I have a Briggs & Stratton Intek 18 HP engine (31H777-0202-E) mounted on a Craftman Lawn Tractor that is about 7 years old. Recently I had notice oil covering the dipstick tube and inside of tractor hood in the area of the dipstick. While the motor was running I removed the dipstick and notice a slight bit of pressure release and noticed oil splashing out of the dipstick tube. I have checked the breather tube and reed filter to insure they were not obstructed. There is no smoke coming from the exhaust and all oil loss appears to be from the dipstick tube.

Help in identifying cause of this problem would be greatly appreciated.

The dipstick tube should have a o-ring at the top and the bottom check these.
With the dipstick out it will blow oil out that is normal.