Stop me!!!!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: SE WI
My leak is mostly rear main seal. I'm not gonna worry about it much, oil is cheap. Maybe if the van didn't have as much of the custom iron oxide lightening treatment... (Who needs rocker panels anyways?
)
I don't drive it much anyways, just when I need to haul stuff.
) I don't drive it much anyways, just when I need to haul stuff.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
On my vans, what I thought were leaks from the rear main seal were actually from the oil pan gaskets. It's actually easier to replace the rear seal than the oil pan gasket. They started out as mere trickles, but gradually developed into visible drops that got worse. I got tired of mopping up after them, as well as refilling the oil all too often, so I d replaced everything.
However, if I wasn't sure the van was going to last very long, I probably would not have done it.
However, if I wasn't sure the van was going to last very long, I probably would not have done it.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada
In the 3.0l, go with a 5W-30, or 0W-30. I run M1 0W-30 in my Sable and Windstar with no ill effects, except maybe easier starting and slightly better gas mileage.
For a 4.0l, the Rotella 5W-40 should be okay. The 4.0l likes a thicker oil. I just run cheaper 5W-30 in mine, as it doesn't stay in long enough to make a difference. The Check Oil light comes on every 4-600 miles or so.
For a 4.0l, the Rotella 5W-40 should be okay. The 4.0l likes a thicker oil. I just run cheaper 5W-30 in mine, as it doesn't stay in long enough to make a difference. The Check Oil light comes on every 4-600 miles or so.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
There is either a "Check Engine" light or the digital instrument cluster would beep and flash when the oil pressure drops too low. There is also a level sensor that switches on another light when the level of oil in the pan drops below a certain level (about 2 quarts down).
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
go ahead and do it. i'm a firm believer in vehicle abuse
will $500 ea. tires make my rig run better and last longer or just make me feel better?
will $500 ea. tires make my rig run better and last longer or just make me feel better?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: SE WI
The Check Oil light is handy. It kept the van alive when the wife was driving it everyday.
(The '94 Corolla was 2 qts. low pretty often, only held 4 qts.) My mom's 93 Explorer also had it. Came on once in that one. The light comes on when it is one quart low.
FoMoCo didn't back-spec the 4.0l for 5W-20. Most everything else was.
(The '94 Corolla was 2 qts. low pretty often, only held 4 qts.) My mom's 93 Explorer also had it. Came on once in that one. The light comes on when it is one quart low. FoMoCo didn't back-spec the 4.0l for 5W-20. Most everything else was.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Oh really, I found my 4.0L likes a thinner lighter oil. Better gas mileage, more performance, and the oil pressure gauge registers with a lighter oil. When I use heavier oils, like 5W30 or 10W30, the oil pressure gauge doesn't respond. I know its a dummy switch, but the dummy switch works with a lighter oil on my vehicle. I am currently running 5W20. I want to be running 0W20 but I can't get that oil locally.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
