Oil Pouring Out of Air Cleaner

[CharlieB]

Just took my '76 124 for a test drive and oil is pouring out of the air cleaner housing. Oil is coming up through the carburetor somehow.
I know I've seen this mentioned on the forum somewhere, but I can't find it.
Anyone know what causes this?
Thanks,
CB

[Nut124]

It's coming from the crank case via the breather tube.

One or more of the below is the cause:
- Oil level too high
- Too much blow by - worn rings
- Too much speed in the corners for an old pan design

[CharlieB]

That was my first thought too, but it's actually coming up through the carb itself. Vent hose is clean.

Edit: I'll check oil level, I didn't think about that.
Thanks

[CharlieB]

Well I checked the oil level and it is normal.
I did confirm that the oil is coming through the carb and not the hose.
I guess a compression test would be the next logical step...correct?

[Odoyle]

Yes, take compression test and record numbers, you can rent a comp. tester from Autozone.

[Nut124]

I cannot figure out how oild could be coming from the carb if not the breather hose. What kind of carbs?

EGR system? Does your car have one?

If you have IDFs or other individual runner carbs, then the following scenario is plausible:

At idle or low RPM there could be flow reversal due to long duration cam and header back pressure. This can cause a column of gas vapor to push back into the air cleaner. If your intake valve seals are work out, oil could be drawn into the vapor column and end up being deposited inside the cleaners. A hot cam with an unsuitable header can do this, but only with single runner intakes like with IDFs.

[CharlieB]

Man I can't figure out how oil could be coming up through the carb either.
I have a single carb (Weber 32 ADFA).
For what it's worth, the valve seals were replaced about 1,000 miles ago when I did a head gasket replacement.
I ran the car at idle until it got up to temperature and didn't notice any oil coming out.
I'll test compression tomorrow.
Thanks for the responses.
Edit: No, I do not have an EGR system.

[CharlieB]

Well, Nut124, I think you were right. I decided to drain the oil and noticed I had a little less than a quart too much.
Not sure how I did that but...mystery solved.
I am still confused about the fact that oil did not come up through the breather but through the carb instead.
I have driven it about 20 miles or so with the correct oil level and everything is back to normal.
Thanks for the advice