At least I think it's the knock sensor. It's sitting directly above the top front spark plug, and it appears to be the source of my oil leak. It's really hard to get a good look at because it's buried. Sound like I'm on the right track? Opinions are appreciated. I would just take it off and replace it, but she's my daily driver and it seems like every time I take something off, I break something else, so I'd just like some confirmation. Thanks!

 

The knock sensor has some "goo" in it which desensitizes the sensor. As the unit ages, that "goo" will leak out. When that happens, it's time for a new one and they aren't cheap.

If you have an aftermarket programmable ECU, you could probably do without it. If you are on a stock based ECU, either buy a new or used one.

 

The knock sensor threads into a dead hole... in other words, there is no way that it is causing an oil leak.

 

The piece of crap tends to melt and ooze goo. If it still works you can clean it off and fill it with epoxy. Are you sure its not the oil filler neck leaking?

 

Well, if it's a dead hole, than it's definitely not the source of the leak. I'll do a little dismantling and get a better look. I cleaned everything off today, so I'll check again after a little driving to see if I can find some new oil. It may very well be the oil filler neck. I'll check the manual and see if there's a seal or gasket or something in there. Thanks for the pointers.

 

I just hate unsolved threads. Sorry it's taken so long to update (186 other projects I've got going on). Mahjik - there was definitely goo coming from the knock sensor. Cleaned it off, epoxied it, seems to be fine (I'll keep my eyes open for a slightly used one). And you were correct Rotary Experiment Seven, the leak was coming from the oil filler neck. Gave the oil filter about an 1/8 of a turn and no more leak. Duh! Thanks again guys.