I guess I.m not driving my truck enough anymore. I had a pretty decent leak lately, from the vacuum pump. I changed that after it got pretty bad and the leak went away. I cleaned the entire area underneath as well as I could, then changed the oil. Now, I notice an oil stain with a drip at the bottom of the engine where the oil pan/engine meets the transmission. the oil drips onto the sway bar too, but nothing drips on the garage floor...yet.

I've cleaned the area twice, hoping that oil was still dripping down from the vacuum pump mess. I also changed the PCV valve, in case the old one was creating high pressure in the block. I've carefully checked higher and it's all dry, just wet at the place described above. I really hate to do this job without a lift and trans jack. It's really easy to do once you get to it though. I'm going to check the back of the valve covers first, but I see no evidence of a leak coming from higher up. I may just have to bit the bullet and take it to a local shop.

The truck only gets driven about 2500 miles a year in the last couple years. It has 69k miles on it. The vacuum pump and this are the only real issues I've ever had with it.

So, anyone had to deal with this yet? Any tips, tricks or advice?

 

You might try to simply tighten the oil pan bolts. That's weird that you found the oil pan leak right after changing the vacuum pump.

 

I noticed oil in that area first, that's when I discovered the vacuum pump leaking bad. I figured that was the problem. Once I had it all cleaned up, I noticed that there was still oil at the bottom of engine. After cleaning the area a couple of times, it's clear that there is a leak in that area. Everything around the pan is dry, the only oil found seems to be coming from the rear main.

 

IF you're talking about the 3,5 EcoBoost and IF you're dealing with an engine oil pan that's stuck on with silicone rather than a gasket the worst thing you could do is tighten the pan bolts.That will guarantee major oil leaks. I'm on my third oil pan (all replaced under warranty) in 50K and it's leaking again.

 

It’s a 3.5 EB, but it has an aluminum oil pan from the factory.

 

Yesterday, I took it to the car wash and really got the wand down into the area behind and below the vacuum pump. I was thinking that since it was leaking so bad that there could be some crud back there that would start to run oil off of it when it gets hot. I cleaned the engine bay and the bottom end really well. Afterward, I gave it good run down the highway for about 5 miles.

I parked it in the barn, left the hood up and let it sit for 24 hours. Went out tonight and it was all dry down there, no oil at all. I'm going to be cautiously optimistic about it, then recheck it after the next time I take it out for a good long drive. At the very least, my engine is really clean now.

 

Hopefully it isn't leaking anymore.🤞

Good point about the sealant used on the oil pan. I forgot that the 3.5l EBs already have oil pan issues.

 

There is a way to convert yours to an aluminum pan. It’s a process though, but probably worth it.

 

Been down that road with the dealership service manager. According to Ford, if you want the problem fixed under either the original or my Ford ESP warranty, they have to follow the TSB which mandates a plastic pan and silicone slop. If I want it converted to a metal pan I have to pay for it 100% out of pocket. Since I'm on my third plastic pan (soon to be fourth) I have to wonder just how much money Ford has saved by being idiots.

 

With 60K miles on a 9-year-old 2015, I wonder which route I'd take? Mine's been an easy keeper, and at the rate I'm going it could last another 9 years. Sure, if it started leaking, I'd go for the aluminum pan.