I've been doing some checking lately and I noticed that several gaskets around the engine block seem to be seeping oil. Not enough to form a drop even, but its definitely there.

What do you all recommend I do? Is this serious enough to warrant replacing any leaking gaskets?

I regularly check the oil level and it usually only starts to get a little low (not even below the "low" level on the dipstick) right before I change the oil/filter anyway.

 

let er go. . . Nothing really has proven to blow out on these trucks.... Head gaskets leak oil all the time, along with valve covers, oil lines, etc... unless its an internal leak, such as coolant contaminating oil or visa versa, then it needs fixing... external leaks, not a worry.

But, if there is substanial build up around parts such as exhaust manifolds, then its a fire hazard in the extreme case...

 

mileage? motor? which gaskets are leaking?

 

thanks for the responses...

I forgot to add:

V8 4.6L with 57000+ miles. Seemed premature to develop the leaks.

After doing a bit of research on the forums I checked the PCV valve and it seems the hose is clogged. Not sure yet about the valve itself as I wasn't 100% sure on how to pull it out, is it threaded or does it just slide in/out?

The valve covers (especially the driver's side) seem to show the most seepage, but like I said, it's barely showing oil.

A few questions:
Like I mentioned above, how do I remove the PCV valve? I ordered a new one since it was only $8 anyway, does it need any type of sealant on it when I put it in?

Does the PCV valve regulate pressure in both of the valve covers? There is another hose on the passenger side valve cover that is similar to the one on the driver's side but it doesn't appear to have a valve, just the hose going right into the cover. When I pulled that hose off there was a noticeable vacuum.

I'm guessing the clogged hose on the driver's side is what is causing oil to seep out of the gaskets. Any thoughts?

 

yes that will cause that... just pull it out, just sits in there. When you get it out, shake it, if it rattles than its good. No rattle means its clogged

 

yea the pcv valve can cause the gaskets or seals to blow out or seep and what not. the valve lets all the gasses out of the crankcase and if it plugs up then the gasses have to go somewhere, so it'll go out the weakest point. and that just so happens to be the gaskets and seals. i've had it happen to a dodge that i put a new motor in. only had 3500 miles and the valve cover gaskets started leaking. it was a brand new dective pcv valve.

edit: make sure the new valve is a motorcraft part.

 

So in closing, do you think that replacing the PCV valve will be enough? Or, are the gaskets just going to keep getting worse from here. I'll keep an eye on them either way.

Also, what do you all think of those oil additives that promise to stop engine oil leaks. I think Lucas oil makes one.

 

no additives. Changed PCV valve and get under and brake clean the engine when cold and clean everything.

 

Uh oh, new question.

Why is it when I looked up Motorcraft part EV258 (the PCV valve for my truck) I get the following picture several times over:



But when I ordered the part I got this:



Now the latter is what I have in the truck so I'm not too worried about it. I'm just wondering why every site I looked at has the wrong picture for the part?

edit: I'm guessing that the little magic letters on the bottom of the first picture that I missed on the first look answer my question?

 

Thats weird lookin, I just replaced my PCV valve on my 5.4 yesterday and my replacement looked exactly like your first picture.. The old one looked like it too, only black instead of silver.

 

Well, I pulled the old one out and sure enough I got the correct new one. The old one wasn't as gummed up as I thought, so it probably wont end the oil seepage. Time will tell.