Ive got some oil coming out of the read end of the engine and I think its the read main seal, but I dont know enough about trucks to just say to myself that that is what it is and then rip the whole thing apart to find out that it was the oilpan. Heres what is wrong. To begin with I noticed it when oil was leaking onto my exhaust and smoking out the entire block. Just now I have found that it is for sure coming from the back of the block (5.8L). But im not sure if it could be a leak in the oilpan or the rear main. There is no oil around my spark plugs or from the top of the engine either. If anyone has had a similiar problem or knows what they are talking about it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

God bless,
Scott.

PS.

F-250, 5.8L, Manual, EFI.

 

Normally when I hear it is burning on the exhaust I think about leaky head gaskets or intake manifold gaskets. You sure it isn't the rear of the head gasket right near the bell housing?

But you said not from the top of the engine. So assuming that it is lower it would have to be oil coming from the back of the block. Don't know your engine but it is probably a leaky main seal or possibly some leaky cam gallery plugs.

Most transmissions have a cover plate of some sort that opens into the bell housing. I would get a really strong light and look into the bell housing. If you see oil sprayed around in there, you probably found your problem.

If there is no access plate, there usually is a drain hole right at the bottom of the bell. If oil is dripping out... Or if it is too dirty clean the area well and then watch for oil. Or you might have to start it up and or drive it a bit. Worst case you may need to park the truck over some newspaper to check for where the leaks are.

Cleaning and inspecting also can work for oil pan leaks. It is hard to find leaks on a dirty engine, but clean is easy, usually. You might have to go to a flourescent dye in the oil and a black light if you are really having problems, but normall an oil leak is easy to find.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

Thanks for the help Jim. Im going to clean that whole underside real well tomorrow and then see what I can find after I drive it for a while. I will probably ad a few more posts on what I find and see if that helps at all, but for sure im going to be taking it into the shop.

 

If you are sure it isn't oil from the transmission then it could be anything in the rear of the engine. Most common have alread been stated, but there is another possibility. There is a plug in the rear of the block which plugs off where the end of the camshaft is. At times these spring a leak after a rebuild when it gets replaced improperly.

If you want to confirm if the leak is a plug in the rear of the engine then just pump up the oil pressure with a drill in reverse. Of course you'll have to remove the distributor to do this. Oh the real beauty of having a Ford shines at moments like this. ch#vy owners can only wish they could perform this step as easily. LOL
Anyway, Oil pressure leaks really show up doing this. If you don't think it is a rear block plug then add an extra quart of oil to your engine and drive up onto an incline or car ramps. This will force the oil to pool in the rear of the oil pan. Now just turn the engine off and check for leaks. If an oil pan leak at the rear of the pan or the rear main seal doesn't reveal itself, then you need to look at those block plugs.

 

Moved to 5.8L forum. User has posted that he had that engine before and we really need to know ALL the information in order to help. Please post in the proper forum and list enough information to allow people to help.