Oil leak

sconnors

Well-known member
After driving for awhile the other day, I noticed some oil running down the right splash pan (see pic 1). I cleaned it before I took the picture (my mistake) took some pictures from the drivers side and passenger side (see second and third pic) It wasn’t a lot but definitely oil running down there.
I just purchased this and the previous owner totally rebuilt the engine in 2018 and put less than 300 miles on it before I got it.
Anything that jumps out at anyone by looking at the pics would be greatly appreciated. I checked all the bolts and they’re tight.
Thanks guys
Scott
 

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Hi Scott. There's some oil still on the front pulley and also on the front cover,but hard to say exactly where it came from. Be aware that front cover bolts go through to the crankcase and need sealer to ensure no leakage past the threads. Pretty easy to remove them one at a time to apply sealer if you think that may be the case. You may have to drive it again to see better evidence.
 
One thing you can do is to remove the big 1/2" bolt from the front motor mount yoke and coat the threads with a sealant. Then reinstall it. From the first photo, that bolt doesn't appear to be tightened enough, as the lock washer seems to be uncompressed. Maybe just a trick of photography.
Years ago I had a pesky leak up front like yours. It finally turned out that the front timing gear had a hairline crack along its front base. I imagine someone overtightened a pan bolt beneath and cracked it, or used a bolt too long and cranked it too tight. 'Dunno. I replaced the cracked timing gear cover and that solved the problem.
Also ensure that no oil is leaking from the oil return pipe on the lower side of the engine. If the gasket is leaking there, oil will run down the side of the engine and eventually down the splash pan.
Marshall
 
The front crankshaft seal could be where the oil is coming from which is not an uncommon place for oil to leak. You could start by lightly tightening the front pan bolts. If they are slightly loose this could cause the front rope seal around the crankshaft to leak when the shaft is rotating. If this doesn't solve the problem then you might have to replace the rope seal on the crankshaft. This process is a little more involved but can be done fairly easily. I would try some of posted suggestions before attempting to replace the rope seal.
 
What sealer would you recommend




Permatex #2 form a gasket is a thick paste non- hardening sealer in a tube that works very well on threads, straight or tapered. It will tolerate oil on threads unlike many sealers. I like it for things like this. Teflon tape works well too in a location such as you're dealing with.
Many sealers will do the job in this case since there's no pressure, but I prefer the two above.


Terry
 
Re: Oil leak -UPDATE

Per everyone’s suggestions I removed the bolts with arrows in the attached pics and applied Permatex 2. Took the car out for a lengthy drive and came back and no oil leak! See last picture
Thanks for everyone’s help. The Ford Barn is the best!
 

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Hurray! Well done! Success stories are always welcome around here. Your story will help others on this website solve their oil leakage problem. Thank you from all of us for your follow-up report.
Marshall
 
Hurray! Well done! Success stories are always welcome around here. Your story will help others on this website solve their oil leakage problem. Thank you from all of us for your follow-up report.
Marshall

I have gotten more from the Ford Barn than I could ever pay back, so when others help me out I believe in paying it forward in the event it can help others like I’ve been helped!
 
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