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  #1  
Old 02-06-2012, 04:24 AM
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5.4 Oil Leak

Hey guys. My engine seems to have a very minor oil leak somewhere on the passenger side of the engine. I say minor because even after 5,000 mile oil change intervals, I don't lose enough oil to notice a change on the dipstick. '03 SCab 4x4 157,000 miles.

When I drive aggressively (high speed interstate/half throttle or more in the city), oil will get on the manifold or the pipe just forward of the cats. When park, I can see a light wisp of smoke emanating from that general area... and it smells like burning rubber. When I drive normally, there is no smoke or odor.

The oil streak starts somewhere higher up on the engine.

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  #2  
Old 02-06-2012, 04:26 AM
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Is there a TSB about this? ^^

edit: Although there is oil coming from the engine, it is worth mentioning that the bracket that holds the transmission dipstick to the block has been broken since I bought the truck last year. The previous owner zip-tied it to the fuel rail (not very secure.) I have since replaced it with a junkyard one. It's pretty unlikely that I'm burning transmission fluid, though.

Last edited by AndersonS; 02-06-2012 at 04:58 AM.
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  #3  
Old 02-06-2012, 08:38 AM
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Not sure what years it pertained to, thought it was earlier years but yes there is a tsb on a passenger leaky head gasket.

TSB 03-6-2

TSB 01-12-2

This is a TSB, not a recall...
If the leak is not bad, and has no effect of driveability... I wouldn't worry about it. But if it starts leaking on the ground making a mess, running through more oil or you simply get tired of the burned oil smell... then fix it.
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Last edited by Toyz; 02-06-2012 at 08:46 AM.
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  #4  
Old 02-06-2012, 09:32 AM
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I'll take a look to pinpoint exactly where it's leaking... but that news sucks.
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Old 02-06-2012, 10:56 AM
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Mine leaks all kinds of places, not a drip drip leak though. My guess is head gaskets, you should see my blocks valley, soaked with oil over most of it's life. Nothing on the stick is noticed so I live with it!
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  #6  
Old 02-06-2012, 03:19 PM
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My '03 7700 work truck developed an oil leak from the back of the passenger side head due to a bad head gasket. Mechanic at work pulled the cab to fix it.


Pic of the leak location ...

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  #7  
Old 02-06-2012, 04:42 PM
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Actually, that was a "Burr" problem left from the factory robots, and yes Ford/Oasis has a TSB about it. I believe that was taken care of before 03, not sure. (?) I'd have to look it up. Should be easy to find, just look-up Ford Burr problem TSB.

Also, you could have just blown the gasket. These engines generally only leak when the crankcase is constantly over filled, from what I hear. IMO, it's to difficult determining EXACTLY why this happens. Unless you find you model year listed in the TSB's.
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Old 02-06-2012, 04:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BLUE20004X4 View Post
Mine leaks all kinds of places, not a drip drip leak though. My guess is head gaskets, you should see my blocks valley, soaked with oil over most of it's life. Nothing on the stick is noticed so I live with it!
It must be just lubing itself ?
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Old 02-06-2012, 05:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrew View Post
It must be just lubing itself ?
I'll check my options list... Maybe I have the engine that automatically applies corrosion protection over time. Seems like a common feature the more I search. >_>

As for the overfilling... I'd like to think that has never happened. I check the dipstick everytime.
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Old 02-06-2012, 07:55 PM
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What are the odds (before I actually pop the hood) that it's a less labor-intensive problem? Like a valve cover?
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Old 02-06-2012, 08:24 PM
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I looked over the TSB, looks like it lists the years effected as 99-01 So you would be in the clear from that particular burr problem. But... doesn't mean it still is not the HG leaking.
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  #12  
Old 02-06-2012, 08:35 PM
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Quote:
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It must be just lubing itself ?

Works for me, ha ha!!
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  #13  
Old 02-16-2012, 02:00 AM
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Got some better pics... Whatcha think?

Right under the manifold...



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  #14  
Old 02-16-2012, 02:49 AM
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[/quote]

Sure looks like head gasket.
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  #15  
Old 02-16-2012, 11:52 AM
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Alright guys. If I was to replace the head gaskets when the weather warms up... Could I get some help compiling some information?

Should I get a Haynes or Chilton?
Best value parts/everything I should replace now. Part #'s would be great.
Specialty tools.
What skills do I need? Timing, etc...
Do I get the heads machined?
How much time do I ask off work for this? Lol.
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Old 02-16-2012, 11:52 AM


 
 
 
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