2013 Ford Explorer 3.5L NA V6 AWD.

I was changing the spark plugs and transmission mount today and on the left side of the front valve cover there are 2 sensors (I presume) oil seems to be weeping from those sensors.


Small area on the valve covers are slightly wet from oil. And it seems to be coming from these sensors.
There are no other oil leaks on that valve cover all 3 spark plugs were dry, no oil in the spark plug well and the coil boots were dry

The back valve cover and these sensors (I presume) are as dry as a bone.

I also replaced the PCV valve while doing the plugs. One of the ignition coil wire connectors was super brittle and broke. That looks like a pain to repin and $35 for the Ford connector!!!

But anyway. What need be done about those wet sensors?

VVT/Cam sensors?
IIRC both our Flex & my sister's Edge had some seepage there, never more than a small bit around the sensors.

Also, pants full of bees for doing the rear plugs on an Edge. Have to do it all he feel and it's tight quarters. A bit better on the Flex with its longer hood.
FWD V engine plugs, always a pain to do the rear bank.

You can try to source the connector on the Mouser or Digikey electronics websites. I did that to match an older style VVT connector to make an adapter to use a newer, serviceable style one on a Volvo. I visually matched the style and once found, then the exact dimensions, pin style etc.

If it weren’t for breaking the ignition coil connector I would have had them done in under an hour.
Removing the intake was pretty simple thankfully.

I also realized that I need to replace the upper radiator hose as it’s a little flat.

Shun this POS like the plague. It has a ticking time bomb inside of it, in the form of an internal, timing-chain-driven water pump.

The parts you refer to are VVT solenoids.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
Shun this POS like the plague. It has a ticking time bomb inside of it, in the form of an internal, timing-chain-driven water pump.

The parts you refer to are VVT solenoids.

Aside from the internal water pump location this is a very reliable motor.
While the water pumps location sucks it’s not prone to premature failures.

quote:

Aside from the internal water pump location this is a very reliable motor.

That's like asking Mary Lincoln how she enjoyed the play. But whatever.

As for those VVT solenoids (which barely even seep), you have to determine where the seep is. They can leak externally around the seal (for which you have to take the valve cover off and install seals, as well as a new gasket with spark plug tube seals; IIRC they come in the kit), or internally. Pull the wire connectors and see if there's oil inside.

Why are the other two sensors not leaking?

Hmmm.