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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

front drivers side leak

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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 12:08 PM
  #1  
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front drivers side leak

Hey all, this is a picture of a leak I'm trying to chase down on my truck. About 3k miles ago I figured it was the oil cooler, so I drained all of the fluids and replaced the orings. Then I went on a cross country road trip and all seemed well. No signs of leaks along the way, from the quick looking I did. When I drained the coolant, there were a few small splotches of oil, which seemed to confirm to me this was the problem.

However, history seems to be repeating itself, and I am I believe chasing the same leak, so I'm wondering if it could be anything else? I was very careful with my oil cooler install and I dont see any signs of failure, but you never know.

The degas bottle is not completely clean, but i am thinking that could be from oil residue from before the last flush. Fluid wise the levels are exactly where they were 3000 miles ago.



To assist in the trouble shooting process, I am thinking I will clean what is there, and try to get a better idea of where the leak is originating from. Any other ideas are welcome!
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 12:39 PM
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If you didn't use the OEM o-rings in the cooler repair, they may have failed again. There have been reports of the cheap o-rings not lasting.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 12:43 PM
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Hey, thanks for the quick reply. I bought the parts from the local ford dealer and paid about double what I would have online for the same parts, just because I was in a hurry.
Here are is another picture. Taken from up above, looking down. The lower right is the oil cooler. This leads me to believe the leak is originating above?

 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 12:50 PM
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Front oil plug on the head?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 01:04 PM
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Just checked, and the front oil plug looks bone dry
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 01:07 PM
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I am beginning to think it is the "non serviceable" plug on the hpop -- could this be the case?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by ninedude
I am beginning to think it is the "non serviceable" plug on the hpop -- could this be the case?
I think that would run to the right rear of engine. ( I think)
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 01:20 PM
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Check the oil galley plug behind the AC/PS bracket. Could also be bad HPOP reservoir gaskets. Clean it really good and recheck to confirm the leak.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 03:20 PM
  #9  
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I've cleaned things the best I can without taking things apart. When I put my hand behind the water pump, above the oil cooler (the spot in the second picture), there is a seemingly continual source of whatever it is that is leaking. When I try and trace it up, it doesnt seem to originate at the oil galley or the hpop bolt that's under the 2 hoses. This leads me to believe it could be coming from the hpop reservoir in an area I cant quite see, but if anyone else has any ideas I'm all ears
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 03:23 PM
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Also, as a bit of a tangent to this, there is a thin film of oil at the top of my degas can -- could it be from when I replaced the oil cooler / the seals failed the first time (I emptied all drain plugs and refilled afterward) and it just took awhile for the oil to work through the system, or is this evidence that my repair has failed? I am trying to figure out if I have two seperate leaks going on, or just the one that's being discussed right now.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2020 | 04:53 PM
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I had a hpop resivour seal at the timing cover leak on my 96.
 
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Old Nov 16, 2020 | 12:21 PM
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I have the same issue I think. To OP, thanks for the pictures! I am going to look some more today on my truck (I still have the leak).
 
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Old Nov 22, 2020 | 05:42 PM
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The leak is still happening, leaves a small puddle every time I make even a short trip. When I have some more time and the weather improves, I will clean everything as best I can to try and pinpoint the leak. But might as well bump this in case anyone has any ideas on where to look in the meantime.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2020 | 08:34 AM
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I found mine I think. It's coolant and it is seeping from the lower bolt on the water outlet pipe. Weird.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2021 | 11:36 AM
  #15  
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A mere 10 months later, and I am still on this odyssey. At least looking back at that old picture I can be encouraged by my constant cleaning because things look much better now. But the leak is still there.
I changed the fuel system to efuel and completely refurbished the hpop and reservoir.
The leak has no smell of coolant, but I am beginning to suspect it could be the outside bolt of the water pump as well. If anyone has any other ideas I am all ears!
 
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