Oil Pool By Intake Manifold

[TheInfamousDrew]

Hey guys, I recently picked up another truck. This one is a 2018 with 40k miles on it.
Yesterday I was swapping out the spark plugs and noticed a good amount of oil on the driver side pooling on the intake manifold and valve cover.

I brushed it off as a clumsy tech that spilled some oil at the last oil change and continued with my plug swap. Later that day it dawned on me that I should check to see if it was clean or dirty oil.

Long story short, it's dirty oil and I was unable to find a clear source of a leak.
It didn't seem like it was coming from any particular area.

Here are a couple photos...

 

[CoronaRaptor]

Wasn't there a recall or something for valve covers leaking or sweating. Calling @FordTechOne

 

[FordTechOne]

Wasn't there a recall or something for valve covers leaking or sweating. Calling @FordTechOne

Nope. Only a TSB for oil consumption (internal) caused by the PCV system which is integral to the valve covers.

 

[snt505]

Cracked valve cover. I had mine done. Leak in the same exact spot.

 

[TheInfamousDrew]

Cracked valve cover. I had mine done. Leak in the same exact spot.

I believe you're right! I can see a hairline crack there.

Thanks!

 

[Antho]

My 2017 had a cracked valve cover as well.

 

[Guaso2015]

Did you get it fixed? I have the exact same problem with mine, 53k miles

 

[MJLGUTH]

Anyone know what these two plugs are for? I have oil all around them on both sides but not pooling in the bolt areas like this photo. Thanks.

 

[FordTechOne]

Anyone know what these two plugs are for? I have oil all around them on both sides but not pooling in the bolt areas like this photo. Thanks.
View attachment 326859

Those are the VCT solenoids. It’s normal to have some oil residue around them due to the type of seal that they use.

 

[MJLGUTH]

Awesome. Thank you @FordTechOne I appreciate the insight.