lots of blow-by
 

Noticed a big oil spot under the pass side of motor the other day. I first suspected the head gasket was letting go, but last night while checking the level, I saw the top of the air cleaner housing was soaked with engine oil. I've had the car for about a year or so now, and it hasn't consumed any oil until this recent problem.

The clear hose from the air cleaner housing lid to I think the vacuum pump had come away from the hole in the air cleaner lid. It's grommet is totally shot as well. Could this be contributing to the sudden blow-by problem? Anything else I should check out? Valves? Vacuum pump?

Engine is running the same as it always has since I've owned it.

Do I need to pull the motor for a ring job? It looks like I can't get the pan off with the motor in.

Thanks folks.

the upper oil pan can be done without removing the engine, just need to loosen the engine mounts and raise the engine somewhat. As for the ring job, you obivously need to pull the motor and head and while you are there you should probally measure everything and see whats worn out.
Another thing to conside is valve guides and seals.