I'm Back and Could use some help.....
 

Team,
After having my car sit at the shop where I was "led to believe" my engine was out and being worked on...... I stopped by mid week to find it parked outside untouched. As you can imagine.... I took my car back and will be doing all work myself.

I smoke tested the car and found intake gaskets leaking and I do not see any signs of failed head studs. Pissed is an understatement!

I have ordered parts from our host.

My question right now, as i am sure there will be more to come is:

I saw smoke escaping from the fan area. What could be causing this? I am not aware of any gaskets/seals in that area that would cause any vacuum leaks. The engine has no oil leaks that I can see.

There are upper and lower intake gaskets with a plastic spacer in between. The lower one blows out a lot and your smoke would exit below the housing. That leak will also pretty much kill that cylinder at idle and low rpm. Pull each plug wire and see which cylinder doesn't drop off.

A days work to pull the intake. Allowing for finding tools. If you dont have a lift run the back tires up on ramps your back will thank you. Get vacuum tees, injector seals, if hoses havent been replaced its a good time to do it. Also breather gasket and thermostat O ring time.

:)

At 38 years, your hoses are likely shot. This is a slippery slope you are on.

Len

:)