This 3.0L Mariner has developed an oil leak at the rear passenger side of the engine. After cleaning up the residue and re-checking, I've determined that it is coming from somewhere on the engine block behind the alternator. I've verified that the source is not higher up, such as the cam cover, but even with the plastic side cover off and wiring pulled out of the way, I can't see exactly where it is originating.

Has anyone experienced this particular leak and/or know what the fix is? Really annoying - it drips straight down on the exhaust pipe.

Thanks for any input.

 

Mine is doing the same but after 260,000 miles I'm not touching it. Sorry I don't have any useful info.

 

Nor would I! Mine is only up to 104K so I'd prefer to fix it if it doesn't involve major disassembly. Otherwise I might have to invent a fireproof diaper.

 

Timing chain cover? Not too much fun. You can get some 'black light' tell tale to put in the crankcase that will glow when lit by black light. You have to clean the engine well to see where it leaks. Don't know the cost.
tom

 

Timing chain cover seemed to be a possibility to me as well, but I was able to inspect the "intersection" of the cover and block and it is dry, so it is coming from somewhere else. I suspect removal of the alternator will be required to be able to see the source, but I am first going to see if a dealer's shop foreman will tell me if this is something he's seen before.

Thanks.

 

Unless there are 'plugs' where oil galleries were drilled, the only things that can leak are a porous casting, and gasketed joints of the block & head, and the block & pan, and the block and front cover. Not that many choices. I believe the use of silicone RTV is specified where the timing cover, block and oil pan intersect. Very common on FoMoCo engines, and I suspect other mfgs.
Last possibility is the separator in the 'vee' between the cylinders, but not sure how it would migrate...
Looking at a drawing of the firewall side, there is a plug with a large hex-shaped hole immediately behind the alternator, but the diameter looks too large for an oil passage.
tom

 

I can see that plug, and also looked at the drawings in the shop manual. The plug is dry, so at the moment I'm at a loss to explain where it's coming from, unless it is the joint between the block and the "girdle". That intersection is a little oily, but it doesn't appear to be the leak source, to me.

 

Oil leaks drive ya nuts..

 

2003 escape 3.0 dohc 2wd
Is it possible that the alternator mount boss,furthest from the front of engine,on the block,not the bracket,was tapped (factory)into the oil passage?
i ask because I found sealant on the bolt, mounting the alternator bracket, during a head gasket,chain,oil pump replacement..
oil was leaking from that area,after startup..
Just wondering...cause it ain't coming out the timing,cover,nor the valve covers,nor the head...
maybe this warrents examination,,
Maybe this will help someone else...
Thank..

 

2003 escape 3.0 dohc 2wd
Is it possible that the alternator mount boss,furthest from the front of engine,on the block,not the bracket,was tapped (factory)into the oil passage?
i ask because I found sealant on the bolt, mounting the alternator bracket, during a head gasket,chain,oil pump replacement..
oil was leaking from that area,after startup..
Just wondering...cause it ain't coming out the timing,cover,nor the valve covers,nor the head...
maybe this warrents examination,,
Maybe this will help someone else...
Thanx..

 

I can't imagine the engineers would allow such a design.