I'm having an issue identifying a part and was wondering if anybody might know what it is. I've tried taking a picture but it's just too tight in there, so going to have to resort to just describing it.

1999 GS400

There is one located on each side of the engine between the 2nd and 3rd injectors. It looks like a sensor of some kind, is affixed into the valve cover and appears to have an electrical connection coming out of it. I used a little dentist mirror and could see the words "Denso Japan" on the side of the part.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. The 1st correct answer wins my eternal gratitude.

 

tough to say based on the description, but it seems like you're talking about either a camshaft position sensor or a PCV valve. Does it have any hoses aside from the electrical connector on it? If so, PCV. If not, Cam position sensor.

 

No hoses, just wires that attach with a plastic connector. Has 2 bolts that mount it to the VC.

If it's the camshaft position sensor, would it be possible for those to leak? I'm getting a slight fuel/exhaust smell coming from right there and cannot figure out what it is. I've changed all the injectors and the PCV tube.

 

could be the exhaust manifold gasket also. I'd imagine the Cam pos sensor has a seal on it to keep things out of the valve cover that if failed could produce a leak.

 

If you smell exhaust gas, the only place would be the exhaust manifold gaskets or anything before the cat such as flanges

 

Camshaft Timing Oil Control valve? #12 & 37

 

BINGO... It's the VVT Sensor. Thanks to both Debonair and jcat.

Debonair- Where did you get that diagram. Very envious.

So the next question... If this or the seal was leaking, would that produce a very rich smelling exhaust smell?

Thanks again... it's brutal flying blind.