Oil leak

Tiny
JGONZO2398
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,790 MILES
I have been having a small oil leak for a couple of months now. At first I replaced the transmission fluid pan gasket, the problem went away for a few weeks, then it came back. It is only a small, slow drip and it is only in one spot. After taking it to my mechanic to get the engine oil pan gasket replaced, he told me that was not the issue, the valve cover gasket was the culprit. Well, I just replaced that valve cover gasket yesterday, along with the grommets, and now it seems like it is leaking in several different areas. I used a FelPro gasket, with engine sealant, all screws were turned tightly so I do not know what the problem is. I took a video under my car and a lot down there just seems to be greasy. Any ideas?
Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 10:53 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

From your description and video, it looks like the back of the transmission pan is leaking and there is a leak at the back of the oil pan.

You did not show anything on the valve cover area.

I would start by going to a self serve car wash and using hot soapy water to rinse down the engine of all oil and debris. Then drive it to see where the oil is leaking.

Roy
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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So you think the gaskets for the both the oil and transmission need replacement?
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Transmission, yes

Oil, cannot tell from there as there was nothing from the top to verify it was coming from the top. Can you do another video of the top?

Roy
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
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Will do that later, thank you.
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

We will be here.

Roy
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Here is a video of the top.
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, looks good.

Assuming the back cover looks the same, it appears the back of the oil pan is leaking.

You were right in your first post. I would agree that the oil pan is leaking.

Roy
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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Okay, so both the oil pan and transmission pan need gasket replacements?
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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And by the back cover you are referring to the intake manifold? Because that would require me to take it apart in order to check right?
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, you usually change both valve cover gaskets when doing one gasket.

Yes, the upper intake has to come off to access the cover. Look closely at the cover and inspect for leaks.

Roy
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 1:56 PM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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I went ahead and took another video from under the car, especially of the oil pan drain plug, it seems like some oil may be spilling from there, what do you think? I also noticed that big drip dot on top of the drain plug so I am wondering how that happened, would it be spilling from the top? Also, the bolts on the oil pan seemed to be covered in oil.
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Friday, March 30th, 2018 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good video.

That is all oil pan. The gasket has failed and is leaking.

Replace the oil pan gasket.

Roy
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
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I figured, thank you.
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 8:13 AM
Tiny
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You are welcome.

Roy
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
JGONZO2398
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I have taken another video of under the car. I still have not replaced the oil pan gasket yet, but it seems like there is oil dripping from other areas around the oil and transmission pan. I do not know. What do you think? I need help on this.
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Friday, April 27th, 2018 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, can you take a video of the upper end of the engine? Especially the rear toward the transmission. I am looking for the back of the intake manifold for a leak.

Roy
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Friday, April 27th, 2018 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
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There are some wet stains on top of the intake manifold cover. Here is the other video.
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Monday, April 30th, 2018 AT 6:26 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, I still suspect a leak at the back of the intake manifold. The lower one.

Roy
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Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 AT 3:33 AM

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