2.3L ('83-'97) Oil leak below valve cover gasket

[Mattbradford00]

My 87, 2.3 is pouring oil while I run the truck. We've found the area that it's leaking. I just replaced the valve cover gasket and tightened the bolts pretty well. The leak is on the drivers side on the rear, right below of the valve cover gasket. There is some kind of nut around quarter to half dollar size that has all of the oil pouring down it. Here is a rough photo of the nut. Right below the new, blue valve cover gasket. (Yes, there is oil below the new gasket. That's because we touched it with dirty hands. That isn't the leak.) Thanks guys!

 

[scotts90ranger]

The only oil in that area is the oil pressure sending unit (if memory serves), it's a bell shaped thing a couple inches diameter with one wire sticking out the end normally. It has a 1/2" or 9/16" hex on it, snug it down some with an open ended wrench and see if that helps

 

[Dirtman]

I agree with the oil sending unit but also looks like the valve cover is still leaking. (Nevermind saw where you said that spot is from you touching it).

 

[Mattbradford00]

Thanks man. I found the switch at Oreillys where I work and ordered it. I just got home and checked it from up top while it was running and sure enough it was pouring through the front of the sensor. Definitely need a new one.

The only oil in that area is the oil pressure sending unit (if memory serves), it's a bell shaped thing a couple inches diameter with one wire sticking out the end normally. It has a 1/2" or 9/16" hex on it, snug it down some with an open ended wrench and see if that helps