OK. So now we're definitely down the rabbit hole with Alice...
Intake off and.. Well, one thing. But I don't think it's related. (spoiler alert: it was -- I'm talking about #6)
OK. First, manifold. All clean at the runners where I'd opened them to match the gaskets. So pretty sure nothing coming upstream of the heads (like from carb, PCV, brake booster, etc).
Second, runners. Well, durn it, they're all good and clean. I mean, I changed the oil so unfortunately if clean oil pulls in it won't be that obvious if it doesn't get cooked but even putting a finger in they all feel dry. I don't know how much of that is fuel in the intake washing away evidence but I don't see anything comeing from any of the rocker holes in the ceiling and my valve cover bolt holes are all sealed as I left them.
I've had to rewrite what I was about to write here. I saw something in the garage and I didn't even appreciate what it was until I saw the picture on a bigger screen. #6 has a decent amount of oil pooled on the intake valve. Like, decent. The other pics it's harder to tell. Hmm.. Could I have really screwed up replacing the valve seals that badly? I was gentle, used the applicator, WD-40ed everything...
OK. Other thing I noticed was the intake gaskets. They look almost oil soaked. Almost like they've been wicking something.
intake gasket passenger side
intake gasket driver's side
Not obvious that any real amount of oil has come out from valve cover or valley pan. Valley pan seal looks good, honestly.
I'll check all the valves for pooled oil now that I know what that is. But #6 really had a lot pooled. And that wasn't even the worst spark plug...
Sam