Greetings. I have a 2000 7.3 that is leaking a bit of oil. Its more than the occasional drip and I have been told by a mechanic that its the rear main seal and he doesnt want to get into it in his small shop. (his lift would barely get the ex. up in the air.) The dealer is quoting me $5oo-6oo. Does this sound about right?
Regards,
Josh

 

It's probly not the rear main seal
Check up top and see if there is oil in the valley.It will drain down and look like it's comming from the seal

 

Rarely is it a RMS. Most likely it is the o-rings on the HPOP or hoses, the turbo pedestal o-rings, or the EBPV actuator.

You should really look close in the top of the engine valley, as oil drains from there down the back of the engine through a hole at the back. Really common to mistake a RMS for one of the ones I mentioned. If you do a little cleaning up there and keep an eye on it, you will be able to find the leak.

 

No. It is most likely NOT the rear main seal. This is a common mistake. This engine uses up to 3000psi oil pressure to power the injectors and there are several places ON TOP of the engine oil can leak from. There is a 'drain' at the back of the engine 'valley' that directs any liquids in there down between the engine and trans. Often, oil is seen coming down beside the starter and appears to be dripping from inside bellhousing.

First, clean the top of the engine thoroughly. I use purple power and the garden hose for this on a HOT engine and use hose while it is running. So, drive truck and shut it down - spray degreaser on the dirty parts and let soak for a few, then crank'er up and rinse. Repeat until its CLEAN under there. Once its clean, use a BRIGHT light and a mirror on a stick to look around for leaks.

Common leaks include:
- HPOP lines to the heads. There are o-rings at the HPOP and the heads.
- 'plug' on the back of the HPOP
- 'plug' on bottom of HPOP (Ford says non-servicable, but it can be fixed...)
- the big fitting w/snap ring on back of HPOP (time for a new one...)
- there are also o-rings on the turbo pedestal and the EBPV valve

I'm sure I forgot a couple???

Ya don't have to know what/where all those things are - but if you narrow down where its at - we can likely help ya figure out whats leakin'.

Once you narrow down WHERE the oil is coming from, we can help ya fix it. All of these can be fixed by a DIY mechanic. There are a few tricks, but mostly no 'special' tools and I always tell people 'It ain't no swiss watch - its a big honkin' diesel engine'. Don't be afraid to DIY if ya can't afford $600 for a $10 part!!!!

Please keep us posted!!!

 

Do I type that slow????

Good answers guys!

 

wow, thats fast and helpful.
thanks guys.
josh

 

These guys got you looking in the most likely spot for a leak and it usually isn't the rear main seal. Spray some Simple Green in the concentrate form on the top of the engine valley and a garden hose. It will show you where your leak is.

 

Great info from everybody. Rear main seal leaks are very rare on the 7.3L. If you see fresh oil in the front of the valley, I'd start with the HPOP or ICP sensor which is on the driver's side head. If it's in the rear then you're looking at the rest (turbo, EBPV).