Status update. Tonight I pulled the fuel rail and removed the intake manifold. I took some pics of what I could see. I'm concerned with cylinders 5/6 (I think they're 5/6) due to what appears to be nasty build-up on the intake valves. From what I understand that type of discoloration and gunk shouldn't be anywhere, least of all on the intake. However, it all looks horrible to me. Especially all the oil and junk on the injector, as well as the pics that show it everywhere.

My plan for tomorrow is going to be taking the valve covers off, plugs out, and seeing if I can do a compression test. I want to pull all plugs so if there is crap in there it won't blow. The battery has been disconnected for a few days, and clearly the engine is missing pieces, so I am not sure if I can still use the starter or if I'd need to turn the engine by hand. Fuel is disconnected and everything else so it's not going to run, and I can pull the fuel pump fuse if needed.

My concerns are either the head can be cracked, the head gasket failed, or something major. I don't want to do all this work and replace everything to not fix the problem.

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Nathan
01 4.4i Pearl Beige Metallic