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Oil leak

Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I just replaced my oil filter adapter gasket, water pump and intake manifold gasket. I noticed a spot on the ground and just assumed it was coolant, thinking maybe I over filled it and then after running the SUV the coolant expanded and was released. I then park the SUV on a slight incline with the engine pointing down in my driveway and there was no leak the next morning. So I just figured the coolant level was back to normal. But today after parking back in the normal spot I noticed an oil spot. I am lost as to why it would leak oil on a flat parking surface and not on an incline with the engine facing down. Any ideas what the problem could be?
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Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 AT 2:45 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,480 POSTS
When parked "level" the rear of the engine is actually pointed down at a slight angle. While running oil goes everywhere in that engine so any gasket toward the rear could cause a leak if oil pools near it. Valve covers, rear main seal, oil pan gasket would be common leaks. The easiest way to find where it is coming from would be to go out on a cold engine, wipe the areas down with some brake clean or similar to remove any oil/crud. Then start the engine let it run until warm, shut it off and use a mirror, camera, eyes to look at any of those gaskets. If you cannot readily see the leak you can get a dye that can be added to the engine oil (similar to AC dye) and then you look with a UV light. The leak will glow.
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Thursday, April 5th, 2018 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
I found it to be rear main seal. Any tips on changing it?
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Thursday, April 5th, 2018 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,480 POSTS
Not real fun but not the worst item. Basically you drop the transmission out. Remove the flex plate and remove and replace the seal. While you have the transmission out it is a good idea to change the input and output shaft seals.

The special tools do make the job easier if you can borrow them. Some parts places have them as loaner tools.

What do you have as reference material/service manual?
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
I only have a Hanes manual and YouTube.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,480 POSTS
Not sure the Haynes covers that very well. You could get a one year to either AlldataDIY or Mitchell1. They run $30.00 but give you the same access as shops have. Combine that with this site, YouTube and the Haynes and you should be able to repair anything on that truck.
That way you would not need to wait for answers so much either.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Okay, I will check into them for sure.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,480 POSTS
It can make it a lot easier to have good information in front of you. Plus we are always here if you hit a wall.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
I noticed that when I drove the SUV last, after parking there was white smoke coming up in the engine area. Is this normal? I am guessing the oil is bring on the exhaust?
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,480 POSTS
Oil or water will both give off white smoke if dropped on hot parts. The easy way to tell which is to take a sniff. Coolant will smell sweet like burnt sugar. Oil will stink and make you gag if you get enough of it.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
Yeah it is oil for sure. I was just wondering if there was a second leak since it was coming up through the engine bay. But as I watch the oil drip when parked it only drips from where the rear main seal is.
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Friday, April 6th, 2018 AT 7:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Here is a guide and a video to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-main-seal-replacement-rear

and this video shows the job but your will be a truck.

https://youtu.be/JpzefqEeVGE

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

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Monday, April 9th, 2018 AT 1:14 PM

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