I have grime where the intake manifold meets the engine. My suspicion is there is oil leak from somewhere resulting in grime at the bottom of the intake manifold and the front 3 injectors are covered with some grime too.

Where do I start?

 

Hmm I think it's a common thing. Some of it is just from the road.

hopefully someone else can offer better advice.

If you could post pics that would help out greatly

 

If you're talking about the lower intake manifold to the front head, then it could be a seeping camshaft cover. Remove the grime and check it after a day or so.

 

clean it and it will be fine.. it is normal....

 

I will spray some brake cleaner and wipe it off with a towel. It is quite embarrasing to see the grime, I am concerned if oil made it thro the pistons to the combustion chamber becoz of excess pressure buildup, on that note the PCV is good and keep it cleaned every 6 months. The oil loss is minimal possibly 1/2Q over 5000 miles between OCIs.

I am up for my plugs change too, will check if there is any oil residue on the plugs.

Thanks all for ur feedback.

 

No, it won't get into the combustion chambers. I'm not sure what "pressure buildup" you're concerned about, but the crankcase vent ("blowby") hose between the intake duct and the front camshaft cover would have to be blocked somehow to allow any real pressure buildup in the crankcase, and that's highly unlikely.