quickie VCG repair question

[MMAFIGHTER121]

I finally completed the dreaded VCG repair... and I know oil smoke on the exhaust is normal for a few days after, but how about coming from the engine bay? I seem to have a lot of smoke coming from the passenger side bank while driving... is this normal or should I take it back off and reset it? thats the easier of teh two sides so it wouldn't confront me too much... but if its normal than I don't care... although I think I may have spotted an oil spot underneath too... hmmmmmm...

 

[Quik LS]

the usual issue is a few drops of oil get on to the exhaust manifolds.

but...

it is also common to not get the lower back bolts tight and it leak oil form there - dripping on to the exhaust manifolds.....

all you can do is clean it up - and then see if new oil shows up.

 

[FALECF4]

... and I know oil smoke on the exhaust is normal for a few days after

I don't think it should smoke for a few days so I would feel around the edge of the cover to see if there is any fresh oil. My passenger side was done smoking the same day but the driver's side (which was leaking!) kept smoking. If you have any doubt take it apart and double check your work and then make sure everything is set and tight when you put it back together. It may be a PITA but it's cheaper than a new (or used) engine! Trust me, I know first hand! Good luck.

 

[MMAFIGHTER121]

Definately have an oil leak, saw a small puddle this morning. Gonna have to get back under and wrench a bit more. Sucks seeing as this has already taken 3 days due to work, cold, lack of sunlight, and various issues... but better safe than sorrty like you said 2 hours is cheaper than $1000 engine replacement. On a plus note I'm saving on gas too and its the passenger side so it'll be cake after installing and removing the driver side 4 or 5 times...

 

[Quik LS]

when you get the valve cover off - make sure you didn't pinch the seal....

 

[NYC LS8]

when you get the valve cover off - make sure you didn't pinch the seal....

That's what I was gonna say. A friend's father brought his first gen into the dealer to have them fix his bad VCGs, and they mangled the gasket so it had to go back.

 

[MMAFIGHTER121]

sure enough pinched and cut the seal! Took only about an hour to replace it after my vast experience gathered on the much more difficult drivers side, an hour of burning some leftover oil on the headers and i'm now leak, sputter, and smoke free! lesson learned kiddies, better safe than sorry!

 

[FALECF4]

sure enough pinched and cut the seal! Took only about an hour to replace it after my vast experience gathered on the much more difficult drivers side, an hour of burning some leftover oil on the headers and i'm now leak, sputter, and smoke free! lesson learned kiddies, better safe than sorry!

Good job! I learned mine the hard way. Still learning it actually.

 

[NYC LS8]

sure enough pinched and cut the seal! Took only about an hour to replace it after my vast experience gathered on the much more difficult drivers side, an hour of burning some leftover oil on the headers and i'm now leak, sputter, and smoke free! lesson learned kiddies, better safe than sorry!

Good deal, man. :Beer

 

[LongIslandLSE]

also when tightening the screws be careful not to over tighten and strip them. You are pressing down on rubber so its a little harder to tell when its properly tightened.

 

[3.9Style]

Good job! I learned mine the hard way. Still learning it actually.

Don't feel bad...I let a co-worker/friend drive my trans am once and the engine ended up blowing (original engine after driving it 400+ miles every weekend)...got stranded out in Fowlerville/Howell, MI in the middle of a snowstorm years ago.

SO yeah, could be worse. On the plus side, how was the trip to CT?!?(We actually had decent weather!)