Hi, I am quite frusterated right now. I have a 99 F-250 SD Lariat with only 52K miles on it. I have been experiencing smoking coming from the engine compartment that is consistent with buring oil. I took it to a couple of mechanics who all told me it was the rear main seal that was bad. I had the rear main seal replaced ($632.00 later) about three weeks ago which I thought fixed the problem. The smoking and smell of burning oil stopped. Until about two days ago, I noticed that the engine began to smoke and oil burning smell again. The mechanic also said something that it might be the engine bearings or something to that effect that could be bad. Anyone have any suggestions what this could be. I usually notice it the most when the vehicle is not totally warmed up. This problem seems to come and go. I also just had my truck's oil changed (5w-30), and the service station could not find any oil leaks. Its really annoying when I come to a stop for a red light and it looks like my truck is on fire. My truck does not seem to be having any performance problems just the burning oil smell and smoke. I was told that if in fact it was the engine bearings it was going to cost a couple thousand to fix. Unfortunatly, I dont have that kind of money to throw around. Anyone experiencing the same problems, please let me know... Any other suggestions on what the problem could be would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

Gas or diesel?

 

well i think it isn't diesel ,due to the weight oil that was used on the change as stated 5w-30.
Problably a 5.4l
A common oil leak problem is the head gasket on the passger side back corner
the oil returns to crankcase via the oil passage in the head .It leaks out and drips onto the exhaust pipe .
,sometimes looks like the rear seal is leaking.
There was a TSB on this from Ford.The fix is a new design head gasket and also if the head itself has dimples left in it from casting. The head has to be replaced .
Because you can't mill the heads because of tolerances in the valve train area.

Do a search on 5.4 l oil leaking.

Rich

 

When I assume, it gets me in trouble.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll bring it into my mechanic in the morning. I can see how they thought it was the rear main seal cause its so close to the head gasket. But your exactly right forty, the oil is dripping right on the exhaust pipe. I looked underneath it today and can see the drip line going straight down. So much for the place where I took to get my oil changed. I was told they did a thorough inspection and could not find any leaks. Looking underneath the engine, its clear as day......I appreciate the help. Thank you very much!

 

Your welcome !,I hope it doesn't cost too much to get it fixed.

Rich

 

Ouch...spoke to the mechanic today.....a rough estimate of $1800.00. Time to shop around for another mechanic.

 

Is Ford helping anybody out with this problem ???? ,,,,anybody know ?

 

They fixed many 99's under waranty.I'd give Ford customer service a call and see if anything can be worked out.If they won't foot the bill,(most likely they won't)see if they can supply necessary parts and you pay for labor.Just a thought.

 

Ford was no help at all. Of course they won't cover anything unless its under warranty. Unfortunatly, its not under warranty any longer. They weren't willing to help with anything at all. The service manager told me on a personal level to not fix it that its not worth it. My truck has 53K miles on it. I would hate to have to replace my truck with such low miles because of an idiotic mistake by not fixing what could be a huge problem. He basically told me that as long as the oil is not pouring on the ground and if I can live with the oil burning smell that my truck would be fine. Looks like I better start working some more over time to fix this problem.

 

To replace the head gasket???

Or to replace the whole head...in which I would respond, How does he know if it needs replaced??

 

Thats correct, he said $1800.00 to replace the head gasket. But he might of meant the whole head. Of course labor is going to be the major killer here, but I did not expect it to be that much.