need help finding oil leak
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Joined: Mar 2006
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need help finding oil leak
this one is driving me nuts.
390FE. it was rebuilt ~6 years ago, then sat for 4 years. i installed it 2 years ago, and have been driving it about 10 miles a week since (on the weekends). recently, its been leaking a fair amount of oil...about 1/2 quart a month...most of it seems to be going into the drip pan while its parked.
here's a pic:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=85937
the first place i see oil is on the very outer lip of the oil pan. from there, it drips down onto the block spacer plan, and then runs down the front of the inspection plate.
there's a ding in the oil pan lip, right where the oil starts...i think the ding may have been put there by the tranny shop that put the transmission in...pretty sure it wasn't there when i installed the engine 2 years ago.
the problem i'm having- i can't tell if the oil is coming out of the pan, or from somewhere higher up.
any input is appreciated-
thanks
390FE. it was rebuilt ~6 years ago, then sat for 4 years. i installed it 2 years ago, and have been driving it about 10 miles a week since (on the weekends). recently, its been leaking a fair amount of oil...about 1/2 quart a month...most of it seems to be going into the drip pan while its parked.
here's a pic:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=85937
the first place i see oil is on the very outer lip of the oil pan. from there, it drips down onto the block spacer plan, and then runs down the front of the inspection plate.
there's a ding in the oil pan lip, right where the oil starts...i think the ding may have been put there by the tranny shop that put the transmission in...pretty sure it wasn't there when i installed the engine 2 years ago.
the problem i'm having- i can't tell if the oil is coming out of the pan, or from somewhere higher up.
any input is appreciated-
thanks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 840
Likes: 8
FEs can leak everywhere. Valve Covers, Intake manifold gaskets, crank seals, etc. But when I traced down my leak, it was the oil pan gasket.
Using the product, The Right Stuff, worked well, but I bet it's going to be tough if/when I need to remove the pan again.
It also starts setting up quickly, so you need to work fast.
I used a paper/composite gasket (vs cork) and ran a 1/8 bead around the gasket. Make circles around every bolt hole, and be careful at the rear of the pan that the bead goes near the outer edge of the gasket, or it won't seal due to the void in the rear cap.
I didn't even smear the 1/8" bead out. Just got the pan in place and started screwing in bolts.
So far, so good.
You can buy one of those dye kits from an AutoParts Store and add to the oil. You then look for the dye using a black light. I've neveer tried a kit, but I intend to next time I have trouble finding a leak.
Using the product, The Right Stuff, worked well, but I bet it's going to be tough if/when I need to remove the pan again.
It also starts setting up quickly, so you need to work fast.
I used a paper/composite gasket (vs cork) and ran a 1/8 bead around the gasket. Make circles around every bolt hole, and be careful at the rear of the pan that the bead goes near the outer edge of the gasket, or it won't seal due to the void in the rear cap.
I didn't even smear the 1/8" bead out. Just got the pan in place and started screwing in bolts.
So far, so good.
You can buy one of those dye kits from an AutoParts Store and add to the oil. You then look for the dye using a black light. I've neveer tried a kit, but I intend to next time I have trouble finding a leak.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Rusty, start at the top and don't leave there until you have checked it twice more and found it dry. Use a mirror & light after it is washed & wiped clean.
Most likely valve cover(s) or the rear of the intake. Wind blows through the engine bay driving oil down the rear of the engine causing one to believe it is leaking low on the engine when it is not.
John
Most likely valve cover(s) or the rear of the intake. Wind blows through the engine bay driving oil down the rear of the engine causing one to believe it is leaking low on the engine when it is not.
John
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
FIRST i'd give the engine and under side a good degreasing , then wait for a drip . run your hand around the pan, up the block till you feel wetness follow wetness up where it stops is your leak .
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