Close



Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 125
  1. #1
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default 2.3L Engine Oil Leak

    I've developed a MASSIVE engine oil leak and I can't determine where the leak is coming from. The leak seems to be isolated to the left-side of the engine. There's enough oil leaking that is blows back under the driver-side chassis / floorpan area.

    I've already replaced the valve cover gasket so that leak is fixed. I have a massive oil puddle under my car now.

    She's had an oil leak since I got her back in Dec 2011, and I could tell the VC was leaking. This leak is really getting bad. It's almost like I have an "automatic oil changer" installed. I'd laugh, but I'm spending so much on oil that I probably could've gotten my Ranger header by now.

    She's my DD, so I can't afford to pull the engine for a rebuild. I don't have the space to it, so it would have to go to the shop. Not sure I can afford that at the moment, but then again, I don't want to keep pouring in two quarts of oil every 1.5 - 2 weeks.

    I'm thinking oil pan gasket or rear main seal. Can those be replaced without pulling the engine? Tranny's gotta come out to replace the rear main seal, IIRC. Any special tools I need? Is the rear main seal a two-piece seal? Do I need to drop the crankshaft?

    I have a feeling I need to take a week's vacation so I can get this done somehow.
    Last edited by IDMooseMan; 06-10-2014 at 12:04 AM.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  2. #2

    Default

    Did you check the oil pressure sending unit yet? They seem to leak often.
    1986 Mustang Notch, 2.3L Turbo Project

  3. #3
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Now that I had NOT considered. I'll take a look at that. There's so much gunk on the left side of the engine, it's difficult to determine what's a "fresh" leak and what's leftover built-up gunk.

    Time to buy four more cans of degreaser and buy a new spray nozzle for the garden hose.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  4. #4

    Default

    Also what side is the oil filter on? Not sure if it just bolts to the block or has an insert it screws into thy attaches to the block but I have seen leaks where the oil filter housing/adapter whatever you ant to call it attaches.
    2013 Focus ST3 2.0 turbo 6 speed

    85 LTD, 90k miles, 3.8/c5,For sale... Or restomod if it doesn't sell

    87 Conquest TSI widebody 2.6 Turbo/5speed, also maybe for sale

    94 Tempo 3.0v6/5speed 92 GLS clone project

    90 gmc sierra 2wd short box. 73k showroom condition, fender flares, 31" BFG All terrain. 350ci 4.10 gear

  5. #5
    FEP Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Lebanon Junction, KY
    Posts
    568

    Default

    I had a sender leak like that, thought it was the VC gasket, but no. Check that sender out.
    Mark
    ______________________________________
    84 Turbo GT Conv. 84 Turbo Gt Hatch, Copper
    84 GT 350 Turbo Hatch
    85 SVO, (4E) Hertz
    86 SVO,(9L)
    94 Cobra
    70 Boss 302 (OFO2G121150)
    54 Ford Victoria

  6. #6

    Default

    Wouldn't hurt to check out the dispstick tube. I have seen one of those cracked before that spewed pretty good. It also has an o ring seal that could be damamged /missing. Cheap and easy fix too.
    Liberty once lost is lost forever.

    John Adams
    July 7, 1775

  7. #7
    FEP Power Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    San Mateo, CA
    Posts
    2,271

    Default Leak

    If you are leaking that much oil, look for the clean spot in the middle of the dirty/leaky area. The constant flow will keep it cleaner than the surrounding area. Rear main seals are common problems, yes 2 piece design, replace in car? I doubt it. The hardest part is getting the oil pan off. Turbo cars can have addition leaks.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  8. #8
    FEP Super Member webestang's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    St. Louis, MO.
    Posts
    5,208

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by IDMooseMan View Post
    Now that I had NOT considered. I'll take a look at that. There's so much gunk on the left side of the engine, it's difficult to determine what's a "fresh" leak and what's leftover built-up gunk.

    Time to buy four more cans of degreaser and buy a new spray nozzle for the garden hose.
    I use a very thick considerate of Tide and very warm water and a brush, works great. Cleaning the entire area is the only way to find a leak.

    Scotty
    1985 Fox Notch 4-banger Ranger tube header Eastwood Royal Blue
    1988 Fox LX 5.0 AOD Vert BBK 170mph speedo Candy Apple Red
    1999 Mustang Coupe V6 Auto Chrome Yellow -Daily Driver.
    Past Pony's.....
    68 Coupe Inline-6 3-Speed-Man. Primer
    78 II Hatch 302 3-Speed-Auto Sunroof Black
    81 4-Eye Coupe 4-Banger 4-Speed-Man. White

  9. #9
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Other ideas from members in a different thread. I wanted to keep them all here for easier reference:

    1slow46:
    "Just and idea. but did u change oil recently...maybe the old gasket stuck to block and u didnt notice it..."

    richstang:
    "Just an idea, check the plug for the oil sender in the pan. I had a simular problem a few years back where it popped out loose enough to spread acorss the underside floorpans of the car like you mention. Hopefully it's that simple for you."

    Thanks for the input guys, keep 'em coming if there's more to check. My coworker is on vacation this week, so I can't afford to dig into her for fear of not being able to get to work. We're a small team. When one person is on vacation, we lose 33.33% of our workforce, not counting our Supervisor. Flu season is "interesting" to say the least.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  10. #10

    Default

    Possible oil leak areas on the driver's side:

    1. Head gasket.
    2. Oil pressure sending unit.
    3. Valve cover gasket (Sounds like you already fixed this one).
    4. PCV oil separator, hoses, or valve.
    5. Oil filter.
    6. Distributor (Where it enters the block).
    7. Fuel pump.
    8. Front crankshaft seal.
    9. Rear crankshaft seal.
    10. Oil pan gasket or cracked oil pan (It happens!).
    11. Oil level dipstick tube.
    12. Cracked engine block or head (Rarely an issue).
    86 Mercury Capri GS 2.3L
    11 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L
    10 Ford Focus SE 2.0L




    19 Years of Foureyedpride.com

  11. #11
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    After replacing the burned out bulbs in my instrument cluster earlier this weekend, the right-turn bulb is not working again. The right-turn signal lights are fine, it's just the right-turn bulb in the cluster. I think that might be a problem.

    The oil leak is predominantly on the driver-side of the engine. I'll concentrate on that side first. It's also the dirtiest.

    When I shutoff the engine after coming home from work, I can hear some gurgling, like water in a creek. I'm afraid to ask, but that sounds like a head-gasket issue, doesn't it?

    If it is, can the head be removed from the engine as an assembly without removing the cam and valvetrain?

    I haven't run a compression test, but it's on my "To-Do" list. I'm thinking I need to bring this item up to the top of my list.
    Last edited by IDMooseMan; 05-08-2012 at 04:08 AM.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  12. #12

    Default

    That's just the oil draining back down into the oil pan. Mine does it too.
    86 Mercury Capri GS 2.3L
    11 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L
    10 Ford Focus SE 2.0L




    19 Years of Foureyedpride.com

  13. #13
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Thanks, Ethan. That makes me feel a lot better. Thought I might have another problem developing.

    So...can the head be removed from the engine as an assembly without removing the cam and valvetrain?
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  14. #14

    Default

    Yep. To remove the cylinder head:

    1. Remove valve cover.
    2. Drain cooling system.
    3. Remove intake (You can even leave the carburetor attached! On some models, you must remove the alternator and alternator bracket as well.)
    4. Remove Exhaust manifold bolts.
    5. Remove timing belt (Remove drive belts and water pump pulley so cover comes off).
    6. Remove cylinder head bolts and remove cylinder head.

    The camshaft and complete valvetrain are contained in the head. Be careful though, it is HEAVY since it is all cast iron and steel!
    86 Mercury Capri GS 2.3L
    11 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L
    10 Ford Focus SE 2.0L




    19 Years of Foureyedpride.com

  15. #15
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Thanks again, Ethan. Any idea what that head assembly weighs? I have back-hardware installed (and other issues). Maybe I need an extra pair or two of hands before I attempt this.

    Forgot to mention...reps sent.
    Last edited by IDMooseMan; 05-08-2012 at 04:44 PM. Reason: Reps sent
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  16. #16
    FEP Senior Member 4EYED85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Round Rock, Tx
    Posts
    707

    Default

    Hows the progress, did you figure it out?

  17. #17
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    I haven't had a chance to dig into her, yet. Coworker on vacation...see Post #9. Gonna have to wait until the weekend. I'll keep topping her off as needed. Time to get ready for work. Y'all have a good one.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  18. #18

    Default

    I'd say a good 80lbs. I took mine off and put it back on by myself, but it was quite difficult. Not to mention, if you drop the head, you can destroy it, the head gasket, or the block! Make use of the little dowel pins that are sandwiched between the block and head when mounting the head gasket. It's a real life saver.
    86 Mercury Capri GS 2.3L
    11 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L
    10 Ford Focus SE 2.0L




    19 Years of Foureyedpride.com

  19. #19
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Thanks for the info and the tip about the dowels. Do the dowels come out of the block when you pull the head? Or will they stay put while I'm lifting the head?

    I bought a head gasket a few months ago thinking I needed to replace it, but then my torque wrench broke...well, the locking mechanism broke. I wound up snapping off a valve cover bolt head. I wasn't even torquing it down, just using it as a ratchet wrench. Had the twist handle set down somewhere below 5 ft. lbs. and it still snapped the bolt head right off.

    A torque wrench I can't trust is not something I'm gonna keep in my toolbox. It was a Craftsman. Unfortunately, no standard "Lifetime Warranty" on torque wrenches is what the salesman and manager said, so I politely thanked them and reminded them that the "Lifetime Warranty" was the only reason I commuted 25 miles, one way, to shop at that store.

    I guess it's time to starting looking at Snap-On and others. Sears has been a BIG disappointment since their bankruptcy. Well...I'm off-topic, but I started this thread, so I'm allowed. Rant over.
    Last edited by IDMooseMan; 05-12-2012 at 03:45 AM. Reason: Spelling
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  20. #20

    Default

    The dowels will either stay in the head or the block. They aren't much but little steel bushing looking things. But they are nice for aligning the head gasket.
    86 Mercury Capri GS 2.3L
    11 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L
    10 Ford Focus SE 2.0L




    19 Years of Foureyedpride.com

  21. #21
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Thanks for all the input and advice. I made a checklist of items to check for the phantom oil leak. The hunt begins later today when it's daylight and AFTER I've poured some coffee down my throat.

    Hopefully, cleaning the engine and hunting for the oil leak location won't take all weekend. I'll post up results when I have them.

    Might need my daughter's help (she wants to learn anyway) to do the compression test.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  22. #22
    FEP Senior Member 4EYED85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Round Rock, Tx
    Posts
    707

    Default

    And the verdict is ?

  23. #23
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Continuance granted.

    Spent most of the afternoon cleaning. The engine compartment is drying at the moment.

    It looks like the oil pressure sender has "fresher" oil on it than the rest of the engine. I need to get some of that Oatley's(?) putty stuff someone mentioned elsewhere before I remove the sender and "post" it sits on that attaches to the block. Gonna head to Lowes tomorrow. I removed the accelerator bracket to give me more room.

    Oil filter, valve cover gasket, are not the problem. Head gasket "looks" good, but I seem to be loosing coolant. Don't know if I have a leaky hose or an internal head gasket issue. Haven't been seeing any bubbles in radiator neck area, but I'm not ruling anything out.

    Need to get a LOT more cleaning supplies. Can't really check the distributor area, the oil dipstick, or the fuel pump area. The valve cover gasket was leaking for so long, the entire left-side of the engine is coated.

    Efforts continue tomorrow.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

  24. #24
    FEP Senior Member 4EYED85's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Round Rock, Tx
    Posts
    707

    Default

    Time for a good steam cleaning. Cover the alternator and give her a bath. Easy way to find a coolant leak, is to have someone with a pump, pressurize the cooling system. Not sure if that is part of anyones loner tools or not, might check, just go easy, it won't take over 20 lbs. to show its face.

  25. #25
    FEP Super Member IDMooseMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Nampa ID 83686
    Posts
    4,923

    Default

    Sprayed the engine bay with cleaner. Covered the carb and "focus-sprayed" the problem areas, but it's gonna take more effort.

    I've thought about the steam cleaner. Only problem is, Idaho is closed on Sunday. At least that what it feels like anyway. The local coin-op car wash didn't work out too well, but might have to try that again. I just don't like waiting for the engine to cool or spraying a hot engine.
    Craig "IDMooseMan" Peters
    1979 Mustang Ghia Notchback, 2.3L, Holley 5200, 4-spd, 3.08:1 7.5" diff, A/C, PS, PB, AM/FM/8-Track, Sunroof, Rear Defroster
    USAF SSgt 63170 1983 - 1992; Co-Founder, Vice President, Omega Delta Sigma, ID-A 2/2015
    To those that serve and have served, "Thank You", to those that haven't, "You're Welcome"
    2.3L Horsepower Potential Thread
    Buyer/Seller Experience Link
    Build Thread
    The Four-Eyed Game - 2018 Version

Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •