HELP! Oil leaking onto exhaust of my 3rd gen.

[MCIntimidator]

I'm at my wits end. New suspension parts are here before weeks end but this oil pan has sprung a leak twice using black RTV. I cleaned the mating surfaces with a cleaning wheel brush on my drill and thinned the gasket sealer with my finger to ensure an equal and unexcessive amount was applied. Anyone know where to obtain an actual pan gasket? I am sick of doing this pan with Black RTV and drip, drip, drip. Oil and fumes from it hitting my exhaust and making small cloud plumes. What must one do?

 

[MCIntimidator]

I'm at my wits end. New suspension parts are here before weeks end but this oil pan has sprung a leak twice using black RTV. I cleaned the mating surfaces with a cleaning wheel brush on my drill and thinned the gasket sealer with my finger to ensure an equal and unexcessive amount was applied. Anyone know where to obtain an actual pan gasket? I am sick of doing this pan with Black RTV and drip, drip, drip. Oil and fumes from it hitting my exhaust and making small cloud plumes. What must one do?

P.s. The oil filter adapter is not leaking as the RTV sealed it up completely.

 

[luigisho]

Ok, so oil is leaking on the exhaust. Are you certain that the oil pan is leaking? There are several places that can leak and accumulate oil on the oil pan. The oil pan is the lowest point of the engine assembly. Also did you remove the y-pipe or whatever it takes to get the oil pan to mate without moving the rtv around?
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/oilpan.html

 

[MCIntimidator]

Ok, so oil is leaking on the exhaust. Are you certain that the oil pan is leaking? There are several places that can leak and accumulate oil on the oil pan. The oil pan is the lowest point of the engine assembly. Also did you remove the y-pipe or whatever it takes to get the oil pan to mate without moving the rtv around?
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/oilpan.html

I dropped the exhaust at front and rear down pipes to ensure I didn't move the pan. I have replaced the valve cover gaskets, spark plug well gaskets, plus the additional gaskets inside the valve cover. Round like the spark plug wells but don't remember what they're called. Other than those. No other gaskets have been replaced. I have not gotten back underneath it yet to verify it's the pan. However the pan was the culprit before and it's smoking lightly now when it wasn't before. The RTV I applied last go around squirted out and sealed to the crank pulley. I missed that and it made a small leak right there. This time I made sure it was even all the way around by smoothing it with my finger. I as well waited 21 hours for it to cure. I now have light smoke coming from passenger side and am wondering if maybe it's a crank seal. Didn't think that was possible with 87k. She is 21 though...

 

[MCIntimidator]

Ok, so oil is leaking on the exhaust. Are you certain that the oil pan is leaking? There are several places that can leak and accumulate oil on the oil pan. The oil pan is the lowest point of the engine assembly. Also did you remove the y-pipe or whatever it takes to get the oil pan to mate without moving the rtv around?
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/oilpan.html

All oil when I redid it again was accumulating on the passenger side. Driver, and front of pan were dry!

 

[luigisho]

Yeah so front main seal is a big culprit. I would have to look at the engine schematic again as it's been a long time since I was under the hood of one of these. It has funky stuff like cams running accessories on the other side of the motor and such. Run a search in this section for oil leaks and also the old stuff on v8sho.com and get a look at other info about leaks out there. This is the least popular of all the SHO iterations as far as production numbers and active members here. So you would have to look at older stuff. There is still an email list for v8sho owners that is probably linked to the v8sho.com website. I think I still get emails from members there.

 

[MCIntimidator]

Yeah so front main seal is a big culprit. I would have to look at the engine schematic again as it's been a long time since I was under the hood of one of these. It has funky stuff like cams running accessories on the other side of the motor and such. Run a search in this section for oil leaks and also the old stuff on v8sho.com and get a look at other info about leaks out there. This is the least popular of all the SHO iterations as far as production numbers and active members here. So you would have to look at older stuff. There is still an email list for v8sho owners that is probably linked to the v8sho.com website. I think I still get emails from members there.

That response was useful. I will feel better moving forward on checking the crank when I get under it knowing someone else is thinking potentially of it.

If necessary, just go my new compressor and air tools which should help make shorter work of that. Will check that RTV oil pan job again too.

Probably Go ahead and lower that side of the engine to get a good peak of the pulley and pan honestly. When doing the rest of her steering and suspension that is.

I have been looking through these older V8 feeds and will definitely keep checking and commenting in case their email from the forum let's them know I'm new and hooked too! Thank you;
You're right about the other sensors and boo boo deterers being the least popular. If I can comfortably run 320-400 with Nitrous and tuning. I'll be way more opted to keep it and consider her more sought after. I believe these cranks will support it and who knows what the future could bring for stubborn car lovers like me! Cam welding will hold to I believe and we "will" see. You guys passion for these beasts is amazing! Thanks for answering.

 

[MCIntimidator]

Got my new compressor* You by chance have a copy of those schematics? That would be memorable and badazz. Kind of stuff people won't forget. If you know what I'm saying?

 

[luigisho]

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/carenfeeding.html
Decent links there to help with some items. As for modifying the engine output, I would be reluctant. The tranny is finicky and the rebuilds (replacement materials) are not known for lasting as long as one would like. Tranny slipping is what made me get out of mine after getting close to 200k on the odo. I've seen posts of rebuilds not last. Just my general memory from that time maybe 8yrs ago or so. Rear seal is less likely to leak but not impossible. You have to be able to trace it either with a clean engine and fresh leaks or dye or something. Even a new set of seals up top could go awry without noticing it easily.

 

[MCIntimidator]

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/carenfeeding.html
Decent links there to help with some items. As for modifying the engine output, I would be reluctant. The tranny is finicky and the rebuilds (replacement materials) are not known for lasting as long as one would like. Tranny slipping is what made me get out of mine after getting close to 200k on the odo. I've seen posts of rebuilds not last. Just my general memory from that time maybe 8yrs ago or so. Rear seal is less likely to leak but not impossible. You have to be able to trace it either with a clean engine and fresh leaks or dye or something. Even a new set of seals up top could go awry without noticing it easily.

Rebuilt tranny for 2,000.00 wouldn't be a waste of money to me. If I received 150,000 miles I'd still be tickled pink with 320-400 hp when necessary. Especially with no hefty car payment keeping me. Going under Friday morning to see what I can see and I am hoping to see I messed up again while reinstalling. Your knowledge is great and as well I thank you kindly. My engines entire under carriage was decreased around the oil leak. Should help retrace this little drip that's getting to me. Won't hurt to check the upper gaskets as well and backside of the engine. When I did the valve covers and surrounding gaskets. Intake included since I forgot to mention. She was leaking oil from many orfices. Oil filter adapter which is now not leaking anything due to RTV and I really want it to be my mistake at the end of the day. Responses are great and gives me postive vibes moving forward as her owner.

 

[MCIntimidator]

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/carenfeeding.html
Decent links there to help with some items. As for modifying the engine output, I would be reluctant. The tranny is finicky and the rebuilds (replacement materials) are not known for lasting as long as one would like. Tranny slipping is what made me get out of mine after getting close to 200k on the odo. I've seen posts of rebuilds not last. Just my general memory from that time maybe 8yrs ago or so. Rear seal is less likely to leak but not impossible. You have to be able to trace it either with a clean engine and fresh leaks or dye or something. Even a new set of seals up top could go awry without noticing it easily.

And man that list extensive. Thank you for this!

 

[MCIntimidator]

y

 

[luigisho]

there are very few GenIII's that ran that power level, and I don't recall them being daily driver cars at the time. I wouldn't trust the auto tranny for the GenII or the GenIII at or above 300hp. It's just a design thing. At one time Ford was supposed to team up with GM to develop a better fwd transaxle to split the cost and get a better product to hold up to increasing oem power levels and mitigating warranty repairs. That has fallen through given Ford's sedan lineup dump and pending amorphous team up with Volkswagon.

I loved my GenIII. It was way more reliable as a daily driver than any of the GenI/GenII's I ever owned. I would have got another one, but I wanted manual trans and.. the dumb integrated stereo I was intent on changing and could not do it and have it look good.

 

[stephen newberg]

I still take mine out and about in the summer, mainly to car show and shines. A couple of years ago I actually used it for several months to haul people about, as our other vehicles at the time were less suited to 4 passengers. The Gen III is a really fine machine, when used within its design scope, that is, as a competitor for the BMW 3 series of the late '90s. But outside that scope, it simple is going to have a hard time. Plus, they are getting old and as a limited run vehicle with only about 20K units made over its production span, getting parts is starting to be a bit problematic.

Best of luck with yours, MC.

pax, smn

 

[E1]

Yes. The V8SHO.com email group is still active. Might be difficult to get Old Uncle Larry to respond and actually sign you up, but we are still there.

a 75 hp nitrous shot is all the stock tranny will take. Any more and you will need a tow truck.

I, errr, put a 'bit' of load on one of our critters a while back -
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/SHO R.T.S..htm
and the stock tranny grenaded in 160 miles. I had a spare, heavily modified tranny on a bench anticipating just such and event.

Don't just fix your tranny, build the bejeezus out of it.

 

[MCIntimidator]

Yes. The V8SHO.com email group is still active. Might be difficult to get Old Uncle Larry to respond and actually sign you up, but we are still there.

a 75 hp nitrous shot is all the stock tranny will take. Any more and you will need a tow truck.

I, errr, put a 'bit' of load on one of our critters a while back -
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/SHO R.T.S..htm
and the stock tranny grenaded in 160 miles. I had a spare, heavily modified tranny on a bench anticipating just such and event.

Don't just fix your tranny, build the bejeezus out of it.

Great read! Will respond to these in the morning as that was informing.

Just finished cleaning up the oil mess from tackling this pan for the 3rd time. Was in fact the pan again.

Had my son throttle the car while I was under it. Back 3 bolts near the crank pulley were building up and dripping right on the exhaust.

Am waiting 2 days before I fire it up again and am off to bed. It's 5:09 a.m. at the moment and I don't want to see the sun rise again before my eyes set to it.

I will take the tranny recs. serious and a 75 shot is all I plan on running.

How built are we talking with this tranny that was sitting in the event you blew the stock one like you figured would happen?

 

[E1]

I did a lot of things to the trans on the advice of a close friend who's secrets I promised not to reveal.

I can reveal these items -
TransGo shift kit is a must, but a tricky install and requires cross-drilling a planetary gearset way deep inside the tranny.

Torque converter was beefed up seriously by Fred at Midwest Torque Converters in the Rockford, Illinois are. Extra thick oil pump drive. Not the shaft, the cog the shaft goes into. I think it was a custom part, but I can say it never stripped out like the stock ones do. Something else about a double disc locking clutch, but I forget the details.

2003 Mustang Mach 1 trans cooler.

X Cal 2 Programmer for engine, obviously, but also had much tranny tweeks added. Doug Lewis at Ford Performance Specialists in Atlanta did my programming.

 

[MCIntimidator]

I did a lot of things to the trans on the advice of a close friend who's secrets I promised not to reveal.

I can reveal these items -
TransGo shift kit is a must, but a tricky install and requires cross-drilling a planetary gearset way deep inside the tranny.

Torque converter was beefed up seriously by Fred at Midwest Torque Converters in the Rockford, Illinois are. Extra thick oil pump drive. Not the shaft, the cog the shaft goes into. I think it was a custom part, but I can say it never stripped out like the stock ones do. Something else about a double disc locking clutch, but I forget the details.

2003 Mustang Mach 1 trans cooler.

X Cal 2 Programmer for engine, obviously, but also had much tranny tweeks added. Doug Lewis at Ford Performance Specialists in Atlanta did my programming.

I remember reading you wouldn't reveal them due to your word of secrecy. I can now clearly see what you meant by "beefy" or "beefier" don't remember the exact choice word.

No matter though as I get a great inclination of what direction I'm headed through aforementioned research and development.

Around 300 on a stock tranny will be way more fun to me, and if I chance supercharging or going more beefy. Transmission is where I will go with most of the meat.

I made sure to screenshot what you were able to share and I will definitely begin there. I can clearly see your heart was aching when you really dug deep to release your pain on one of these.

I lost my Dad couple years back who was never there n e way and walked when I was 8. Lost my Mom in 2016 and if not for my babies, music, and this machine. I myself may have quit believing my dreams are mine to turn reality.

I like the odds of how hard it is to find "diminishing" parts for the car. Will be that much more rewarding if she stays on the street.

Said aside this oil pan gasket. I haven't run into a part that I couldn't get. Exception to the ABS Module with VSS built in. Have my old one out and waiting on me to ship it to the company on this forum who wants a shot at a rebuild on one.

Names Ed I believe? I'm Pete and your knowledge and dedication to this pig is huge motivation. Took strength and courage to keep digging when you though of calling it quits.

If that supercharged genIII was your baby. I'm honored to have seen your heart poured into that beast. Really is inspiring and promising no matter how hard it is to own this car!

 

[MCIntimidator]

I still take mine out and about in the summer, mainly to car show and shines. A couple of years ago I actually used it for several months to haul people about, as our other vehicles at the time were less suited to 4 passengers. The Gen III is a really fine machine, when used within its design scope, that is, as a competitor for the BMW 3 series of the late '90s. But outside that scope, it simple is going to have a hard time. Plus, they are getting old and as a limited run vehicle with only about 20K units made over its production span, getting parts is starting to be a bit problematic.

Best of luck with yours, MC.

pax, smn

 

[MCIntimidator]

I still take mine out and about in the summer, mainly to car show and shines. A couple of years ago I actually used it for several months to haul people about, as our other vehicles at the time were less suited to 4 passengers. The Gen III is a really fine machine, when used within its design scope, that is, as a competitor for the BMW 3 series of the late '90s. But outside that scope, it simple is going to have a hard time. Plus, they are getting old and as a limited run vehicle with only about 20K units made over its production span, getting parts is starting to be a bit problematic.

Best of luck with yours, MC.

pax, smn

I appreciate the wishes. Luck is how you make it. The stock design flaws are poo and I agree with design staying in the range it's made. However my upgrade intentions is much more than just engine. Considering someone else has done it. I know I can do it.

Yamaha designed wave runners. Some turbocharged or supercharged. If there designs can handle the abuse they have for years. I'll make sure to upgrade around what Ford threw together.

I may waste my time, I may not. No matter though. Until I run into something that stops it from being on the road. I know anything is possible within mechanics. Just have to research and develop it. This bull is going onto my kids! They're gonna love or hate me for it like my present position on my whip.

21 years old and running. Ford was the idiot for obsoleting it, and I see enough enthusiasts that current publication made happen.

I plan on investing in spare parts, old stock parts, and any and all I can find that are "hard". To much to offer from a V8 passenger car that mechanically runs like a sewing machine. I'll keep threading the needle until there's no more thread for me.

I as well wish you the best with your 3rd gen Taurus.