This is what I saw after removing the fat air intake pipe off the top of the fuel injector. I'm just going to assume this ain't the way it should look. A thrice-as-old identical model at a junkyard was a lot cleaner. All tubes running from the main one have this oily oil-like substance (possibly oil) on them, plus the one running into the PCV valve. What gives? Think I should powerwash this crap off? Switch out the hoses? (well, not really an option with the cold air intake)

looks normal. Rebuild the PCV system...clean the hoses/lines, and replace the PCV valve...that will help out a TON.

But where's this oil coming from? It worries me that my whole air intake system is full of this gunky stuff, but I'm more worried why this happened in the first place.

But where's this oil coming from? It worries me that my whole air intake system is full of this gunky stuff, but I'm more worried why this happened in the first place.

It's normal! Oil fumes coming from the crankcase from blowby can do that. If it's not cleaned for a while, it can tend to look like that. No worry! Wipe it clean and check it out after driving it a couple thousand miles. This is after doing what WJM suggested first.

 

I'm sure everyone has seen something like this at one time or another. If it was really dark black and oily (like wet and practically dripping) then it would be a cause for concern.

 

I just took my intake off tonight as well and checked out my maf sensor. Does this look dirty to you?