Oil Leak
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Utah
Oil Leak
I hope I am posting this right. I have some knowledge of automobiles being a female. However, I have a problem. I own a 97 F-250 7.3 L (my baby)and have an oil leak. Now I look and it's not coming from the oil filter or the oil pan. It is leaking from a pan located above the oil pan. It looks like a half moon pan. Can anyone give me advise on this?
Thanks,
Sue
griffie1@gmail.com
Thanks,
Sue
griffie1@gmail.com
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
Welcome to FTE Sue. The common leaks on a 7.3 are related to o-rings. Most of the leaks start up on top of the motor and then run down the back side and drip where you're describing. The first step is to grab a flash light and look at the very top of the motor. The flat part up top between the heads is what we call the valley. There's lots of stuff in the way, but shine the light down in there and see if you have oil sitting on top of the motor. If you do, can you narrow it down to the front, middle or rear portion?
If not, some simple green or your favorite degreaser and low pressure water from a garden hose and a few rags will be needed to clean things up. Then you can watch for where the oil is coming from. Before sticking the hose under the hood, remember to cover the alternator, powersteering reservoir, and any open air filter element if you have one.
Once you pinpoint where the leak is coming from, we'll move on to the how to fix it part.
If not, some simple green or your favorite degreaser and low pressure water from a garden hose and a few rags will be needed to clean things up. Then you can watch for where the oil is coming from. Before sticking the hose under the hood, remember to cover the alternator, powersteering reservoir, and any open air filter element if you have one.
Once you pinpoint where the leak is coming from, we'll move on to the how to fix it part.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: West Suburbs of Chicago
I seem to have developed a very similar problem.. i plan on ceaning out the vally today and see if i can pinpoint an area.
how pricy of a fix is it for O rings if thats my culprit?
Any other conditions come to mind?
how pricy of a fix is it for O rings if thats my culprit?
Any other conditions come to mind?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Depends on which o-ring and where you buy them. You need to make sure you use the proper type o-ring, but they typically cost anywhere between a quarter up to a few dollars.
Make sure you smell the fluid. Sometimes you'll get a diesel leak (another o-ring) that mixes with the grime on the engine and looks like oil when it drips.
Make sure you smell the fluid. Sometimes you'll get a diesel leak (another o-ring) that mixes with the grime on the engine and looks like oil when it drips.
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From: Utah
Thanks Chris! I haven't had a chance to look at the valley yet. With grandkids keeping me busy and other things going on I haven't had a chance to look at it. Someone told me that I would have to pull the whole engine and I didn't think I would have to go that far. Guess I will find out what is going on after I look at it with your good advice.
Sue
Sue
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