i recently bought a trans 4x4 and before even getting it off the trailer experienced a manufacturers defect with the engine. i'm wondering if anyone else has seen this problem and what are the possible causes.  

i had oil back up into the air filter (possibly a blow-by problem?)that clogged the filter and eventually prevented the engine from even starting. there is some speculation by the service department that it is due to the rings being out of spec, though i've received mixed messaged on this.

has anyone else had this problem?  also, i'm not mechanical and am wondering what else could be at the heart of the problem and what damage might have been caused by runnig the engine under these suboptimal conditions.