Have a 2000 XK8 convertible and have a minor oil leak spotting the garage floor under the very forward part of the passenger side engine compartment. It appears to be coming from an electric "sensor" of some sort located on the top right corner of engine passenger side. Have been told there is a gasket that should be replaced.

What is this "sensor" called and function... and does it take a special tool to remove and replace it?

Thanks much

 

From your description, it sounds like the VVT seals (round, maybe 2" in diameter?). They are available on eBay and other places. They simply pull off with the (gentle!) help of a screwdriver or plastic knife. Just disconnect the electrical plug to free them off. The area needs to be cleaned off of any oil residue, then the new seal pressed in, by hand or any blunt tool to apply some pressure. 10 min job.

Part# AJ82856

That being said, these seem to harden over time and leak just a bit of oil (and allow air in, too) over time. Hard to see these being the cause of a puddle of oil, but you have your own car in front of you...

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

Here's a photo attached... It's the "sensor" in the lower right corner of the photo.

 

Yep, VVT solenoid...

 

Is there another VVT on the driver's side engine bank?

 

a quick bit of research seems to indicate that the same part fits Ford Thunderbird, Lincoln LS, Jaguar, or Land Rover. Might be worth putting in the Non OEM interchangeable parts sticky thread.

Or can anybody post there ?

 

Yes, and you probably should change both.

 

I'll get on it... Thanks to everyone!

 

Be aware that some of the really cheap aftermarket VVT O-ring seals do not last very long before they start leaking again. One pair that I paid about $18 for started leaking within two years of install. The engine bay heat constantly bakes these O-rings, causes them to get hard and brittle, then they lose their ability to seal both air and oil. Buyer beware....

 

Yeah Jon... Local Jag dealer wanted $90 for a pair. Best I could get out of him was $66 for the pair. I'm going to pull one and try a Ford dealership.

 

The decent ones online now seem to run about $30 per pair. Let us know if your local Ford dealership provides a better option that is fairly priced....

 

They came up on eBay for $22 a pair when I was on the market, genuine Jaguar...

 

Well... I visited the local Ford dealer parts department today and explained I was looking for a VTT seal for my Jag XK8 and had been told by another owner the VTT seal for a Ford T-Bird might fit. And was told by the counterman he was sure it wouldn't. So I asked if he had one in stock... "No, and if you want to order one they're $13 each... paid in advance and non-returnable." So, I asked if he could check the part number I had. "No." So I asked why. "Because I don't have too. I know it won't fit." Can I see your part number?" i asked "No... I said it won't match. Do you want to order or not?" That depends, I said. "On what?" He asked. On whether you'll shove it to check for fit, I said. And then the conversation sort of went downhill from there. Sorry, guys. I tried. I'm 76 and no longer suffer idiots as well as I used to.