2002 Cavalier - Oil in Air Intake

[bsansa]

2.2L Engine - Went to replace my TPS and noticed that there was oil in the air intake and around the throttle body. Not a huge amount but enough to make me sit up and take notice. I know that this particular engine does not contain a PCV valve but rather a oil/air separator in the valve cover. I haven't removed the valve cover but was wondering if this is a serviceable part.

Thanks for your help.

[J-Ri]

How often do you change the oil? Is the oil in the intake orange-ish?

[bsansa]

I change the oil every 3000-3500 miles. It's not orange-ish or anything, just normal oil.

[J-Ri]

I've seen some neglected engines that would get condensation in the oil that got mixed together and would pretty much coat the PCV system and intake with orange-ish water/oil sludge.

How much oil are we talking about? Some is normal, no oil separator will get every bit out. My air box was pretty much dissolved from the oil that got into it when I bought the car, I had to drill and tap the air box for a temporary fitting. I think I would install a catch can if you want to keep it out of there. Doesn't have to be an expensive one, just get a couple 3" PVC pipe caps and some of the PVC solvent/glue, glue them together and thread a couple plastic fittings in the top for vapor/oil in and vapor out.