I was under the new 01 (with only 271 miles on it), replacing the lower 4# JL pulley (thanks Johnny and Sue) and found oil on the trans and a small amount on the garage floor. To me it looked like it was dripping from the oil pan but the pan was not loose. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

None--12,200 miles. One thread reported of a slight amount of oil seen at the crank dampner when changing s/c pulleys. One of the techs said not to worry--normal. Did you check the oil plug for tightness?--not too much though.

Dan

 

LIGHTNINROD: I did check the drain plug and it was tight. The oil seemed to be coming from higher. I found some oil dripping from the oil pan bolts. Also did not see oil at the crank, this is my second truck that I changed the pulley on and both were dry at the crank.

A side note, both trucks stock pulleys were not very hard to get off as many have talked about. It may be the rachet I am using is very long, makes it very easy. We will see today as I am installing the JL 3# pulley on my friend's 99 L.

 

my 2001 L has had an oil leak that I noticed at around 1200 miles. 5.4's are known for having their passenger side head gasket leak, and this will run down onto the pass side of the block around the starter and back of the engine and front of the trans.

in my case however, I appear to have a rear main seal leaking oil. The leak is relatively small though, it's not enough to blow back onto the tranny pan or anything, but it is enough to wet the bellhousing and form small drips. I'm trying to decide if I want to fix it now (3900 miles) or wait until later on to see if it gets worse, or I get close to being out of warranty.

later,
chris

P.S. I also found oil under my factory pulley when I installed my JL last week. I washed off the entire area with brake cleaner, and I'll be keeping a close eye on it now to see what happens

 

Superfords

Do you have more details on the pass side leak ? Mine has started leaking just enough to stink after an oil change. It doesnt drip on the ground it just drips down the back side of the pass side of engine off the corner of the block onto the cat....

I know that there was NO oil leaked or dropped when the oil was changed cause the valve cover is covered with dust never been wiped and no spill... It is likely a valve cover that only leaks as the tech pours in oil real fast during change, or less likely a head gasket as you describe.

Anyone else have this issue ?

Doug

 

I just had my head gasket replaced on the pass. side. I have about 11,000 miles on it. I complained of a small oil leak and had them check for it. SVT said that if the gasket doesn't do the fix, next will be the motor. The mechanic showed me the old gasket. Nothing wrong with it at all. He has done about a dozen of these, although this is the first Lightning he has done, and with no additional warr. money for the extra work of pulling the S/C. He was quite upset. Over 15 hours in all and he gets, I think, 7.8 hrs. The oil leaks from the gallery at the rear of the head near a corner. So far so good...got my fingers crossed!

 

Uh oh. Mine was built on the same day as Thumper. Only 1800 miles on mine though. We'll see.