I have an Explorer 4x4/4.0/vin x
Had serious tapping after failed thermostat. So...
I put new lifters, rocker arm assemblies and push rods in and replaced neccessary gaskets. (Anyone need advice on this?)
The gasket set that I bought did not have end seals included, instead, directions said to make own end seals with rtv silicone.
I did that but I may not have put enough silicone down. (First time lol!)
When I started the engine (sounded beautiful) I lost all my oil in a matter of seconds. Seemed to come from back of engine. Not sure. I could not pinpoint the leak as I cannot see that part of the engine.
Do you think that my problem is the end seals? If so...
Will I have to replace the brand new gaskets I just put on?
Could it be the head gaskets? (new also)
Anyone know where I could purchase end seals?
Thank you for your help.
Mark

 

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I lost nearly all of my oil (in the time it took me to start the vehicle and back out of the garage - only a few seconds) once after an oil change on my 96 Explorer. My problem was that the gasket on the old oil filter stuck to the engine. I did not notice this when I removed the old oil filter nor did I catch it when I installed the new one, but I sure as heck found out when I pulled out of the driveway. I had seated the new oil filter to the old gasket instead of to the metal seasting surface. What a mess. Anyhow, you may want to check the oil filter as a leak source if you are losing a lot of oil in a hurry.

 

You could also check the oil pressure switch/sending unit. But for you to lose the oil that quickly, the switch would have to be missing or severely damaged.

 

Thank you very much, that was the problem. I just can't believe that I made such a foolish mistake. If I would have cleaned where the filter goes I would have been okay. Anyway. Thanks

 

Glad to hear that's all your problem was. Don't feel too bad, you now know that you are not the only one to have done this. I never used to check to make sure the gasket came off with the filter but I always do now. Hope you were able to get the mess cleaned up. When it happened to me, I was moving from Atlanta to Houston and was catching a plane to Houston the next morning. I was finishing the oil change at about midnight, the house was going on the market the next day, and it was cold as hell outside. It must have taken me four hours including the midnight trip to Walamrt for conrete cleaner, new oil, and filter, etc. Anyway, glad I could help.

 

Hello ! I just got a 1994 ford explorer limited... It was givin to me ,from my father inlaw. Its been sitting since 2006 he told me that everthing pretty much ran good, except for a oil leak... He said he took it to a family friend mechanic and said it was a leak from the manifold, supposedly fixed it , a few days later noticed that it was still leaking! Soon after father in-law had a stroke... And Explorer was never used again...it has 58000 original miles! He let me have it and i just moved it into my garage want to give it a shot on repairing it. From what i could see it seems like oil leak is coming from up on top near or around vavle cover.. Could see old oil dried up stain in this area.I dont think that the oil leak is coming from manifold... Maybe somewhere else? If anyone can help me or give me some advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks RickZ San antonio tx.

 

My best advise would as follows:

1 - Clean up the engine compartment and remove all of the old dried up oil as well as any fresh oil.

2 - Change oil and filter (not sure how long it has been sitting but based on the story and the mileage, I'm assuming it has been quite a while.

3 - Start it up and look for the leak. It should be pretty easy to find with the engine compartment cleaned up.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks!!! For the info... As soon i get home ill get it all cleaned up and check for oil leaks.. Gonna have to drop fuel tank and get old gas out. Should be home by friday and ill post results . Thanks again!!!