Pontiac Grand Am Issues

[Jim Hutchings]

Here are the symptoms:

Car 1: 2000 Grand Am. Its a 2.4 litre twin cam 4 cylinder.
Has a back fire issue.
Scanned. Code reads as follows PO171 (system too lean Bank 1) and also PO300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected) Replaced the fuel filtre, all 4 spark plugs, and the coil pack. Not sure where else to start looking at solving this issue as its my sons car.

Car 2: 2000 Grand Am. Its a 3.4 litre V-6
I need to keep adding coolant to this car. Doesn’t seem to be a leak or a leak that I can see anyway. My oil looks normal (not milky). Replaced the coolant reservoir and cap, top coolant hose, thermostat, water pump. Had it pressure tested about a month ago thinking maybe the head gasket and it came back normal so mechanic said.

Not sure where a person should start to look for these problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Topic

[Glenn]

Most DIYers and even some professional mechanics go the route of the video posted below. Just watch the increments on the dial carefully, to make sure you don’t over torque them. Since the bolt is actually being “stretched” in a torque to yield scenario, the tensile strength of the bolt is near it’s maximum point… meaning if you accidentally over-torque it, “snap.” You may have a broken bolt in the block. Then you have a big problem. Don’t let any of this scare you…just do your research and be careful about it…
PS As you probably already know, you cannot re-use the old head bolts that were removed. They have already been stretched. You’ll need to buy new ones along with the head gaskets. Don’t cheap out on this. I’d suggest going with a reputable brand like FelPro, used by most auto parts stores/ chains.

[Jim Hutchings]

Well I don’t have an angle torque. Whats the total torque on these bolts without using the angle torque. If i torqued these head bolts to 50 lbs will that be enough.

Thanks

[Glenn]

It’s only 10 bucks at Autozone… It would take a quantum mathematics scientist to figure it out otherwise 🙂 And no, the torque specs have to be exact, or the head gasket will likely leak.

[Jim Hutchings]

So i have the head together and the manifold but trying to put fuel injectors back into car and everytime i think i have it it leaks fuel like crazy. Leaking through the one that the clip popped off. Thought I had it on correctly. Not sure what the problem can be to put the clip on so I have started to pull the injectors off my parts car. Not sure if they will be easier to put the clips on to but will keep working at it.

Any Suggestions on the fuel injection and install of the clips?

Thanks

[Jim Hutchings]

So I figured out the fuel injectors. Everything ready to roll now add antifreeze and give her a whirl hopefully all is good. Need spark plug diagram though to make sure spark is correct.

Thanks

[Author]

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