I just finished replacing the valve cover gaskets on my 96, and connected everything back together and tried to start, but it makes a high-pitched noise and dies immediately!

Most likely, I missed something when putting it back together, but I can't figure out what! Either an electrical connector, or a hose. All 6 coils are plugged in.

 

Sounds like a vaccum leak, for sure.

I suggest having someone start the car, and keep their foot on the gas enough to keep it running.

Check under the hood, check every single hose you removed. Some suggest using an unlit propane torch. Should the engine speed up while you shoot propane at a hose connection.

Another method is to spray carb cleaner at the hose connections.

 

It sounds like the tasmanian devil, if that makes a difference

 

check your IACV gasket. If it is not in place or slipped out of place it may cause this problem.

 

I didn't take the IACV apart, just undid the electrical connections and it was running fine before I started the valve cover job. But I'll look at everything again tomorrow

 

The car dI'd not have this particular problem before you did this tssk.

So the logical step is re-assess the work you just did. What might have created the (probable ) vaccuum leak?

Examine every hose for possible cracks. Every hose clamp. Did you tighten it? Every gasket which might have shifted during assembly. Any vertical gasket will tend to stay in place better with some grease than it would dry. Especially the iacv gasket.

Check every single thing you touched for leaks and secure electrical connections.

 

It might be the EGR guide tube, where it connects to the intake. I lost one of the bolts, so there is only one on it. This is the only thing I can think of that would cause it. I did clean out the throttle body and EGR tube. Maybe it got clogged somewhere else down the line?

It also smells like a slight burning smell if I leave my foot on the gas, and a lot of smoke from the exhaust.

 

That would create a vaccuum leak.
Find a similar bolt, and make sure that the egr stuff is mounted properly.

 

yup that sob has to be closed good and tight with a gasket or it will leak and barely run if at all.

 

Update: it was indeed the EGR tube gasket. Car is running fine again

 

Glad that you got it running well again.

Thanks for reporting how you solved the problem..

Someday someone who uses the search function might see this post.