oil leak help

[Craig]

Hello,

I have an 89' sho with an oil leak that the mechanics here don't seem to be able to find. Its on the passenger side and is between the crank seal (which is dry) and valve cover gaskets (which are dry) height wise. Can anyone suggest stuff to check. Its seems to be on the passenger side in the rear of the engine.

Thanks for any help in advance. You all have helped me twice and I really appreciate it.

Craig
Richmond KY

 

[shocar]

sounds like the lower cam seal, I just replace them on 2 Sho's so if you want to know how to do it, I can help you. You need to order it from Ford, they are about $20 bucks. Are you gong to do the work yourself ?

 

[Craig]

oil leak . . .

I don't think I'll do it myself. I'm really not an experienced mechanic. But can you give me an idea of what is involved? Is it difficult? Is there some way I tell that's what it is?

Craig

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

It is fairly involved.

The entire front end of the motor must be disassembled. All accessories, main idler puller, timing covers, timing belt...

While you are in there it is a good idea to replace all the cam seals, as well as the front main. And of course, replace that timing belt too. :wave:

 

[Craig]

oil leak . . .

This leak seems to be coming from the passenger rear. Is that the right place for these cam seals? How can I tell if these seals are leaking? Craig

 

[shopartsnw]

If it is just the lower (rear) cam seal, I can change them in less than an hour. You remove the crossover tube and pull the power steering resevoir back out of the way. The cam sensor comes off with a 5.5mm socket (two screws). Then you remove the small aluminum ****** behind the cam sensor (two more small bolts).

I have changed cam seals with and without the cam sensor "flag". carefully use a small screw into the seal itself (don't damage the cam or the housing). pull the seal out, install the new seal and reassemble.

If you search the site you will find much more detail, but this is the abbreviated version to give your mechanic an idea of the work.

If you also need the upper cam seals (less common to leak), you will need to disassemble the front side of the engine and remove the timing belt etc.

Mike

 

[shopartsnw]

This leak seems to be coming from the passenger rear. Is that the right place for these cam seals? How can I tell if these seals are leaking? Craig

Look for the sensor at the back passenger side of the valve cover (on the end of the rear cam). If there is oil leaking out of this sensor, it is the cam seal behind it. You can easily remove the two 5.5mm screws. If it is dry behind it, your seal is ok. If it is oily, you have found a problem.

It could also be your power steering pump leaking.

Mike