Is there a good method to determine if the plenum cover plate on the bottom of the beer keg intake is sucking oil? Seems to be tough to get a good look down in there.
Does this leak occur on basically ALL Magnum motors at some point? Or just luck of the draw?
My 2000 Ram 360 Magnum has just 100K miles.
Was considering the Hughes kit if I have a problem.

Thanks! You guys are always very responsive and helpful to me!

Had the same problem on my 99 360 magnum..... Take the air cleaner assembly off... With engine turned off take a flash light and open the throttle plates all the way on the throttle body and look inside the intake with a flash light it'll be obvious if its leaking, oil pools on the inside bottom of the intake manifold... I installed Hughes kit and was happy with it...There are lots of You tube videos on the install if you need assistance....

The measured way of checking is to cap the PCV inlet on intake, remove the large hose that goes to air filter housing. Put a pressure gauge on that large hose. When you start the engine and plug the open hose end of the PCV line with your finger, you should be seeing a gradual rise in pressure as pressure builds in crankcase. If you have a vacuum then the gasket is leaking. Dont buid more then a couple of psi pressure while testing else you could cause gasket damage from that.
In place of a gauge you can use the feel of your hand, takes two people. Did that when spot checking a used truck for my buddy. And it was leaking....

If you have a magnum, its leaking!

Also if it pings under load ,or youve removed a spark plug thats grown its own afro , its leaking.

Thanks guys.
I'll diagnose as described above.
My truck only has 100K mi and has light pinging under moderate throttle. Also consumes some oil.
Poor design on the cover plate and gasket, I guess.
I think I will use the Hughes kit.

I wish the m1 was still available just to do away with that stupid plate.

If it's using oil and has never had it replaced yet, I would go ahead and change that gasket to newest updated type. These newer cylinders-rings stay sealed long time past 100k.

I have an extra M1 w/2bbl adapter thats gathering dust you are welcome to it for a fair price + the ride.