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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I'll take a look to pinpoint exactly where it's leaking... but that news sucks.

 

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!

 

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 ...

 

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.

 

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.

 

What are the odds (before I actually pop the hood) that it's a less labor-intensive problem? Like a valve cover?

 

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.

 

Works for me, ha ha!!

 

Got some better pics... Whatcha think?

Right under the manifold...

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Sure looks like head gasket.

 

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.