Chrysler Repair: Intake manifold sucking in oil?, cylinder head gasket, positive crankcase ventilation system

Question
QUESTION: "I have a 2006 Chrysler Sebring, 2.7L, V6. The intake manifold is sucking in oil, which is causing it to blow blue smoke. I have been told a few possible causes. The gaskets may be bad, the manifold may be craked, the valve seats or valve rings. Looking for some advice from someone who may have dealt with this problem before."

ANSWER: Hi Rachelle,
This is a well-known problem, 'burning oil', and it means that oil is getting into the combustion chamber in excessive amounts. If the mileage on the engine is not high and you know of no unusual operating history, I would begin by inspecting the positive crankcase ventilation system (the pc valve and its hose) as if that were plugged up the pressure build-up inside the engine can drive oil into the combustion chamber from the sump. That is not exactly the same as the manifold sucking oil (which is rare) but it would be the same as if it were. It is a simple test and trivial in labor time. Let me know if you want to do it yourself.
The other causes, associated with wear, are valve guide and/or valve seal leakage and piston ring leakage. Those are differentially assessed by testing the compression of each of the cylinders, with and without the addition of a teaspoon of oil to the cylinder. A mechanic should be able to do that test and to check the pcv valve.
It is possible that the cylinder head gasket is leaking but rarely does it leak oil, rather it leaks coolant. But either are possible.
If it isn't the pcv, then do the compression tests, and let me know the results. I don't believe it is likely that there is a manifold leak unless the engine was overheated to the extreme at some point. The compression test will point toward the specific problem area and in most cases would require opening the upper part of the engine for visual inspection (removing the cylinder heads) or if the rings are leaking then removing the lower part of the engine.
Let us hope it is just the PCV valve is stuck or its hose is plugged.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for the response! Unfortunately I already replaced the PCV. :(  I was really hoping that it might just be the intake manifold gasket. You don't think that could be it????? looking for a cheaper fix. Next step will be to have the compression test done. It has always run great, never even had the engine light come on.  

Answer
While I haven't opened up a 2.7L it seems to me that there is no reason for there to oil passagesways/supply to the intake manifold. That is why I didn't consided that as a source for a oil leak. If it so bad as to cause blue smoke, then when the plugs are pulled it should show up on whichever cylinder is involved as an oil-coated plug tip. That would further localize the problem.
Roland