by flyingf4i » Tue Jan 03, 2006 6:20 am
Just incase anyone reviews this topic, my problem turned out to be simply a plugged PCV valve. One of the by products of an internal combustion engine is moisture and because this valve was plugged the moisture had nowhere to go except places like up the dipstick tube. I changed the valve for $3 and this fixed the problem.
If you have a problem and are not sure if it could be the PCV valve, simply remove it from the car, check it visually to see if it is plugged and / or shake it a little. If the valve parts are moving freely in the (you can hear them rattle) then the valve most likely is working properly.
Hopefully this information will help somebody else and it doesn't cost much. Anyway, some websites say it is a good idea to check this part every 20K miles or so. I'd check with Toyota to see what they say but for $3 it's easy enought just to replace when you think of it.