I have a carbed 86 Gl wagon that has a pool of oil in the air box. I have done all the basics like replace all the 5/8" valve cover breather hoses, PCV valve, PCV breather filter, and PCV hose. All with OEM parts. I have emissions in a couple of months so capping vacuum lines is not an option right now. I was wondering what other lines could be causing this problem.

I had the same problem in my 86 GL wagon w/ carb. I unhooked the PCV hoses from the air cleaner, first the passenger side (intake) and later the small hose on the driver's side, each time putting a piece of PCV filter material in the hose ends and held on with a clamp. No more oil in the air cleaner. Finally, I replaced the PCV valve with a Subaru PCV valve, after seeing advice that non-Subaru valves may leak even when new. Reconnected PCV hoses. Problem was solved.

 

If this doesn't do it, some people have also advised removing the valve cover gaskets and cleaning the oil return passages. Otherwise, piston ring blow-by, etc. may be the next thing to investigate.

Yeah - the valve cover vent ports are probably plugged with carbon. Remove the covers and clean the ports out.

 

Also - did you clean the black plastic "F" shaped connector that connects all the 5/8 hoses with the valve covers, PCV valve, and air box?

 

GD