Engine Oil Leaks

Note: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source and location of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair.

Prior to carrying out this procedure, clean the cylinder block, cylinder heads, valve covers, oil pan and flywheel with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.


Engine Oil Leaks-Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
Use the 12 Volt Master UV Diagnostic Inspection Kit to carry out the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
1. Clean the engine with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.
2. Add Gasoline Engine Oil Dye 164-R3705 meeting Ford specification ESE-M99C103-B1 or equivalent. Use a minimum 14.8 ml (0.5 ounce) to a maximum 29.6 ml (1 ounce) of fluorescent additive to all engines. If the oil is not premixed, fluorescent additive must first be added to the case.
3. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine and inspect all sea] and gasket areas for leaks using the 12 Volt Master UV Diagnostic Inspection Kit. A clear bright yellow or orange area will identify the leak. For extremely small leaks, several hours may be necessary for the leak to appear.


Leakage Points-Underhood
Examine the following areas for oil leakage:
^ valve cover gaskets
^ cylinder head gaskets
^ oil cooler, if equipped
^ oil filter adapter
^ engine front cover
^ oil filter adapter and filter body
^ oil level indicator tube connection
^ oil pressure sensor


Leakage Points-Under Engine-With Vehicle on Hoist
^ oil pan gaskets
^ oil pan sealer
^ sump sealer - 8 cylinder
^ engine front cover gasket
^ crankshaft front seal
^ crankshaft rear oil seal
^ crankshaft main bearing cap side bolts
^ oil filter adapter and filter body
^ oil cooler, if equipped

Leakage Points-With Transmission and Flywheel Removed
^ crankshaft rear oil seal
^ rear main bearing cap parting line
^ rear main bearing cap and seals
^ flywheel mounting bolt holes (with flywheel installed)
^ camshaft rear bearing covers or pipe plugs at the end of oil passages
Oil leaks at crimped seams in sheet metal parts and cracks in cast or stamped parts can be detected when using the dye method.