What is this head sensor for - oil, coolant, head temp? Any ideas/help?

[RangerRick]

This unit (in the pics) on my 998cc has oil all over it and the wires coming out of it. The oil has been weeping down the side of the engine from it. But if it is a water temp sensor, this makes no sense. I did clean it and the area off with contact cleaner, so it's not obvious in the photo's.

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But it looks like this unit:

https://www.powersportsnation.com/can-am-2008-2015-ds-450-temperature-sensor-head-420274040.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqLIXqtzm2oss15zlMNlhsOokNWADah0aL3djcU6WMlOGcEJffd

I'm confused as to what that sending unit is. If it is in an oil passage, then it stands to reason that it's leaking oil. But if it is in the coolant galleries, then I'm at a loss as to why there is oil on, around it, and seeping down the engine. Any ideas?

 

[Mrmikey]

Thinking out loud so bear with me. I'm wondering if it's in the oil return from the head the thinking being it'll react faster to overtemp than the water temp sensor?

 

[Little Blue]

I don't know what this sensor is about. But I believe that someone on this
Forum has an answer.
Okay members let's try and figure this out.

What is the sensor screwed into on your Spyder?
It is hard to tell from your pictures.

 

[RangerRick]

Here is were it's located, in the rear head on the left side of the engine - item 36.

 

[jjc54]

Why don't you disconnect it and see what no longer gets monitored? From the picture, it looks like a coolant temperature sensor. If so, I suspect your valve cover gasket is seeping oil and some is collecting on the sensor.

 

[RangerRick]

I can see that it looks like some oil is seeping out the back of the valve cover, but there is no way I can access the one cover bolt in that area unless I remove the fuel tank, and that ain't happening. But that oil is not making its way to this location. Yes, I could try removing the plug off that sensor to see what happens.

 

[jjc54]

What does the manual call part 36?

 

[jjc54]

Just went to can-am parts house and 36 is indeed your temperature sensor. That should only monitor coolant temperature.