PCV valve question

[pbm]

While checking under the hood (of my GM 3.1 V6) this morning I pulled the PCV valve to check that it still "rattled". I was surprised that while it still "rattled" a little it was oily. I sprayed it with carb cleaner, dried it and reinstalled it.
I know that the PCV 'ventilates the crankcase' but could someone explain how it works in detail.
Is it normal for it to actually have drops of oil on it? PS. The engine was cold when I checked it.

 

[Drew99GT]

Absolutely it's normal to see oil in it! Here is a link to how a modern (and vintage for that matter) PCV system works

The whole PCV system essentially runs fresh air through the crankcase to evacuate blowby gases out of the crankcase and relieve crankcase pressure.

Here's another good thread with detailed explanations.

 

[pbm]

Drew: Thanks for the great links. I did a search in the Mechanical/Maintenance problems, tips and tricks and came up empty. I hate to 'search all open forums' because it takes so long. Thanks again.