Volvo Repair: 1988 Volvo 240D Oil Leak / Breather Box, valve cover gasket, engine gasket

Question
Two years ago my 88 240DL started to throw oil out of the filler cap.  The issue ended up being a Breather Box clogged with carbon and sludge.  I now notice oil around the cap and heavy below the first engine cover.  The local mechanic says it is too much oil to be from the cap and is replacing the top engine gasket but I am wondering, can a breather box clog after just 10,000 miles?  (the car went 160,000 before I experienced the first breather issue - but it did throw about 2 quarts of oil all over the engine!!)

Answer
I recommend breather services every 10,000 miles. It shouldn't be clogged again this quickly. You may just have a leaking oil fill cap seal and leaking valve cover gasket.Replace those two items and clean the engine. Also check the breather assembly clean as necessary and make sure the vacuum port at the intake manifold is clear