Okay, argh!

Got it all put together. Swapped in new TR55'*. Started up! Yay!

White smoke still, but that'* expected as it burns off...although, how long does it usually take to burn it all out?

now for the wierd bit:

When pulling the oil dipstick, there is vacuum being pulled thru the pipe to the pan/crankcase...when you seal the dipstick pipe, a "creak" can be heard from the passenger side of the engine. It'* not running rough, it'* pretty smooth in fact.

Advice? Did I miss something?

Pictures for Bill:
(Warning hi-res JPG, each about 750KB, coming from my home server, right-click save as appreciated...)
Installed Upper Intake

Bottom View of APN Upper intake

Accessories from APN Upper kit (Stovepipe, PCV, MAP Sensor holder)

Sounds like PCV assembly...

When you take off the oil fill cap and put your hand over it, is there vacuum? There shouldn't be if there is.

If your PCV assembly doesn't have a spring it it, it needs one. Mine didn't have one for the longest time (as is with many other members here), and when I finally put a spring in mine the vacuum pressure was relieved. Get a new PCV valve and spring assembly from a parts store if you can, or order from GM Parts Direct if need be.

Also, make sure that the O-ring that goes around the PCV valve is there.

Okay to clarify...the PCV valve is the assembly that goes into the rear of the upper manifold correct?

Hmmm... not sure what you mean. The PCV sits under the MAP sensor, which is on the left side of the UIM as seen facing the engine bay. This is technically toward the front of the engine (the end with the pullies and serpentine belt). There is a clip-like device that the MAP sits in, underneath which is the PCV assembly.

I was trying to look for a decent pic of a UIM, but couldn't find one.

You are probably talking about your O2 sensor here.

Like big_news_1 said above, check under your MAP sensor. Make sure that the PCV valve has two seals, an O-ring under and a large seal on top, plus a spring under it.

Thanks for the excellent pix! Just look at the size of the insulating gap between the pipe and the shield. And all done for you at the factory - sweet! Resized this pic so everyone could see. Looks like the pipe and shield are made of cadmium plated steel, same as the KenCo stuff. Looks really nice.



I agree with the others on the crankcase sucking. It means you have a vacuum leak between the crankcase and the intake manifold. The most likely problem is the small gasket on the bottom end of the pcv valve. When you remove the valve from the old manifold, the black o-ring often stays in the manifold and is nearly invisible in the shoulder of the hole. It is easy to lose it in there. If it is missing, it creates a vacuum leak with the symptoms you described.

Found it in the old manifold! I'll stick it in today.

For those of you who have replaced UIM'* due to failure, how long did you get white smoke coming from the rear?

The 99 Olds that I did seemed to take forever. I was become concerned that something went wrong. Idling for about 20 minutes didn't stop it...just lessened it. Took it for a spin around the block, then everything was fine. The '99 GP hardly smoked at all.

That'* comforting