I recently purchased a 92 f-150 w/ a 4.9L. I was looking over some things and I noticed a little oil on the oil pan. When I actually looked at it up close, I discovered that under the oil pan bolts there is a plastic/rubber(? hard and black) spacer like piece that runs along both sides of the oil pan (it runs the entire length of the oil pan). It looks like it is maybe 1/8" thick.

Ive never seen this sort of thing before. Any idea where this might have come from? It almost looks as if someone took 2 pieces of a 4 piece oil pan gasket set and used them on the outside of the oil pan to bandage a leak. But it doesnt really feel like a gasket, more of a plastic feel.

Compare to this:

http://repairguide.autozone.com/znet...5280262b49.gif

and imagine the 2 long pieces on the outside of the pan.

Any guesses? I can probably upload a picture tomorrow if no one has any ideas.

 

They are metal and are supposed to be there. Both of my 300s had them too. I believe they are just there to spread the bolt pressure evenly along the pan.

 

if you ditch them, the pan wont seal again. Dont ask how i know ...

 

Bootlegger, how do you know??? (prob. same way as me!)

OP, they should be metal. Not sure what you have based on first post, but 92 should be 1-piece gasket, made of silicone rubber.

Does it leak or are you just wondering if it's off-spec?

 

There is a dab of oil on some of the oil pan bolts. I'm not sure how severe the leak is or if it is coming from the oil pan gasket or something else. I havent noticed it actually drip onto the ground, just the glance I got at it on the bolts. What are the usual suspects? How leaky are these engines in general?

I'm just glad to know that it is stock. I saw it and thought someone may have tried to bandage a more serious issue. I'll have to keep an eye on it.

 

Hahaaaaaa!

Can't kill em but I have yet to see one that can go for more than 20k without leaking something or other.

It's a 4.9 thing. With luck, it'll grow on you.

 

These engines aren't any more prone to leaks than any other engine. After 20 years of 200+ degree temp swings the gaskets are not usually in that great of shape anymore and they leak.

 

I had one with >140k with no leaks and one with the same mileage that's a leaky SOB. I should fix it but it is a lot of work to do that.

 

I think that to whatever extent the 4.9 is more prone to leaks, it's because of the nearly 32" long pushrod cover and valve cover. Not too many engines have such long and flexible covers on them.

 

the valve cover is known for blowing its gasket on the back corners.. really a pain but still would rather have my 300 than a v8..