Oil in throttle body '96 3.8L

While cleaning the MAF sensor today as suggested in another post (thanks !) I had the air intake hoses off of the throttle body. I noticed around the base of the throttle valve, and to some degree beyond the throttle valve in the intake, a small amount of oil/fuel mixture pooled. The car starts and runs fine, no codes, no changes of any kind. But I am obviously not used to seeing oil there. Any ideas? The vehicle is high mileage.

Thanks

I guess it's common for the later 3.8's to pool some oil in the upper intake. Oil vapor is drawn in through the PCV and breather lines, which dump into the upper intake. Over time the vapor pools & collects. Intakes tend to get pretty nasty from oil vapor & EGR byproducts, but most dont collect/pool oil. Another fine FMC design! :banghead: You could shoot some throttle body cleaner thru the intake (with the van running) to get the oil moving, but you wont get it all out unless you remove & clean the upper intake.
G/luck
Joel

Something like this would be a cool way to catch the oil: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46098&item=2470544654
G/luck
Joel

Thanks Joel

I supposed it must have had to do with pcv. It was a small amount, yet to see any surprised me. Probably shouldn't have with a pcv line entering the intake just downstream of the throttle body.

Hope to see you on the other board.

Really am sorry to see AF shutting down. I enjoy lurking. I learn a lot.

Mel