Hey Fellas,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
I bought my truck about two weeks ago. Noticed a small quarter to half dollar sized oil leak near the front of the engine(not by the oil pan). It only leaks for a few minutes after I drive it or while running, then the leak stops. It does not leak after sitting for a few hours. My first thoughts are to change the rocker arm cover gasket and the oil pan gasket since I'm sure they are both old. Are there any other areas that could leak oil on the 240 cid 6 cyclinder? Any thoughts you have are appreciated. Adios. <o></o>

 

It leaks all the time the engine is running, you just aren't aware of it. When driving, air blows the oil away from the source(s) of the leak.

The leak is prolly coming from either the timing cover seal or the valve cover gasket, or both.

Ford replaced the valve cover and gasket at least THREE times between 1965/72, in an attempt to stop oil seepage.

Ford at first used a cork gasket (cork tends to shrink, seepage begins). Then Ford used a combo cork/rubber gasket, then an all rubber gasket. None really fixed the problem.

Peeps also tend to overtighten the 8 valve cover bolts, causing the area around the bolt holes to flare outwards.

Take the cover off, lay it on a flat surface, I'll betcha it's resting on 8 little pedestals.

 

Hey Bill,
I agree, I believe it is leaking all the time when running. I'll change the valve cover gasket and see what happens. I appreciate the info. Adios.