Vehicle: 1996 Chrysler LHS (3.5 Liter V6)
Symptoms: runs rough at idle - no check engine light.

I took this to a mechanic who told me the problem was a leaking intake manifold gasket. Since a gasket set costs $6 and the shop wanted 2.5 hours labor to replace it, I decided to do it myself.

I now have the intake manifold off and looking in the intake runner I can see what looks like oil puddled around the rear intake valve (driver side rear cylinder).

I rolled up some paper towel and reach in to sample the fluid. After letting it dry for a few minutes I put a match to it. It didn't flame up as quickly as I would have expected gasoline.

Assuming this is oil and not gasoline (from the removal of the fuel rail) I see only two sources - a leaking head gasket, or shot valve stem seals.

Does it seem I am headed down the right track here? If so, is there a way to isolate the source of the oil short of removing the head?

Any pointers are appreciated.

Mike

 

False alarm - it turns out I was seeing gas from the removal of the fuel rail. When I went back to look it had dried up.

I didn't want to have to remove the head.

Is there anything else I should do while I'm in this far?

 

clean the injectors?
have the injectors tested for flow?

what are the chances one injector spits out less gas on purpose to keep the engine balanced?

i would clean the injectors at least.. probably not much else that can be done except test the injectors for flow compared to stock (or a new one).