Oil On Camshaft Position Sensor [2 Easy Solutions]

A leaking gasket or worn-out camshaft sensor seal is the main culprit behind the oil on camshaft position sensor. The round rubber seal of the camshaft sensor gets worn out due to excessive wear and heat. And when this seal gets leaked, the oil will blow throughout the exterior of your camshaft position sensor. 

Throughout this article, we will break down:

• What causes your camshaft position sensor to leak oil?
• Can a bad camshaft sensor cause low oil pressure? 
• And a lot

So, stay in tune with us till the end. 

Note: You can also read why Oil coming out of crankcase breather

Oil On Camshaft Position Sensor: A Leaking Gasket/Seal

The camshaft position sensor has oil on it due to a leaking gasket or if the seal of the camshaft position sensor gets leaked. Besides, improper placement of the oil ring seal is also responsible for leaking oil to cover the camshaft position sensor with oil. 

You can find around seal at the cylinder head area of the camshaft position sensor. This round seal generally uses durable rubber material. But the heck is- this rubber seal starts wearing out over time. When the camshaft position sensor seal gets worn out, the oil reaches the exterior part of the sensor. 

We recommend you replace the gasket or the camshaft position sensor oil seal if they go bad. You shouldn’t drive your car for a long time with a leaking gasket. It will affect the smooth operation of your vehicle. Therefore, it will cause the camshaft position sensor to be defective. 

Is It Normal For The Interior of Camshaft Position Sensor To Cover With Oil?

Yes, it’s normal for the interior of the camshaft position sensor to cover with oil due to its position in your car. The location of it is at the top side of your engine compartment. It reads the speed of the camshaft of your vehicle and sends this message to the engine control board. Your engine control module uses this information to determine the ignition and fuel injection time your engine requires for proper operation. 

Due to the location of the camshaft at the top of your engine (over the cylinder head and below the valve cover), it’s facing oil splashes every time. It’s to ensure proper lubrication of the camshaft to protect it from wear & tear. And the camshaft position sensor in your car through the open space in the cylinder head. Because of the location of the position sensor, it is normal and logical for it to cover with oil. 

Can A Camshaft Sensor Leak Oil?

Yes, a camshaft sensor can leak oil. If the camshaft sensor leaks oil, it’s likely just a bad or worn-out gasket. When it leaks the oil into its electrical connector, the Check Engine Light will illuminate. Consequently, your engine may stall intermittently. 

You should replace the gasket of the camshaft sensor when it leaks oil. Just remove the bolt from the camshaft sensor. Then, wiggle the sensor to detach the O-ring or gasket from the cylinder head. Finally, replace the gasket and put everything back into place. 

Can A Bad Camshaft Position Sensor Cause Low Oil Pressure?

Yes, a bad camshaft position sensor can cause low oil pressure indirectly. If the timing is wrong enough, it will damage or wear out the piston rings. And when the piston rings get worn out, the oil of your engine starts burning out. If your engine burns oil, you will never get good oil pressure. 

However, defective camshaft position sensors and low oil pressure are not the same things. Low oil pressure is usually caused by a worn-out engine, incorrect oil, an overheated engine. 

Keep in mind; unexpected things will occur like having a bad camshaft sensor can cause low oil pressure. So, don’t take it lightly if the camshaft position sensor gets defective. Repair or replace it as soon as possible to run your car smoothly. 

Conclusion

Now, you learned a bad gasket or O-ring of the camshaft position sensor will cause the oil leak. In other words, the camshaft position sensor has oil on it due to a bad gasket. If you don’t address this issue quickly, it may cause a lot of internal engine issues. So, fix this issue as soon as possible before turning it into a big problem.