Trying to get this damn thing street worthy(74 f 100 4x4 390 lifted) I had a hell of an oil leak, noticed it was the rear of the intake, so today put new gaskets on the intake, fired up the truck let it run and after it had sit, I noticed oil dripping. I checked the rear of the intake, it seems to be dry. Its dripping off the inspection cover for the flywheel, a little t words the passenger side, which makes me think it could be a rear main?? Or is it possible there's oil in the inspection cover and on the flywheel from when it was leaking before and is slinging it around???? today was the first day its been started in over a month so I kind of doubt its excessive oil leftover?? Any ideas

 

I'd check all the easy stuff before I'd pull the engine to change that rear seal (although it can be changed in the truck, it's not easy!...trying to slide the top seal in is almost impossible unless the crank is removed, or at least lowered).

1/ Any oil leak, anywhere, seems to end up aganst that bellhousing cover plate. Air under the vehicle drives it back. Even a front seal can leak and the oil end up at the back of the block.

2/ As you had a rear intake leak, the oil you are seeing now is likely left over from the leak. Sop it up and keep an eye on it. It may go away.

3/ MOst likely a combo of 1 and 2. So you'll sop it up, but some other minor leak will keep it looking wet with oil and you'll never know.

4/ As long as your oil consumption is acceptable, it may not be worth the effort to fix it. I am meticualous with my enigne, but always seem to get some oil in the same place you do. I can't find the leak, but it's so minor I am leaving it alone.

5/ I've never used it, but there's an oil additive you can buy that glows under a black-light. You put it in with the oil, and start the engine. Wave a light around and look for the glowing oil. Where you first see it should be close to the leak.

By the way, anybody know what exactly to ask for when looking for this oil-leak detection fluid? Brand name?,, etc.

 

Thank you Argess, Great advice. I think I remember seeing something like what you are describing from Eastwood. It was a kit with different colors, one for coolant system, one for oil, and other fluids. I'll check it out and let you know

 

I was sure Eastwood had something, Having trouble finding it. I did come across this though. UV-Reactive Dye reveals leaks in oil-based systems., Spectronics Corp.

 

Once you mentioned Eastwood, it rang a bell. I checked their website but couldn't find it either. But I did find this:

Tracerline Dye-Lite All-In-One Oil Dye Kit (6 ct.) - TRATP3400-060

and Summit's kit has the UV light as well:

Tracerline TP-1121 - Tracerline Complete LeakFinder Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com

and it appears in both cases, "Tracerline" is the brand name.

 

Yes, that one from summit is pretty much the same thing that Eastwood sold. I noticed Eastwood doesn't have nearly as many products as they did a few years back???