I just bought a 2001 E-350, 7.3L Powerstroke, and drove it all the way from Montana to MD. When I had a chance to inspect it a little more thoroughly I noticed a lot of thick grease under the engine and I am wondering if it is something to worry about. I am not really sure where it is coming from, or if I am just going to be dealing with more grease on a diesel. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks!

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vu4bGJiViopuVU7t-h9MBg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_CeOZErpnF6w/TLjNqs58CsI/AAAAAAAAXSY/6LQ4yKY9tGw/s144/2010-10-15%2021%3A54%3A39%20GMT.jpg" height="107" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ndlee1/E350?feat=embedwebsite">E-350</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9Nsz_QR-kroYog2u3JSYgA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_CeOZErpnF6w/TLjN-I7jSGI/AAAAAAAAXTQ/yMxsjclSklE/s144/2010-10-15%2021%3A55%3A30%20GMT.jpg" height="107" width="144" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ndlee1/E350?feat=embedwebsite">E-350</a></td></tr></table>

<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T-yDEyiEKGYiPFneF4kjfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CeOZErpnF6w/TLjOALaIHnI/AAAAAAAAXTc/x6ZXiaotLFk/s144/2010-10-15%2021%3A56%3A06%20GMT.jpg" height="144" width="107" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/ndlee1/E350?feat=embedwebsite">E-350</a></td></tr></table>

 

That is not normal. You are going to have to clean it up to determine what is leaking, unless it is obvious. Most leaks on a 7.3 are on the top of the motor and drain into the valley where it will eventually drain down through a weep hole at back of valley. Then it will spread all underneath.

How is the crankcase oil level. Did you have to add oil between MT and MD? Looks like an old and ongoing leak.

 

I think your looking at motor oil and dirt mix. Looks like grease, but I bet its gritty?

 

could it be a leaking power steering line ?

 

That sounds like it would make sense. I didn't see anything from up top, but I'll have to take a close look now that I've seen the extent of what's underneath. Thanks.

 

Yes it is pretty gritty. It almost looks like an older leak that was never cleaned up, but I'll have to see. The oil filter itself was spotless, so I even think that and/or the oil was changed since it got really messy.

 

Would power steering fluid be dark and gooey?

 

It could be that someone put hard grease on the oil pan to combat a rust issue with the oil pan. Just some thought.

 

What do some of you guys think maybe the oil cooler???????.

 

That sure is a lot of fluid, what ever it is. As said before, best way to find it is get under there and clean the hell out of the bottom side which is going to be a messy job but someone needs to do it then keep an eye open for wet spot and back track them.

I'd be half tempted to say find a buddy with a lift or someone that will let you use the lift, but a full body suite on and pressure wash it. But that's me.

Could also be a fuel leak, what ever it is is making a hell of a mess.

 

Sounds like I have some work to do before I can figure this out. I dont have a good handle on whether or not I am losing fluid at this point, so I'll need to start paying attention to that. I guess I need to use some ramps at a self car wash to get under there with some degreaser and hot pressured water. Ugh. I hope it's nothing major.

 

Maybe somebody just went overboard with the grease gun. It does look like you have a pretty good leak. In the second pic it looks like the power steering line might be touching the engine. They can rub through pretty easy with the engine vibration and dirt that can act like sand paper. I do see some oil on the oil cooler but hard to tell until you clean things up.

 

I'll look at the power steering. As well.

It looks almost like this has come from the crank case, assuming i am right that is the large bottom wheel the belt wraps around. Almost like it leaked and it threw it everywhere. But there is a concentrated area to the left (facing fwd) of the engine - and I pretty much can't see ANY of this from up top looking down.

If the crank case is leaking, then what?

 

I called and the previous owner and asked if there's anything I need to know about the oil. He wasn't sure but said friends who own the same engine have commented that "the turbo will leak from time to time."

Does that make sense, and where's the turbo on this? Could it be dripping onto the crank shaft wheel - spreading it everywhere else?

Thanks for your help!

 

Really everything is just guessing, until you clean it up & find where it's coming from. The turbo is on top up against the firewall.