Massive oil leak
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Reno,NV
Massive oil leak
Truck has been leaking oil for a while now thought it was front crank seal. Just replaced the seal everything went well but it still leaks maybe even more than before.
Please feel free to offer any suggestions.
2004 F150 5.4
Please feel free to offer any suggestions.
2004 F150 5.4
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 193
Front seal on crank would be behind timing cover ,I don't believe that would go external with a leak . Now when you put a new seal in timing cover you have to coat key way with fresh rtv just before assembly .I put new seal in cover during timing job . I find you must do a check list when assembling timing or you will forget the proper steps .Take your time its painful to go back in . There are some neat tricks for assembly .
You are going to have to clean up the whole area to find the leaks highest point . You also have to rtv the 4 metal joints on the block to get the timing cover to seal same for oil pan and valve covers When you clean those surfaces you can see joints and your finger nail will find them too. Those joints create a channel for oil to flow behind seal.
Timing cover is subject to getting a hole cut in it from timing chain .Wd40 and dawn can clean area to make it easier to see. dry newspaper on grd can help spot area of drip .
The ford manual shows these rtv points .
You are going to have to clean up the whole area to find the leaks highest point . You also have to rtv the 4 metal joints on the block to get the timing cover to seal same for oil pan and valve covers When you clean those surfaces you can see joints and your finger nail will find them too. Those joints create a channel for oil to flow behind seal.
Timing cover is subject to getting a hole cut in it from timing chain .Wd40 and dawn can clean area to make it easier to see. dry newspaper on grd can help spot area of drip .
The ford manual shows these rtv points .
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Reno,NV
Front crank seal is in the timing cover behind the harmonic balancer.
I think what happened is,
I didn’t remove the woodruff key on the crank before installing the seal and it probably damaged the seal.
I didn’t even think to remove it when working on it.
Thanks for the responses.
I will update this after I put in another new seal.
I think what happened is,
I didn’t remove the woodruff key on the crank before installing the seal and it probably damaged the seal.
I didn’t even think to remove it when working on it.
Thanks for the responses.
I will update this after I put in another new seal.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 193
I had key in during assembly but you must put fresh rtv silicone on key just before installing cover with seal in it . The procedure is in the ford manual .The fresh rtv will act like a lube also to slide cover over key ,it will then form fit its own gasket .. They only give you like 4 minutes between fesh rtv and final assembly or you have to start over .I think I used a good grade clear rtv ..Of course I cleaned key and shaft of oil ,brake cleaner would be good .
I really did not know if there is a another seal behind oil pump ,I guess not..Never pulled my crank .
I really did not know if there is a another seal behind oil pump ,I guess not..Never pulled my crank .
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Reno,NV
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Reno,NV
Don’t know if this slight groove in the harmonic balancer could be the cause. Don’t know where else it could be coming from
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 193
Don't recall what my crank pulley looked like at that point . . I would say it should not have a groove in it . It may be hard for the seal to work. Another thing to check is crank end play which means bad trust washers and major wear .I was careful to do two step torque on crank bolt and I had a eye on clearance to the block that I had noted before taking it off as I had trouble throwing belts on my corvette as it wasn't pulled in enough.
check your crank end play ..
A new crank pulley is the least of it . Its a steel pulley no rubber bushing or anything like that .
check your crank end play ..
A new crank pulley is the least of it . Its a steel pulley no rubber bushing or anything like that .
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 330
Likes: 15
From: Reno,NV
I have not been able to work on it since my last post.
I am going to put on a new harmonic balancer and seal this weekend.
Thanks for all reply’s and suggestions I will update this when I finish
I am going to put on a new harmonic balancer and seal this weekend.
Thanks for all reply’s and suggestions I will update this when I finish
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
I use sleeve kits instead of replacing harmonic dampers unless I've got a nice damper handy. Much cheaper and if the sleeve ever grooves like the original metal did you can just replace the sleeve. I degrease, deburr if needed then install the sleeve.
Any auto store can get them and many keep common sleeves in stock.
Any auto store can get them and many keep common sleeves in stock.