Oil Leak - Help me find the source?

[SpidermanGeek]

Hi Guys,

I ran some searches for oil leaks on the 3.4 (5VZ-FE) and I know common ones are the rear main seal, valve covers and cam seals, but I have yet to find a thread that describes the oil leak in the same location I have mine.

I get a very slow leak (drips a couple of times after being parked for a while) from the edge of the oil pan on the front driver's side.

The little square tube that runs across the front of the oil pan for wiring is basically drenched in oil and it's pretty gunky in that area all around the oil filter (dumbest location for an Oil Filter IMO). I know the leak isn't from an oil change as it's been about 8-9 months since its last one (done by the original owner, I bought the rig 6 months ago).

Is it common for the oil pan to leak? Or is possibly coming from somewhere else? Timing Belt cover maybe? I'm still learning much about these trucks.

I do plan on degreasing the area and inspecting further, but I thought maybe some of you have experienced a similar oil leak and might know the route cause of it from experience.

From what I can tell, the heads and block are clean/dry between the Valve Cover and Oil Filter.

Could it still be from the rear main seal and oil is travelling down the seam of the Oil Pan to the front driver's side edge?

thoughts?

1997 5VZ-FE, 4WD Auto (Limited), 177K miles.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Possibilities are, but not limited to:
1. Crank seal - where I would start first.
2. Half moon (semi circular plug) in head.
3. Valve cover gasket
4. Cam seal

 

[SpidermanGeek]

A couple of pics of the area

 

[SpidermanGeek]

And yes, I realise it's time for new belts, lol.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I am going to say crank seal, but do yourself a favor and clean the area first. Then give it a couple of days/week to see when the leak returns.

If it is the crank seal and I'd say it is, save your $$$ for a timing belt kit that included new drive belts along with a new cranks seal. But not to put the cart before the horse, clean the area first and report back down the road.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Will do. The Timing Belt kit is in the plans after I do my LBJs and OTREs.

So if it is the crank seal, I'll be sure to address it at that time.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Also I forgot to mention is that if you aren't using a high mileage oil (Valvoline Maxlife for example) and need to put off replacing the TB and all, try using one for your next oil change. High mileage oil have some conditioners in the oil that in one varying degree or another help soften old seals to slow down leaks. I don't know though what choices you have up there in Canada, though Mobil Super High Mileage I think is available.

 

[azcat90]

Also I forgot to mention is that if you aren't using a high mileage oil (Valvoline Maxlife for example) and need to put off replacing the TB and all, try using one for your next oil change. High mileage oil have some conditioners in the oil that in one varying degree or another help soften old seals to slow down leaks. I don't know though what choices you have up there in Canada, though Mobil Super High Mileage I think is available.

What about Lucas Oil Stabilizer? Can that do the same thing?

 

[LittleCaesar]

What about Lucas Oil Stabilizer? Can that do the same thing?

If you know your engine is on its last leg and are just trying to get it down the road until a replacement then sure.

Otherwise I'd say no. A healthy engine doesn't need it.

 

[Kanoe]

Another possibility is that oil pressure sender, although from the photos it doesn't look like the culprit. Mine started to leak and had to be replaced so I guess it happens.

 

[etc.]

I don't know if you have a Dollar Tree (possibly a Loon Tree?) but they carry a product called "Awesome". It's great stuff and it's cheap. I tried several more expensive products when I was trying to clean the underside of my truck. After using Awesome, the grease and oil came off like hot butter after soaking the area, letting it set and then hitting it with a garden hose.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I don't know if you have a Dollar Tree (possibly a Loon Tree?) but they carry a product called "Awesome". It's great stuff and it's cheap. I tried several more expensive products when I was trying to clean the underside of my truck. After using Awesome, the grease and oil came off like hot butter after soaking the area, letting it set and then hitting it with a garden hose.

Yep, got to clean it up real good by what ever means possible. When I look for leaks, I use brake clean. It leaves a super dry surface and a "white" residue which, when a leak presents itself, is very easy to spot.
You also have to keep gravity and spinning components in mind also when looking for leaks. If you see the drip, keep looking above it until you see dryness to narrow down the potential leak spot. If the oil is everywhere, it would probably be spreading out because of a spinning component or airflow. In that case, as soon as you clean it up, you need to watch the areas close to the fan or your cam/crankshaft seals and anything else near the fan/front of the motor. As mentioned, one of those inspection mirrors is a necessity.

 

[2000se]

Could be oil cooler seal too..I think that is on the driver side

 

[sport05]

I'd guess crank. Mine was leaking in the same location and it was crank seal.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

If you want to find the specific source and not replace a bunch of seal then use a UV OIL dye it will indicate the source of the leak. If u don't mind replacing a bunch of seal that wouldn't hurt either.

 

[SpidermanGeek]

I ended up degreasing/cleaning the area and snugged my valve cover bolts down (they were in fact loose).

There hasn't been a noticeable leak since.

I still need to change them fan belts though... my alternator belt screeches like a mofo when I have the defroster, radio, lights and HVAC on full blast, lol.

I have to turn off the radio and lower the HVAC fan speed at intersections so I don't embarrass myself, lol.