98 explorer oil leak

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Apr 25, 2010 | 05:50 PM

hotstang

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From: Chesapeake, va

98 explorer oil leak

The explorer has an oil leak after changing the head gaskets, intak gasket and both valve cover gaskets. The enging was leaking coolant between the drivers head and block (around the #5 cyl) and we got that leak to stop but now it is leaking oil from the back of the engine and leaking down the transmission. I can see around the back of the engine enough to see that both valve cover gaskets are dry and looks like the intake seal to the block in the rear is dry but I can't see on the very back drivers side. Is there anything in the back of the engine besides the intake gasket and the oil pump drive gear? Has anyone changed the oil pump drive gear o-ring with the engine installed? What must be removed to access the drive gear?

Apr 28, 2010 | 05:42 PM

wickware

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From: Ft. Worth, Tx

Can you get a digital camera back there to point and shoot? I have gotten some good diagnostic Pics in tight areas if the area is not too tight for the camera. It usually takes me 1-2 shots to find my best angle. I have seen a Ridgid SeeSnake Micro 17mm Inspection Camera 31118 that probably would let you see back there but not as cheap as a digital camera.

Regular Price: $254.50
On Sale For: $223.96

Good Luck!
Jow

Apr 28, 2010 | 10:07 PM

shorod

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Joined: Jun 2009

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From: Cedar Rapids, IA

Harbor Freight sells what appears to be the exact same thing for about $100 less. Good battery life, good picture quality, good features.

-Rod

Apr 29, 2010 | 12:30 AM

aquanaut20

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: BC Canada

There are a couple of junctions, block/head/valve cover that during installation require a peanut size dolop of RTV. If you don't get the sealant in those spots leaks abound.

Apr 29, 2010 | 10:30 AM

hotstang

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From: Chesapeake, va

Some (dis)assembly required

I will have to pull the upper intake this weekend to look around in the back. I put the RTV in the places the instructions called for and can tell it is sealed up on the valve covers but will have dig deeper for the answer on this one. Think if I find one of those snake cameras I will still have to pull the upper intake (at a minimum) to fix anything that shows up.
Thanks for all of the replies and I will post the results as soon as I have them.

May 12, 2010 | 08:56 AM

hotstang

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From: Chesapeake, va

Leak stopped

Well after 2 attempts at sealing the leak we have success. I pulled the upper intake off the first try and was trying to figure out how to still see the back side of intake, block and heads. Then my son suggested “why don’t you hook up the web cam to the laptop”. After getting the drop light in place I could get a great look at all of the places (even took some pictures with the software but haven’t figured how to up load them to this site) I ran a bead of silicone along the edge of the intake to block and heads and no more leaks. Great alternative to one of the snake cameras if you can fit your hand in the space to hold the small web cam.

Valve cover with no leak