Chevrolet: oil/coolant leak from block, 1996 chevy lumina, intake manifold gasket

Question
hi my name is mike.  I have a 1996 Chevy Lumina sedan, 3.1L.  Iam leaking oil and coolant from the top of my engine block. Seems to be mainly coolant, dex-cool.  Could that be my intake manifold gasket?  and if so is it easy enough to replace?or might it be a head gasket? I took it to a mech and he said that it was a upper and lower something or another. but if it were a head gasket i'd probably already know that huh?  I appriciate any help you can give in this manner.

thank you,
Mike Hillis

Answer
Hi Mike, although it is possible that its comming from the intake gasket, it is more likely to be the head gasket. Head gaskets are a very common problem with this engine. You should have a reliable mechanic take a look at it as soon as possible. As coolant may be leaking inside as well causing coolant to mix with the oil. This could cause serious damage to the crank bearings. A head gasket job may be a little expensive, but not getting it done could result in a engine job. If you dont know the mechanic, get a more than one to give you an estimate, this way its less likely to be taking for a ride. I hope this helps you, if you need more info just let me know. Regards, Keith