I have a 1994 Chevy C1500 V8 5.7L. I replaced the intake manifold gaskets today and I am unsure about what the area under the manifold is doing under normal operation. There are valve rods in there, but not much more.

When the engine is running, does this area fill with oil or does some oil circulate in this space?

I had some coolant in there, I assume from the leaking intake manifold gasket. Does that sound right?

Thanks for the help.

 

The coolant is probley from the intake when it was removed. I usually pull the drain plug and let the contaminated oil to drain as the work is going on. Put in new oil and filter and get it to operating temp drain and change both again. and yes there is oil circulating under there.

 

Thank you for the reply.