oil in air filter ??

[White Rhino]

while under the hood, I noticed that my wing-nut on the air filter cover was caked with oil residue. After removing the air filter cover, I found a puddle of oil at the base of the threaded stud. What does this mean - what could cause this?

[whunter]

If the engine oil is NOT seriously over filled???

Typically blow-by:
* Bad valve guides.
* Bad piston rings.

.

[pmckechnie]

Check the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. Remove the PCV hose from the left valve cover(drivers side) and check it for cracks or holes. Look down in the hole where the small end of the hose connects. You should see a small hole in the bottom about the size of a needle. Make sure it is clean. Start the engine with the hose still off and check for vacuum at that small port.
If you don't find anything wrong with the above items, then whunter is on the right path.

Paul

[White Rhino]

Thank you both!! I will check the lines first