or power loss--also no smoke!!! Strats right up on the 1st crank! What do you guys think about the manifold?

 

I don't think that its your intake manifold gasket. If that were so, you would most likely have coolant getting into your oil, not gas. The injectors don't really have to be leaking a bunch of fuel, just a little bit here and there will add up over time. Also, if your car had a bad intake manifold gasket it would probably be very hesitant due to the vacuum leak that would be created. I would really look at checking those injectors.

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1989 RS.. 355, Hypereutectic pistons, double roller cam, double roller timing chain, accel wires, blue streak cap and rotor, rapidfire plugs, chevy caprice 350 chip, 200* fan switch, 3 angle valve job, 3 inch cat-back exhaust, 3 core radiator, 3.73 gearing with POSI.

 

Ok--what would be the best--and easiest way to checking them?

 

ok--finally got my manual from ebay--checked the codes--got a tcc code and a quad driver code. Pulled the ecm--and someone wrote on it --for testing only! Could the ecm be bad? Had a code 12(cycling)26 then 39--also changed the plugs--one plug was a little wet on the threads but they all looked good(electrodes)Anyone have any ideas where to tgo from here? Car runs good and idles great--weird!