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Engine - Oil Leak Service Tips

Article No.
04-6-2

04/05/04

ENGINE - LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAKS - 3.0L 2V
VULCAN ENGINE - DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS

FORD:
2000-2004 TAURUS, RANGER

MERCURY:
2000-2004 SABLE

This article supersedes TSB 04-1-5 to update the part information.

ISSUE

When diagnosing an oil leak on the 3.0L 2V Vulcan engine, leaks from other areas may appear to be leaking from the rear main crank seal. Engine oil leaking from the oil filter gasket, oil drain plug or oil pan gasket may migrate and appear to leak from the rear main crank seal.

ACTION

Follow the diagnostic Service Tips below to accurately identify the source of an oil leak. If areas listed below are verified not to be the source of the oil leak, continue with normal diagnostics per Workshop Manual.

SERVICE TIPS

VERIFYING THE LOCATION OF A LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAK

1. Clean the engine of oil residue prior to diagnosing.

NOTE
AN EXTREMELY SMALL (SLOW) OIL LEAK MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL HOURS OR AN EXTENDED DRIVE FOR THE LEAK TO APPEAR. IF THE ENGINE IS NOT CLEANED, PRIOR OIL RESIDUE MAY LEAD TO A FALSE DIAGNOSIS.

2. Use the fluorescent oil additive method to determine the leak path. Refer to the Workshop Manual Engine System - General Information Section 303-00, Engine Oil Leak-Fluorescent Oil Additive Method.

LOCATIONS TO CHECK

Oil Filter:
The oil filter may not be tightened to the correct specification. If a leak is detected at the filter, tighten the filter. If the filter still leaks, replace the oil filter.

NOTE
BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE FILTER THE DESIRED 3/4 TO 1 FULL TURN AFTER INITIAL SEAL CONTACT AS SPECIFIED ON THE FILTER INSTRUCTIONS.

Oil Pan Gasket:
Inspect for oil along the oil pan rail. Also, inspect for oil at the T-joint to front cover and at the corner of the rear half round. If oil is found and did not originate from the oil filter, or oil change spillage, replace the oil pan gasket.

NOTE
WHEN REPLACING AN OIL PAN GASKET, CLEANING ALL OIL RESIDUE AND PROPER RTV PLACEMENT/APPLICATION IS CRITICAL TO EFFECTIVE OIL PAN GASKET SEALING. REFER TO THE APPLICABLE MODEL YEAR WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR THE CORRECT SILICONE BEAD SIZE AND LOCATION.

Engine Oil Drain Plug:
Possible worn drain plug 0-ring. Replace if necessary.





Parts Block

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 03-5-3

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage





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