Valve cover leaking oil

[kmartin]

I took my 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in for my state inspection. They informed me that my left valve cover is leaking oil and that if it would be going on the exhaust manifold that it would be required to be replaced for inspection. Since that is not happening now, they could pass it as it is. Is this a common problem with these vehicle? Will this get worse vary quickly? Would a high mileage oil help this?

 

[410Fortune]

yes it is pretty common for the 4.0 to develop leaky valve cover gaskets

Not a terrible job to replace them on a 4.0
High mileage oil that swells the seals may help, but I doubt it.

 

[ptf18]

kmartin. Are you hearing the dreaded timing chain rattle?

 

[kmartin]

kmartin. Are you hearing the dreaded timing chain rattle?

Not yet. I only have 107,600 miles on it. I heard about that. I decided if and when that happens, Good bye.