I have a 99 F-150 XLT 4X4 with the 5.4L engine. After changing the oil the other night, I noticed that on the pipe that joins the cat. converters and the mufler, that there was some moisture which look oily. I was told that there was probably a slight leak in the exhuast, and that it was simply the black **** in the pipe mixing with the moisture from the pipe. With all the talks of oil leakages, I have started to worry. I also have a problem with high idle whenever I crank the truck up regardless of the temperature outside. Lastly, I notice that while driving the truck, the times that I come to a quicker stop, it feels as if the truck shifts into first gear and jerks the transmission or rear-end somewhat. If anyone has any advice or suggestions on these proplems, I would appreciate it.

 

I have the same thing. I had a tranny leak at the slip yoke and I think it was dripping on the pipe and leaving a burned residue. Months after the leak was fixed I still have the residue.

 

Can't say much about your perceived oil leak other than to say that you should look for the source and if you can't find it, your information could very well be true.

As to your high idle problem, what is the symptom? Our engines are fuel injected and controled by a computer that's programed to idle at higher than normal rpms when you cold start it. It's normal to see the tach zoom up to 1,800 or higher for a few seconds. I believe the length of time it stays at a high idle depends on the temperature of the engine.

 

BroadBear I have the same model of truck that you do. When I had my duals installed, it leaked like a sieve from the same location. I thought the tech burned through something but it is normal condensation. The plumbing on this truck is too long for the exhaust to remain hot enough for their not to be any condensation of moisture inside the pipe. There is a weep hole in the back of the CATs that will allow any collected water in the exhaust to drain out. I believe this is what you are seeing. If the fluid is red or appears to be pure motor oil than there may be another problem. The leak though that some on this board have reported is more significant and if you have it, than your oil pan will not remain full for long. Hope the above helps.
Russ
St. Louis MO




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99 4X4 XLT S/C with ORP
5.4L 3.73LS
Flow Master Dual Exhaust
K&N Filter w/ Intake Mod
Flex-a-Lite Black Magic Electric Cooling Fan