...Just put the car up on the rack for an oil change, and noticed a leak coming from the back of the passenger side cylinder bank. It is seeping down the back of the block, onto the lower control arm. I checked behind the valve cover and it looks like its been burning off for some time. What is this leak, and can I DIY (moderate technical ability) or do you suggest taking it to a mechanic? 2.8 30v 113khere... any help woud be greatly appreciated.

 

if its coming from the valve cover, it is the gasket. Change it and it will go away

 

You can do a valve cover gasket pretty easily if thats what it is. Best thing to do is degrease/power wash (carefuly) your engine and check for fresh leaks a couple days later.

 

Isn't there also a round plug on the back of the head?

 

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are u talking bout the cam postion sensor?

 

If you drop a mirror down behind the passenger side head, there is a round rubber/plastic plug. Mine is leaking and it drips right on the manifold.

 

Thats a cam plug, those are easy to change but hardly ever leak. Most likely the leak is the cam tensioner gasket (half moon seal)

 

Supposedly the dealer changed the cam tensioner gaskets shortly after I bought the car. I'm hoping that isn't it. I noticed it from below when I was changing control arms.

 

I would just wash it all off then and use some-degreaser to get it off all the suspension/subframe componets and see if there is still oil present on the frame after a week or so. If so then change the rear cam plug/s.