I had something horrible haPpen today and can't explain how or why. Just replaced the power steering pump and hose on my 2000 monte Carlo ss. I go to start it today after putting everything back on it and my valve cover exploded. Any thoughts?

 

Valve cover or intake plenum?

 

Intake cover

 

Apologies intake manifold

 

Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
Allows fuel/vapors to build up in the plenum (intake manifold) and kaboom. Had it happen while I was checking out a 3800 on a SS I was considering buying. Battery was dead so they jumped it with a jumper box and when they went to turned it over it exploded sending large pieces of shrapnel flying past my face. GM recalled them several years ago, yours might have gotten missed. Decided not to buy that one since it tried to kill me.

 

so my question is there a way to detect something like this before you start the car like maybe a fuel smell or something in the engine bay? but i know, who gonna go smell the engine bay everytime they need to go somewhere

 

Good question george, but I don't think so. The fuel vapors are trapped inside the intake manifold which is sealed. I didn't smell anything when it happened with me. It all happened so fast

 

That is identical to what happened with mine. I was lucky enough to be in the car instead of in front of if when it did. Thank you plumbob

 

How many miles on your ride?.
I have 2000SS, just curious.


Thanks!
Malcolm