2003 4.0L Oil Leak?

[slbeck1]

Changed oil on our 2003 v-6 4.0 explorer last night. I noticed oil leaking from the left top side of the engine...I'm thinking that it may be a valve cover, but not certain. If I can manage, I'll do it in my driveway...Do we have any links to the proceedure on this and time involved? I'm certain the Ford Dealership will want way too much to diagnose and repair...Anyone have suggestions?

 

[swetrid]

Are you talking about the pass side of engine valve cover? If so the timing chain guides break and the chain wears through the valve cover and cause oil leaks.

 

[slbeck1]

leak is on the left side (Driver's side) in the back.

 

[swetrid]

Could be valve cover gasket , the pcv is on that side so could be related.

 

[slbeck1]

PCV may be the issue afterall. I had not considered the PCV, but upon flashlight aided inspection, I do see oil eminating from the area around that PCV area...The PCV is seated correctly inside the valve cover and the connecting hose is secured in place...WHat would cause this to leak..I may have used an aftermarket (not ford) PCV...is that the issue?

 

[trucku]

The the PCV is sticking then the pressure will push oil out past its o-ring.

Does your PCV twist in? On the 02 it does, don't know if that changed on 03s. Ok this one is for your truck from rockauto.com, twist in.

Does the one you put in look like this?

 

[slbeck1]

YES. It looks exactly like that. My 2003 4.0l takes a Motorcraft EV-243 PCV valve. It twists into the left valve cover. I replaced tonight. The old one is only about 2 years old, but the check ball is stuck and does not move when shaken.

I believe the leak was due to a malfunctioning PCV afterall; BUT why did my PCV become clogged? It's not that old. I change my oil and filter regularly...Any thoughts on the clogged PCV?

 

[trucku]

Don't know if the newer ones shake. I feel like remembering they had a spring in it....maybe. I usually get personal and blow on it from each end to see if it checks in one direction...lol

Give us a update soon the new PCV was the fix.

 

[timp123]

Both my drivers side valve cover gasket & PCV valve were leaking on my '03 4.0 v6. The pass side gasket was clean & tight.. but went ahead & had it replaced as well since he was already there.

 

[slbeck1]

Oil on top of valve cover bolt

I guess the PCV was not the source of the leak. I'm still seeing a little bit of oil.

My driver's side valve cover has oil ON TOP of the rear bolt. This is a strange place to have a pool of oil. Literally it is covering the head of the bolt. I'll try to snap a picture for the site. Where could it be coming from??! Do the bolts have an o-ring grommet or something?

 

[slbeck1]

PCV valve LEAKS...threads vanished from valve cover

My 2003 4.0 PCV is allowing oil to blow by. It wiggles easily when fully inserted into the valve cover. These PCV valves ARE threaded and are Motorcraft brand. The valve cover should have a male style thread to allow the PCV valve to positively screw into place and lock tight.

I feel inside the opening of the valve cover and it is smooth...the threads are broken or chafed off! No matter what I do with the PCV valve, I get blow by and oil leaks down onto my exhaust manifold..UGH!!

Any one run up against this issue??

Perhaps a grommet and any old regular PCV that fits, or use silicone?!!?

Who has a solution that has worked?