Help - big sudden oil leak
 

After spending about a million dollars (slightly exaggerated, but not much) fixing everything on this truck from springs to turbo, I'm ready to take a big trip with the camper to WV over Christmas. So today as I'm looking things over, I notice a big oil leak, oil dripping from the steering rod, the lower radiator hose etc. This must have JUST started because I replace the clutch hydraulics two nights ago and it was dry. It’s definitely engine oil from the look and feel. I’m also down a quart.

It LOOKS like it’s coming from the front main shaft, but I can’t be sure. I don’t see any leaks above it, valve covers etc. Is there something in this area that can cause this other than something terrible like a main seal? I’m praying this isn’t the case…

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John<O:p</O:p
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have you changed CPS check o-ring

I'd also check the lines going into the HPOP & plugs, and maybe the ICP sesnor. Perhaps the gasket in the HPOP reservoir.

I checked around the HPOP area, I don't see anything leaking. There is a little bit of oil in the valley, it seems like oil rather than fuel. Not a lot, just a tablespoon or two maybe.

So I cleaned everything up and took it for a drive. Ran it hard a bit and hit the highway for a few miles too. Brought it back in the garage and everything is still dry.. :-huh I don't get it, why it's not leaking now.

I was planning to take a "test tow" tomorrow to see how it pulls with the new turbo, so I guess I'll top off my oil and check it when I get back.

Thanks for the tips.
John

I took it out to fuel up, about 10 miles RT. When I got back it's dripping with oil again. I can see the HP hoses from the HPOP to the heads, they look fine. The only sign of oil is a little pool in the front of the valley and it's dripping from the main pulley and steering..

Is there something under the HPOP that can't be seen from the top?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Who was the guy that wanted to buy my truck? I'm ready!

John

Check where the hoses attach to the HPOP, and also check the end plug.

http://www.guzzle.rbmicro.com/misc/hpopleaks.jpg

Thanks Chris, I'll re-check the HPOP connections in the morning. I'll try to shoot some pictures too. I just can't believe this, it's a disaster. I need this truck for our Christmas trip, I've been working my @$$!! off to get it ready (see million $$$ repair list below). :-hair

- UVC Harnesses
- Glow plugs
- Batteries
- Water pump
- New hoses, all of them!
- Flush and fill the coolant, new expansion tank
- Changed front & rear diff, tranny
- New clutch
- New clutch hyd & CPP switch
- New tires
- New calipers and brake pads
- New exhaust
- Re-built front hubs
- New turbo
- New shocks
- New ball joints
- New front springs
- New camber adjusters
- New steering end links
- New sway bar links
- New sensors, too many to remember...

Also added ISSPRO gauges on the pillar and Superchips tuner.

Still haven't found the source of the leak. I see a tiny bit of mostly dried up oil from the front HP hose fitting. The rest looks pretty dry.

It doesn't seem to leak much while I'm driving. It drips below the truck about 10 minutes after I shut down. Maybe it's just taking that long to drip down from somewhere higher?

Anyone know of a good 7.3 mechanic in CT? I may need some help locating this.

Thanks,
John

Check for leaks on the fuel filter water drain valve. There are 2 o-rings total of about $3.00 that will cause this type of leak. Sounds exactly like my leak. Looked like oil but was diesel fuel mixed with gunk from engine surface. Took me about 45 minutes to change out the orings.

Thanks..

I don't have much time and I couldn't find the leak, so I took it to a local shop recommended by the local shop that helped me out with the truck suspension.

I just got a call from the repair shop, they said it's the oil pump seal leaking. It's about 3-1/2 hours labor to pull it off and repair. Apparently you have to remove the crankshaft pulley to get to it. :eek:

Nothing another $500 won't fix!!! :-banghead

I should have it back at the end of the day tomorrow.

It may be a fuel drain valve leak, had this on my truck and almost tore apart the turbo housing to replace those orings until I found this place. Thought I had an oil leak also and oil which turned to be fuel and dirt. Here is an article on it
Welcome to guzzle's PSD Fuel Filter Drain Valve Repair Web Page

correct see post 9

Got it back last night. It's kind of hard to looks for leaks when it's raining and dark outside, but I have every expectation that they fixed it. I'll have more time to look it over on the weekend.

I can tell you the guys at Wheelers Auto Repair in Hamden, CT were very professional. They have mechanics on staff that are familiar with the 7.3 (hard to find around here), so I have high hopes that they did it right the first time. They maintain their own fleet of 7.3 powered tow trucks. I had some good discussions with the mechanic that worked on my truck about Alliant injectors (they've run theirs over 200k), mods and such. He was very knowledgeable.

Thanks to everyone on this board for your help. This truck has come a long way and there's no way I could have done it alone!

John