Replacing the oil in my wife's 2012 Explorer with the V6 today. Checked the air filter and there is oil residue,enough to wipe out with a rag, in the air intake. Filter is clean but the bottom of the intake housing coated with oil. Can anyone tell my what that would be from? I have a feeling it can't be good. Thanks.

 

That's normal for that Explorer, something in the PCV design makes it do that. Had one like that when I was working in the dealership, showed one of the other techs, and that's what he said.

 

PCV valve controls crankcase pressure, make sure all the vacuum line are on and valve is working, dont overfill the oil, midrange on the stick is good, and if you have any concerns bring it back to the dealer if you have the warranty

 

replace the left (front) valve cover. Theres a ssm on it.

 

I never updated this thread because I never had any responses. I knew a small amount of oil was normal but when I saw this back in Feb there was a lot of oil. It turned out to be a bad PCV valve. Dealer replaced it under warranty.

 

Good news glad to help!