Hey all, I'm a new member to this forum and to the ford community. This is my first vehicle that has an engine bigger than 4 cylinders, two differentials, and has a bed on it. I'm very new to all of this stuff but I'm very excited to learn!

I bought a 2000 XLT 5.4 4WD F-150 yesterday. It's been great, I drove it around all day and had minimal problems. For the price, I can't complain. There is, however, some kind of fluid leaking. The previous owner said there was a small oil leak but he only glanced over it in conversation, from the way it drove I can tell it's not a big problem, it's likely a common small leak I just need to fix (like the rangers rear main seal). I checked the oil when i got her, throughout the day, and the next morning, it's stayed at the same level. previous owner said he only has to add a little every month and a half or so.

Below is attached images. He said it was an oil leak (implying engine oil), but the liquid seems the most recent at the bottom of the front diff. Its all caked on everywhere and i'm having a hard time finding the source. Anyone have some insight onto this problem?



Front diff



What i believe is the oil filter to the right and either the t-case or the transmission to the left. You can see its just caked on everywhere.



dead bottom of the front diff. fluid looks fresh there, but i dont see how it could cause the amount of caked on stuff thats way above it. There could be multiple leaks.

I should mention there isn't a smell of oil anywhere, it doesn't seem like any is burning up on the engine surface.

What do you guys think? How do i get this cleaned up!!?

 

For reference, my dad has the same truck, just 2003.


Front diff, dry as day. Everything else was dry as could be too.

 

What does it smell like? Gear oil or engine oil?

 

To clean it up, use engine degreaser and a pressure washer. To find the source of the leaks, put some fluorescent dye in the oil and use a black light.

 

Well thats the thing, there isnt any smell. if there is, im not picking it up or i dont recognize it. nothing seems out of the ordinary. It must be a really small one

 

Will do! I’ll update soon

 

Keep the degreaser and pressure washer away from the top of the engine, you don't want to kill the coils or fill up the plug wells with water.

 

Im degreasing now but.. oil looks really fresh around that filter. Picture doesnt really show it

This shows it a little better


I dont see any residue above that point…

 

It might be that oil pressure sender.