Oil dripping from starter?
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New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7
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Oil dripping from starter?
I am new to diesels and have a question. I purchased a 92 Ford F250 w/7.3l diesel and 263k miles. The engine seems to run fine and smooth but after changing the oil, I have noticed oil dripping from my starter motor. What is the most likely culprit. I have a fear that it is the main seal. How can I tell? At first it was a couple of drops on the driveway, now its a 2 to 3 inch spot. Before changing the oil, I asked on other forums if I could utilize an oil flush and was almost unanimously told it would be a bad idea, but on two forums it was sugested to add a quart of ATF fluid to the oil and run it a day or two to help clean out the sludge. I did, ran it for about 30 miles and then changed the oil and filter. Did this damage my seals/gaskets? The motor had plenty of oil stains and dried oily muck on the bottom when I bought it about 9 months / 2k miles ago, but I never noticed any leaks. Any info you can give me would be greatly apperciated. Thanks in advance.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
Check the valve cover on that side for tightness. The valley pan under the intake directs any stray diesel oil or water to the rear of the engine and will show up around where you are stating. The oil pressure sender port is also at the back center of the engine next to the GP controller (Caution live wires) and it will if leaking put oil onto the rear of the engine. Any oil etc getting on the rear adapter plate of the engine can/will seep into the bell housing and can be seen exiting at the drain pipe of the tran/bell housing. I would suggest cleaning the engine with a cleaner/degreaser ""ONLY CLEAN A COLD DIESEL ENGINE"" and checking again for the leak.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
the starter itself has no accessability to oil. the oil is coming from somewhere else. As pc stated, try looking at the valve cover or oil sending unit. if they are dry, look around head gasket. if the engine is as dirty as you mention, probably would be good idea to get to car wash and give the engine a good careful cleaning.
