Twisted

I have been noticing that my lower intake manifold seal, the front part closest to the distributor, weeps a bit of oil. The area just looks a little damp. I was originally scared that it was coming from my left head, but have talked myself into believing that it is only from the manifold seal. My questions are:

1. What is under the lower manifold. I know there is some kind of channel under there (between the heads), but what goes on in there during engine running? Is there oil in there?
2. If the manifold seal is leaking externally, then could it also be leaking internally and allowing oil into the combustion chambers?

Thanks again,
Tom

FiveLiterRiceEater

all thats there is a lifter valley. there is oil in there, but its just oiling the pushrods and lifters. theres no way oil will be getting into your combustion chambers unless you have a cracked head. or block. ...or bad rings.

Twisted

Thanks Fiveliter. While you're here, I wanted to ask you about something. You said that your car burns like a quart every hundred miles (at least I think it was you). Was the car always that way, or did it get that way over time. I'm trying to get an idea how quickly oil consumption progresses. Thanks again.