So I was installing the VIAS plate and when I removed the butterfly valve I noticed there was oil in the Intake Manifold. Wondering if anybody else has found a surprise like this or what it could be, maybe a gasket? Any help is appreciated.

 

very common, it would be from the rear valve cover leaking. The original 02-03 version can develop very tiny hair line cracks (crappy design) so you may wish to upgrade to the 04 version of the rear valve cover as it was a better design and is also cheaper than replacing the 02-03 version.

You can clean up most of that oil, by sucker about 1/4 of a can of seafoam through a small hose that used to be connected to the vias valve (now has a small cap on it) ... let the car sit for ten minutes and then fire it back up revving a few times to mid 2500 - 3000 rpm to burn off any residue inside the upper intake manifold. However the oil /blow bye oil residue will return over time if you don't take care of replacing that rear valve cover inside the intake manifold.

 

That's normal, pcv system has been spitting oil and fumes back into your IM from the crankcase, unfortuately that's what its for. Just install a catch can on your pcv and it'll reduce if not almost eliminate this problem. It exists on almost every vehicle with a positive crankcase ventilation system so don't be alarmed.

You can get crazy and do what I'm doing and add a catch can then vent it somewhere under the car but there will be stink of fumes, etc. For a DD I recommend just installing a catch can. Look up the home depot catch can on here and follow that diy.

 

Ghost, I thought the bad rear VC design just caused that annoying rear oil leak. I didn't know it would leak oil into the IM? Then again I don't have experience with a 5.5 so idk?

 

The crappy rear valve cover is also one of the reason why guys will find oil in plug #5

However your comments on the oil catch can are very valid and will greatly reduce what the OP is seeing inside his IM

 

I put breather filters on both front and back VCs. Only thing the gasses go into the environment instead of back into your intake. You can do oil catch can, but I think its more of a hassle than just capping and putting breather filters on.

 

Capping? What did you cap? I hope your talking about the vaccuum source. I seen people cap the pcv bad idea!

You can run breather filters on all the openings and leave the pcv wide open, you'll just have lots of fumes. Remember more breathing is better.

 

Not the PCV. On the front VC put BF on and just run custom SRI with no tube connected to the pipe. Remove the tube on the rear VC from the intake mani to the VC......put BC on the rear VC and cap the intake mani with a vacuum cap. Thats all. easy. Cant be done in less than 5 mins.

 

Mine had mostly just oil discoloring inside when I did the VIAS plate.

 

Same here, but was the same on 03...looking to get a straight pipe for intake, to remove the hose and put a breather on there....

 

Catch can

 

@OP, just installed my BOP a month ago and had the same 'surprise'. cleaned it out and installed the plate. next day was my oil change-i moved up (or down depending on your view) from 5w30 to 0w40. took a peek in this past weekend-no pooling of oil but i can see the film is back. more time will paint a better picture.

i'll be looking into the catch can deal come warmer weather.

 

you guys love those catch cans....LOL

 

yeah... it sounds good at times.. and not really worth it and kind of petty at other times...

 

Breather on the front, catch can for the rear.

I'm assuming you mean BF instead of BC here?

If so, I think I'll try this.

 

yeh I mean BF. Was typing too fast....