2000 convertible 6 speed stick 178k previously owned new by 70 year old golfer that took it in for oil changes when the computer said so. Don't know about coolant changes or other fluids.
I'm new to the vette world and replacing the OPS after researching why my gauge and cluster reading may be so high. BTW there was no way I could do it without removing the intake manifold. I wanted to clean the engine as much as possible any way cause of all the grime every where.
I'm looking at the ports on the heads and see the build up paths of oil and grime and stick my finger in there to see how loose this stuff is and across the top I'm able to pull out quite a bit.


Should I be worried about this? I have maticulously cleaned the TB, manifold inside and out with new gasket set, all hoses and wiping down the valley, new air filter. I'm also wiping out the ports to remove the build up.
What else should I replace to help prevent this build up.
I'm not familiar with the way the PCV systems works but am told by a friend GM mechanic that oil residue is expected.
Cleaning and hunting a small oil leak from underneath around the oil pan/filter as well, before changing the oil, the oil level wasn't terribly low. The OPS didn't seam to have a great deal of oil leaking from it. Hard to tell with some of the grime around there.
Any opinions appreciated.

 

That is really bad. Might run a little better after you get it cleaned out.

 

That's looks better after you cleaned it, if I was you I'll change the oil pressure sending unit while you have the intake out. I will also change all the fluids for your piece of mind. That way you know everything has been drained.

Good luck !!!

 

I've replaced the OPS and want to know, are the valve cover gasket reusable as they covers look to easy to remove. I've got to replace the harmonic wheel as well cause it squeaks and see it wobble some. At that time I plan on popping of the water pump to clean the front and flush it well. Is there a good write up on that anyone?

 

When I removed my intake, there were small pools of oil in it. So I checked out the pcv system and added an oil catch can in an attempt to minimize.
The valve cover gaskets are meant to be reuseable, but it depends on if they are hardened, beings they're probably factory originals.

 

That came out really clean what did you use

 

Using mineral spirits, t shirt rags, tooth brush, and small paint brushes here's what I've done so far. I replaced the OPS, remove the valve covers to look at the condition of those parts, expecting more sludge but it all looked clean and well oiled.
Cleaned the TB and manifold also
The air filter was horrible with bugs leaves and damp before I changed it. Did that before the changing the oil. That has to be 1 contributing factor to the grime build up. I think some of the manifold gasket were also allowing some leaking cause they were pretty flat.


i

 

You may want to consider adding a catch can to the car. I added one to my stock '03 and it does catch oil that would have otherwise entered the intake manifold.