Bill,

The geo part in my username is George.

To respond to your questions, let me preface it by writing that my son has driven his Brick to school and will return around 6 EST. That way I can get a better look at the EGR and the corresponding vacuum lines and provide more accurate answers.

Did I try the glove test? Not before I bought the car but after the Oil Box swap. It blew the glove up and smoke still came through the dipstick hole, as well as the exhaust pipe. The engine also smelled rich, kind of gas-like. We did drive it and the smoke disappeared as did the rich, gassy-like smell. I will do the glove test when he comes home.

Can I take the EGR solenoid off the intake manifold without having to take off the manifold again? I am very curious as to the condition of the EGR solenoid and the surrounding pipes being plugged. Is this a possibility that caused the smoke from the dipstick and tailpipe after changing the oil to synthetic? BTW, I never got a CEL or code from the computer about the engine but did get a 313 code about the transmission.

The brakes are strong. We replaced the back brake pads and rotors, but the vacuum lines will be double and triple checked. Flushing out the Brake Fluid container is a great idea. That way he will have all new fluids under the hood.

We will keep on investing in his Brick. Can't think of a better way for him to be safe on the road. Thanks Bill.