My '04 Ranger Edge 3.0 5-speed goes out of warranty in about 10 days. I have been noticing oil spots on my garage floor, and I figured it was time for a new washer on the oil pan drain plug. Crawled under it today and saw a "collection" of oil on the front edge of the tranny, just above the oil pan drain plug. I know diagnosing a leak from a photo is practically impossible, but does anyone have any advice on what this might be? I don't think it's "overflow" from the filter base or drain plug from oil changes. I plan on taking it to the dealer tomorrow and would feel better knowing what it might be when I drop it off so as to defend myself in the event of dealer runaround.

Also, the tranny has had M1 ATF for about 8K, and the fluid in the picture is black, not red like fresh ATF. Any and all comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

"NICE PICTURE" That's exactly what anybody around here seems like when asked for an opinion.

The oil plug looks like its lower than the spot your pointing at, so unless the oil blew up from the oil plug at high speed, or gravity doesn't work like it used to, the first thing that comes to mind is a rear main seal leak. It's not definite considering you did suspect a bad pan plug gasket, but definitely possible.

The dealers mechanic should have a scope to look up that little gap that's there to see up the back of the engine to see if its leaking from the rear main seal.

If he says its not the main seal, insist that they extend the warranty for that item only considering that you complained about that exact item 'before' the warranty expired and they claimed otherwise. Get it in writing. If he seems insulted that you wouldn't trust his word, tell him ' it's not that I don't trust you, its just that if anything bad happens to you in the meantime(dies, quits or gets fired) I'd like something in writing to confirm the committment.

Good luck

Fred

 

Great plan by fllintstone on the last paragraph...get it in writing ASAP.

I 100% agree...oil from between the tranny and engine, rear main seal.

Get it in while it's under warranty, it will be covered.

 

The area where the oil is collecting is indeed higher than the oil pan drain plug. All fluids are at proper levels, and the leak is definately a very slow leak. The area indicated in the photo is "wet" to the touch with oil.

I will get any response in writing, and I will be keeping this photo.

Thanks for the advice.

 

So I took the truck to the dealer a week and a half ago. They degreased the area where the oil was collecting and traced it back to the oil filter area, assuming it was spillover from the last filter change. But, to be safe, they added die to the oil, told me to drive it for a week, and bring it back in.

I drove it about 100 miles and brought it in today. They put it up on the lift and sure enough found a leak detecting the die, diagnosing it as either a rear main seal leak or a leaking oil pan gasket.

I'm a little bit bothered by a truck with only 24K miles having a problem like this, but I am pleased with how the dealer is handling it (Neil Sandler Ford in Alcoa, TN). They definately took the better safe than sorry route on this one and it looks like I stand to benefit from their attitude. I didn't buy the truck at this dealer, but have used them on an earlier warranty repair on the driver's seat because they are close to my work.

I would recommend their service department based on how they've handled this problem and an earlier problem. I told my wife I will by my Superduty some day from them, but she just looked at me like she was trying to figure out where the frying pan was!

 

Usually if you happen to mention you might be interested in another Ford at sometime in the future, the dealer will treat you right so you bring your business back to them.

Glad to hear that dealer is working for you, they seem to be spot on in how they're treating it.

Don't let it worry you 'bout the 24K and having problems with it leaking. Gaskets and seals can last a lifetime or just a few months.

 

Did they retorque the oil & tranny pan fastners????

If it's the oil pan gasket, has anyone thought to check the PCV valave, if it's stuck, excess pressure can build in the engine & cause gasket leaks.

I had a tranny pan leak, right out of the factory!!!!
A fastner retorque fixed it up!!!!

Sounds like this Dealer is a KEEPER!!!!

Good idea to take it in & verify it as a pre-existing condition. I've had them honor a pre-existing condition up to a year past warranty!!!!

Let us know what they find & do.

 

Paw:

The dealer says they will not know if it is leaking from the rear main or from the oil pan gasket until the drop the tranny.

They are treating it as a pre-existing condition and have a really great attitude about it. I have talked with the service advisor and the technician that diagnosed the problem - both have an attitude of "looking out for me" vs. "looking out for Ford or the dealeship." I'm pleasantly surprised and very pleased.

 

Good for you!!!!!! . Some people DO realize that they're in the 'Service' industry and not just looking to make a buck on volume. Oil pan gasket is not that big a deal, but the main seal is a PITA. Expensive to fiincludes dropping the pan). Stick with that dealer and return the favor. Recomend him to family and friends and the relationship grows. They do make good money off of volume when the service is that good.