Ugh unidentifiable oil leak after 3.2 swap... any suggestions?

[ACV1081]

Well, 3.2 is in, running, not throwing codes, and overall great except for one thing... I have a un-identifiable source of an oil leak out the front side of the engine. I pulled the crank dampener and lower belt cover yesterday and found that with the car running the source rus behind the oil pump @ about 3 o' clock. The darn oil is soo clean it's hard to see, but the only viable option I'm thinking is front main seal... any other possibilities? I had the entire motor apart and every gasket that is still made was replaced so I was expecting something to give me problems, but just wish it didn't require me tearing into the front side of the motor again. Oh well, what can you do? shrug Please give me suggestions before I go putting in a new front main seal and finding out it's not the cause. TIA thumbup

 

[dirttrackSHO]

That motor looks too good to have oil (even clean oil) dripping on it.

By the way thanks for the oil pan.

 

[Mike Kopstain]

Adam, did you replace the oil pump seal?, oil pan gasket seal? Can you see oil actually dripping or is it just residue?

 

[SHOTIME]

I had a oil leak at the oil pump after my 3.2 swap..

Gonna be alot more careful this time

 

[luigisho]

I'm going to be doing the 3.2 swap soon. What exactly is the leaking point from the pump? I've heard of this more than once.

<small>[ May 03, 2003, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: luigisho ]</small>

 

[ACV1081]

luigisho:
I'm going to be doing the 3.2 swap soon. What exactly is the leaking point from the pump? I've heard of this more than once.

I'll know for sure here soon, but I'm to the front main seal now so if it's that I'll actually be happy... weird thing is I've heard at least 3 instances where others have had leaks from the oilpump area also after the 3.2 swap. shrug I'll keep everyone informed on what I find to be the culprit.

 

[ACV1081]

Mikeys_Taurus:
Adam, did you replace the oil pump seal?, oil pan gasket seal? Can you see oil actually dripping or is it just residue?

Mike all seals afermentioned were replaced and the oil is dripping... I'm going to look into some dye that makes it easier to spot if I can't locate the origin tomm. but if you've got any ideas please post em. thumbup

 

[MGidish]

are these leaks with the 3.0 oil pump or the 3.2. I just finished the actual swap, so i want to be on the lookout for a leak before everythng is back in.

 

[luigisho]

I remember Sergio commenting on the oil pump leaking quite some time ago. Maybe you can get some info off the lsshoc topica list faster Gid.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

yeap, I have a leak at the oil pump too. It's not major so I just ignore it. I'll probably tear into it when I get back from basic, so keep us posted on what you find!

 

[SHO SPD]

I also have an oil leak in mine, but mine I am almost sure its comming from the oilpan in the back, itsdripping onto the y-pipe, I havent looked under thereyet, other problems I am looking into that are more important.

 

[MGidish]

Sergio's response:
The oil pump can leak from the bolt that holds the front accesory belt
tensioner. It's the long bottom bolt. If that bolt is loose oil will
leak between the pump and block cause right where that bolts goes is the
pump out put to the block and crankshaft.

If tightening that bolt doesn't fix the leak, you have to replace the
oil pump to block gasket.

The only other leak could be from the crank seal....?

Sergio

Plus i am using a National seal and no oil leaks yet. Nationals have a much better lip on the seal itself front and back. i would recommend them.

 

[ACV1081]

MGidish:
Sergio's response:
The oil pump can leak from the bolt that holds the front accesory belt
tensioner. It's the long bottom bolt. If that bolt is loose oil will
leak between the pump and block cause right where that bolts goes is the
pump out put to the block and crankshaft.

If tightening that bolt doesn't fix the leak, you have to replace the
oil pump to block gasket.

The only other leak could be from the crank seal....?

Sergio

Plus i am using a National seal and no oil leaks yet. Nationals have a much better lip on the seal itself front and back. i would recommend them.

thumbup Thanks for the update... I haven't had a chance, but plan on checking it tomm. or Thursday (finals week here.) I bought the oil dye that you have to put under a black light to see and also the guy who built the bottom end of my motor is helping me track it down so I'm sure we'll get it whipped. I'll keep everyone informed what it ends up being.

 

[RStalveyARFF]

what's this national seal? Can someone explain? Thank you.

 

[shojuan]

SHO91MTX:
what's this national seal? Can someone explain? Thank you.

front crank seal National part# 710220

Several people have said they like this seal better than the Fel-Pro seal.

When I did my 60K the stock Ford crank seal seemed to be a perfect fit.

 

[luigisho]

Is the oil pump to block gasket obsolete or can it be purchased by itself or in a set?

 

[RStalveyARFF]

it's obsolete. I'm trying to find one right now. I made my own with gasket material, but I'm guessing I didn't do it well enough since I've got old faithful @ my oil pump.

Also I have no problems with stock ford crank seals. for the $7 that they cost me it's wonderful.

 

[drivinhard]

Fel-Pro TCS45871

$17 at your local a-zone

 

[luigisho]

Mark,
I have that listed as a timing cover seal. Is there a seal available for the oil pump to block?

 

[RStalveyARFF]

If that's the oil pump, I will hug you when I come out to pick your slicks up.