White:
It sounds like the PCV valve wasn't installed, or is internally failed open. The PCV is supposed to allow a *slight* vacuum on the crank case... without the valve, at idle you'd have whatever vacuum your engine creates in the crank case... that makes for increased oil consumption, besides the noise you observed.
stanggreg90:
did you hook a vacuum gage up to the dipstick tube and see if it's steady or bouncing? That's really the best (least dangerous) way to check. if you have wild fluctuations in your reading, you probably have a leak. Just because your vacuum lines are in good shape does not rule out an UIM leak, or worse a LIM leak. another method you could use to check for a leak is the propane method. if you have a propane torch, let some gas go (NOT BURNING) around the intake while the engine is doing it's fluctuating. When you get close to the leak with the nozzle, the idle should even out.
:th_skull::th_skull::th_skull:be very careful with the propane bottle!:th_skull::th_skull::th_skull: Any time raw fuel is unleashed under the hood can end with disastrous consequences. That said, propane is safer to use than starter fluid, carb cleaner, or (shudder) raw gasoline, all of which will achieve the same thing.
Good luck!