I have an oil leak that just started today on my 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe V-6
3.5L engine. I took the engine cover off and I found that the oil is leaking out around a black plastic cap that I think covers the end of a valve camshaft. I am not sure if "camshaft" is the right term, but here are some photos:The second photo is with the black plastic cap all the way out and I placed it on top of the valve cover to show what it looks like.
The third photo is just a closer look into the opening where the oil is leaking out. In that view, with the engine running, I can see the camshaft turning and oil leaking out.
Do I have the right term? -- is it called a camshaft?
What is the fix for this? I am assuming that it is some kind of bad seal that goes around the end of the camshaft. If so, is that something that maybe I could fix if I take the valve cover off? Or, if not me, would it be a big job for an auto shop or dealer to fix?
Is there any chance that there is some way to replace just the black plastic cap in a way that would keep the oil from leaking out of the engine without having to replace the seal on the camshaft?
Any info or clues about this would be appreciated.
Thanks.