2003 Sport Trac oil on back of engine driver side.

[Scott Shoup]

Ive had a explorer and a ranger of some type over the past 15 years so I am very familiar with them. Rocker arms seemed good, motor is strong seems like its too good for the price. I did notice oil residue on the back driver side of the motor. I test drove for 30 minutes going up some nice Tennessee hills and the power was great. I did smell a bit of burnt oil when I returned from the test. Motor didn't have noticeable amount of oil on it but its obvious there is a issue. Google lead me to a PCV valve issue which I can do myself as a weekend warrior but my worry is it that it might be a engine gasket of some type. I'm more of a techno geek so mechanical work is not my expertise. Ill gladly provide more information if needed but I would really like to know if this something that is a major concern

 

[david4451]

Probably the valve cover gasket, they get hard over time and leak. Goes onto exhaust manifold, hence smell of burning oil. I've just done mine, no more burning oil smell. Look on YouTube for video on how to do.

 

[swshawaii]

I'd bet on a valve cover leak too, but don't rule out the PCV valve. Very easy to break the plastic tabs on the valve cover preventing a good seal. It's a PITA to reach and snug to the valve cover without pliers, especially when oily. I ended up doing the PCV valve heater hose bypass because I didn't want to replace the valve cover. Sorry, two FB pics missing.

PCV Valve