Cam Sensor and other oddities...

[Random]

I am replacing my cam sensor tomorrow, as well as new plugs, O2 sensors and possible some new gaskets. I have a few questions.

Were is the cam sensor? When i take the intake off, will i need a new gasket to put it back on? if I have a little oil spray on top of the valve covers, what is the most likely cause?

thanks for any help. I just need to get started on some of this maintence before the SHO goes further downhill.

 

[MilTownSHO]

The cam sensor can be most easily accessed by moving the power steering tank out of the way and you should be able to get to it.

 

[masho95]

The cam sensor is located to the left rear of the intake manifold and is slightly lower down. Depending on the car it might be easier to change with the upper part of the left engine management bracket out of the way. It's held in by 2 5.5mm "bolts". And the sensor shouldn't require a gasket for installation. Oil on the valve covers could be caused by a leak in one of the valve cover gaskets. If you plan on replacing the valve cover gaskets your best bet to get them is to have them orderded by AutoZone. The Fel-Pro set they have also include 6 spark plug tube seals which should be changed if they haven't because they tend to shrink and let oil into the spark plug wells.

 

[sdpatt]

The cylinder identification (cam position) sensor is located on the passenger end of the rear bank exhaust camshaft (see picture below). As noted, it is secured with two 5.5mm (7/32") bolts. The Wells F134 is available from AutoZone for $29.99 and is very rugged and note prone to failure.

Oil on the surface of the valve covers is from either overflow from the plug wells due to leaking spark plug well seals (obvious) or from the rubber bushings under each of the valve cover bolts (more likley). The plug well seals are part of the Fel-Pro VS50378R valve cover gasket set ($71.99 AutoZone.com for a '91 SHO). The rubber bushings under the bolts are available only with the bolts. I have used O-rings to add extra sealing force to the seals but you can also use RTV on both the interior and exterior sealing surfaces of the bushings.

If the intake is removed, the intake-to-head metal gaskets are reuseable, but should be replaced if the black finish is chipping at the sealing surface. These are the intake manifold gaskets (2 req), the Motorcraft E9DZ-9439-A from FordPartsOnline.com or FordPartsNetwork.com for about $12.14 or $12.49. The valve cover and plug well seals should be replaced if they are over 120,000 miles or 5 years old or are proven to be leaking.

I have a detailed procedure for the removal of the intake and valve covers if you should desire it.