1st It's a '02 xplorer 4x4 8 cylinder XLT i believe.

After noticing more drops of oil on my driveway than normal, I checked the oil and sure enough it was 2 quarts low. I'm assuming the oil pan gasket is leaking, but there is soo much stuff in the way, i can't really find a single bolt to try and tighten. Just wondering how hard of a job would it be to get to the bolts on the oil pan or is there a link on here with directions? Thanks in advance. I'm hoping to tear into it either during Thanksgivin' or Christmas breaks...

 

Check the oil filter and the oil filter adapter first, could be as simple as a bad oring.

 

Pans hardly ever leak. The most common issue on a 4.6l for a good oil leak is the oil filter adapter it will probably be soaked in that area especially. Check it out.

 

Thanks guys, I'm not sure what the 'oil filter adapter' is? But I'll 'google' it here in a little while. Thanks again!

 

It turns the oil filter at a 90* so that there is clearance

 

Ooh okay, so i assume their is a gasket / O-ring behind it that may go bad or the adapter itself might need tightened back up?...

 

Left front of engine. The gasket goes bad, and usually the coolant passage on the oil filter adapter pits. If pitting is not bad I put a thing film of engine sealant over pitted area and get a new gasket from Ford.

 

Thanks sooo much everyone and makuloco2000 for the illustration...I'll definitly replace that 1st (of course during oil change) best i remember seems like the filter is not hard to get too with my hand but, how easy is the adapter too get too. I assume, i'll hafta take off that gutter thingamabob that the oil slides down....right underneath the filter.

 

Yeah pull the oil tray and I believe pulling the lh fender well liner makes this one allot easier too. besides that a few bolts. Just make sure the coolant is fully drained first, use Teflon on the sending unit and snug it up but watch it or that sending unit will snap right off. You got a torque wrench?

 

what do you mean by saying "use teflon on the sending unit"? little confused here. Is what your calling the 'sending unit', the 'oil filter -adapter'? and what should I ask for when you said teflon, - blue glue? Also, the anti-freeze (coolant) needs drained? Thanks for all the info, makuloco2000. I'm gonna tear into this project next week. Thanks again.

 

Use Teflon sealant on the threads of the oil sending unit when you transfer it to the new adapter. The stuff we use is called thread sealant with PTFE. Yes drain the coolant, the oil filter adapter includes oil and coolant passages the lower rad hose connects to it.

 

what is it that your calling the 'sending unit', the adapter?

 

oil pressure sending unit- it screws into the adapter. You will see it

 

Thanks Mak, I didn't know. I'll look for it and know what your talking about. Thanks again you have been a great help.

 

I'll tell ya what, I've had the awfullest time in the world with this 'filter adapter'. after about 4 hours i've got it off now. But quitting it's so late. Is there a video or step by step process somewhere on the web that might be of some help?? With the radiator clamps, some sensor plug-in, its been tough. Surely their is an Easier way !!!