LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Three easy questions...

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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 07:36 PM
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Default Three easy questions...

1. If the PCV system is working correctly. Is it normal to have the inside of the intake manifold coated with oil?

2. Is it normal for smoke to come out the rubber grommet when the PCV is removed from the intake when the engine is at full operating temps..

3. When the valve cover is removed. Is it normal to see smoke coming from the top of the open head when the engine is at full operating temps?

Last edited by wrd1972; Apr 19, 2010 at 07:51 PM.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by wrd1972
1. If the PCV system is working correctly. Is it normal to have the inside of the intake manifold coated with oil?

2. Is it normal for smoke to come out the rubber grommet when the PCV is removed from the intake.

3. When the valve cover is removed. Is it normal to see smoke coming from the top of the open head?
For the last two questions, is this when it is hot? If so, yes, to a certain extent.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 1badzee
For the last two questions, is this when it is hot? If so, yes, to a certain extent.
Yes at full operating temps. I will revise the questions to reflect this.
Smoke is not big time.
Just enough to be noticable.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 08:09 PM
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in excess this can be evidence of blow-by. If you're concerned, a compression or leak down test will tell you if the rings are worn. How many miles are on the motor?
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by garage_queen
in excess this can be evidence of blow-by. If you're concerned, a compression or leak down test will tell you if the rings are worn. How many miles are on the motor?
10K miles. Planning on doing a leak down test soon.
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 08:28 PM
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deff. blow-by. i would imagine wrong rings or installed wrong
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Old Apr 19, 2010 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by MyFirstLS1
deff. blow-by. i would imagine wrong rings or installed wrong
Not necessarily.. At operating temps (even when shut off), it is somewhat normal to see a bit of smoke come out. I wouldn't necessarily say a stream of smoke or something, but evidence that it's hot as **** down there. Oil does some crazy things under hot conditions.. Who would have thought
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 07:16 AM
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Thanks for the respnses guys.

I am confident in saying that when I have had the valve covers off in the past with the engine running, it did not smoke at all. So something has changed.

Is there any chance a head gasket failure could cause problems 1&2?
I dont seem to have any white smoke from coolant burn.
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by wrd1972
Is there any chance a head gasket failure could cause problems 1&2?
I dont seem to have any white smoke from coolant burn.
Not likely. What you have to determine though is are you seeing smoke, or steam?
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by fleetmgr
Not likely. What you have to determine though is are you seeing smoke, or steam?
That does make some sense.
It could very well be steam because the smoke does not have a powerful burning oil smell. Is there a sure fire way to tell?
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 11:39 AM
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Smoke sticks around. Steam doesn't, cuz it condenses. Try holding your hand by it, see if you see any water drops develop on your hand. Or a piece of paper and see if it gets damp.
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Old Apr 20, 2010 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by fleetmgr
Smoke sticks around. Steam doesn't, cuz it condenses. Try holding your hand by it, see if you see any water drops develop on your hand. Or a piece of paper and see if it gets damp.
Thanks. It seems to disapate quickly. I will do what you said.

If I have a head gasket going bad. Could you see it being related to the oil in the intake problem?
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Old Apr 21, 2010 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by wrd1972
Thanks. It seems to disapate quickly. I will do what you said.

If I have a head gasket going bad. Could you see it being related to the oil in the intake problem?
To be honest with you everything you said up there is normal. The little oil coating is normal in the intake....these cars tend to do that. Also as for the smoke....thats normal as well.......its just a bit of blowby as long as its not excessive I wouldn't worry about it. Both my 355 and my 385 had the same deal....I ran a crankcase vacuum pump and I would always have a bit of white condensation vapor comming out of the catch can.
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Old Apr 21, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by quik95lt1
To be honest with you everything you said up there is normal. The little oil coating is normal in the intake....these cars tend to do that. Also as for the smoke....thats normal as well.......its just a bit of blowby as long as its not excessive I wouldn't worry about it. Both my 355 and my 385 had the same deal....I ran a crankcase vacuum pump and I would always have a bit of white condensation vapor comming out of the catch can.
This...
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