...
    Later, I went out and checked the oil before taking the van for a test drive.  It smelled like gas so I drained some out to see and I definately have gas in my oil!
     
    Is this a result of my earlier attempt to start the moter (i.e. I flooded it) or could it be something more problematic?  Could it be simply change the oil and I'll be alright ...
Gary,

In my experience, this is symptomatic of these engines - they really don't like short drives and lots of sitting, particularly in cool (cold) weather.  In my area (western Colorado), I encounter a *lot* of the 'gas in the oil' problems - always traceable to short (1 - 5 miles) trips, where the vehicle doesn't get warmed up enough.  In the high altitudes here they *always* have some troubles with 'loading up' - particularly at slow speeds and/or under heavy loads - that is, running too rich.  Eventually, this cool, unburned gas will make its way into the oil pan.  If the vehicle is run enough to really get warmed up and stay warm (hot) for a while, the gas will 'gas' off as vapor, be pulled into the intake and be burned.

Frequently I'll find a van that has been a little low on oil, then a few weeks later may be a quart or so overfull!  Always, this has been the scenario - infrequent short trips, cool/cold weather, and lots of sitting.  

Change the oil, run 100 - 500 miles (not *neccessarily* all at one time ;)  ), change the oil again, and all is well.

Hope this helps,

Rich

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