Second Opinions Requested
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From: Tillamook, Or.
Second Opinions Requested
Greetings
I am working through some issues with my '88, one of which was to get the valve covers sealed. When I pulled the brackets from in front of the Passenger side the oil isn't where I was expecting it to be.
Anyody that would look at the pic linked below and offer an opinion would be appreciated. There is an obvious oil trail that starts at the vlave over. It trails down to below the head gasket but there is also a significantly greater amount of oil below the line of the head gasket. So my question is this: Does the N.A. 7.3 have a tendancy to "Pool" oil in this area or am I headed towards pulling the heads?
The engine didn't exhibit any other symptoms, holds water pressure just fine, doesn't smoke, the oil consumption didn't seem to be excessive beyond what I would expect from a leaky engine.
I have my own idea about how to spend the next week, and new heads weren't on my list.
Ron
I am working through some issues with my '88, one of which was to get the valve covers sealed. When I pulled the brackets from in front of the Passenger side the oil isn't where I was expecting it to be.
Anyody that would look at the pic linked below and offer an opinion would be appreciated. There is an obvious oil trail that starts at the vlave over. It trails down to below the head gasket but there is also a significantly greater amount of oil below the line of the head gasket. So my question is this: Does the N.A. 7.3 have a tendancy to "Pool" oil in this area or am I headed towards pulling the heads?
The engine didn't exhibit any other symptoms, holds water pressure just fine, doesn't smoke, the oil consumption didn't seem to be excessive beyond what I would expect from a leaky engine.
I have my own idea about how to spend the next week, and new heads weren't on my list.
Ron
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: KY
Most engines will at some time will leak oil down around the head bolt then it will work out from under the head. It is pretty common. I wouldn't worry about it. Clean it up and drive on. Don't worry about it.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
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From: Tillamook, Or.
Originally Posted by catfish101
Most engines will at some time will leak oil down around the head bolt then it will work out from under the head. It is pretty common. I wouldn't worry about it. Clean it up and drive on. Don't worry about it.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
Ron
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Campbell River, B.C.
Originally Posted by catfish101
Most engines will at some time will leak oil down around the head bolt then it will work out from under the head. It is pretty common. I wouldn't worry about it. Clean it up and drive on. Don't worry about it.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
Remember the heads are really dancing around on the block while that engine is running.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: KY
Not if the fire dam on the head gasket is ok. And I say when a fire dam gives and the head gasket "blows" air could get in the case but there alot more passeges from the block to the head that carry coolant then oil so the gases end up in the coolant system or that is when we notice it. I don't think it would ever have a chance to work around a head bolt. Oil on the other hand will over time work under the head bolt flange and then down the bolt.
Ofcoarse over time a teaspoon of oil will spread out and look like a alot more oil then it is.
Ofcoarse over time a teaspoon of oil will spread out and look like a alot more oil then it is.
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From: KY
I would say it is the same thing. It is common.
It looks like the valve cover was letting a little out also. That is called "wicking". Warranty term. that means it is normal and it no repairable under warranty in most cases.
It looks like the valve cover was letting a little out also. That is called "wicking". Warranty term. that means it is normal and it no repairable under warranty in most cases.
Last edited by catfish101; Sep 27, 2007 at 09:27 PM.
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From: KY
If you are talking about this problem, this isn't a gasket failure. But actual gasket failures, I can't say I have ever really seen a pattern. The older motors with the older style head gaskets like these motors, 6.5's, Cummins m11's ect., they will probably eventually go at some point.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Part of that oil also looks like it may be coming out of the timing gear cover.
Just a flat plate that bolts to the front of the block to cover the timing gears.
Then the same plate is what the water pump mounts on.
Head gasket failures are not common on NA 7.3 motors.
High mileage 6.9 motors usually need head gaskets since the head bolts are smaller.
Just a flat plate that bolts to the front of the block to cover the timing gears.
Then the same plate is what the water pump mounts on.
Head gasket failures are not common on NA 7.3 motors.
High mileage 6.9 motors usually need head gaskets since the head bolts are smaller.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: spokane WA
The oil also has a tendancy to run down the head from the valve cover and hit the head parting line or head gasket and spread out then run down the block. Makes it look like you got a bigger problem than you really do. Wash it and fix the valve covers and forget it.
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