I just got my car running after installing a new cam, springs and timing set, oil pump and windage tray. I also replaced the umbrella type seals on the valve stems. The old seals had a thin wire around them which kept them on the head, but the new ones I got from Comp did not have the wire, they just pop on. I figured sense I got them from Comp they must be ok, and maybe they are.

The point is it burnt less than 1/2 quart in 3000 miles before the cam change and now it burns about a quart in 600 miles :eek: I did not have the heads off and never touched anything else inside the motor. It only gives a slight puff of smoke when it starts and I do not notice any smoke while its running. It runs strong. Could the new umbrella seals on the valve stems be the trouble?

did you check the oil pan for leaks?

Could be that your new intake gasket is leaking and sucking oil. Look at your plugs and see if you can tell which cylinder or cylinders are at fault.

Sleeper, I checked for leaks, everything is nice and dry.

Eric, The offending cylinder is #2. That plug has a slight oil color and the rest are burning nice with a light tan-to white color. I never thought about a intake leak. Is there a way to check without taking the intake off?

I've heard some talk about ways to test but I forgot.

Could your seal on that cylinder been damaged during or after install? Sometimes you can damage valve seals while reinstalling the valve spring.

I don't see how but I guess anything is possible.
My origional thought is that it just slipped off at start-up.
I'll pull a valve cover this weekend and check.

Could there be any sign of a leak from the outside?

UPDATE!

I just put a torque wrench on the intake manifold bolts just to check and found that several of them have loosened up :eek:

This is a real suprise sense I installed exactly as explained by Edelbrock in their instructions that came with the manifold. I even used locktite as they recommended. I wonder if the GM gaskets I used ( which Edelbrock demands be used) need to be retorqued after they sit awhile?

Anyway, I don't know if this is gonna fix it but it's a good place to start...

[ 12-18-2003, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Tire Smoke 69 ]

the way to see if you intake is leaking;for future referance; is to spray starter fluid around the sealed areas while the engine is running , if rpms increase you have a leak. Just be carefull not to spray near sparks,dist,coil,msd,ect.