title explains it...it'* mostly in the middle part (the part that sits highest up)..some of it is on the vacuum hoses near the TB...where could it be coming from? i'm hoping valve cover gaskets as those are easier to do than UIM/LIM

Way up there? Start looking forward (against the wind) and to the side (flung by the belt.....power steering fluid).

when the cover is on, i think it'* close enough to the engine itself that most parts of the cover are almost touching the actual engine. some is on the top part, some oil is on the angular part (opposite where it says "3800 series II"). but i'm still baffled as to where it'* coming from, cuz i don't see any on the engine other than the vacuum hoses.

Post a pic so we can clearly understand.

Have you tried cleaning the cover and oil filler cap, then repeating the problem?

Do you change your own oil,, or do you have it done? If you have it done, perhaps they're a bit sloppy when putting the oil in.

i do it myself, but i last did about a month ago...i will try to get a pic tonight, but i doubt it will happen, it'll probably be dark by the time i get home and get a few minutes....

the oil is NOT on the top of the cover, its on the underside that has the padding. the padding is absorbing the oil

How did you notice oil collecting on the underside of the cover? :?

Maybe it was pre-existing? The first thing a mechanic does it replicate the situation. That way they know it is not a fluke or mistake. Replicate and then you should also have a better idea where it is coming from.

i saw it when i took off the cover recentlly, and i don't remember seeing it before...maybe if i took it off it would end up somewhere else, like on the underside of the hood or on the engine?...should i try that?

the oil level looks fine, so i'm not concerned, it doesn't appear to be a large amount of oil

If you can't clean it, try securely taping some thin cardboard or paper under there. Then check it in a day or two and you might get closer to the source.