Originally Posted by jay_bob

X2 on checking for low hanging fruit in the leak department first. It's amazing how much mess a simple to fix valve cover or breather leak can make. Air flow at speed sends the mess everywhere.

Give the engine a good bath (at the DIY car wash, bring your ramps, and don't be afraid to get dirty a la Mike Rowe) and then go hunting. You might get pleasantly surprised to find it is something simple. Even if it is not, you will be glad you cleaned the beast before trying to pull it.