BAD oil Leak

[Lamah]

My explorer started leaking oil about a week after i got it. I took it to a instant oil change place just in case they had someway to fix it. Some way or another, the leak stopped for a day or so. I also put in some Gunk leak stopper stuff, and that might been why. But then i was on some dirt trails and when i accelerated, the oil pressure completely dropped and went back up when i let off the gas. When i checked the level, it wasnt even on the dipstick, so i added 3 quarts of oil tha i had with me. I got to a gas station and put in 2 more quarts there. The oil was practiaclly pouring out. Then i stopped by meijers and got 6 quarts and another leak stopper and put in another 3 quarts + leak stopper and for now it seems to have stopped leaking. But i dont trust it enough to take it anywhere that i could get stranded. The oil looks like its comming from around the oil filter area on the the passenger side. The oil place said it looked like valve gaskets and the rear main. Both times it started leaking again were after the rpm's had hit about 4000, the first time was when it wasnt moving, the second was in first gear.

My uncle said it could also be a bad pressure sensor and its leaking from there. Any advice on what i should do is always welcomed.

Thanks and sorry for the length =/,
Jeff A.k.a. Lamah

[Ray Hutchinson]

Lamah,

You probably already know this, but first step is you've got th find out exactly where it's coming from. You need to clean up everything under the engine really well: go to a pressure wash place or something similar to get all the old oil off the motor so you can spot a new leak right away. Then your'e going to have to get underneath with a light, while someone else revs it up to boost the oil pressure, and try to find the source. Since you said the oil was coming out near the oil filter, presumably the oil change shop checked for a bad gasket on the oil filter. Ideally, they put on a new filter. I've heard of the old oil filter gasket sticking onto the filter socket, when the filter is removed, and then a new filter with gasket is installed, and this will sometimes cause a leak, also the gasket can get pinched when the filter is screwed down... two other things to check for. Hope it's something simple and cheap!

[Lamah]

thanks

[CHH777]

As your uncle suggested check your oil pressure sending unit. They are half plastic and half metal and the point where the two materials meet is notorious for developing leaks. Good luck...

[Lamah]

i think tommoror i'll drain the oil so i can take the oil filter off, the oil runs down the oil filter and i cant see past it. I'll check the stuff you guys suggested, but if i cant get it, i'm taking it to the mechanic. It needs some other stuff anyways and its my first car, so i'll let them take car of this problem.

Also, the oil doesnt leak, if at all it drips a little bit, but when i start it it POURS out. If that helps anyone think what else it might be, let me know. This explorer is begining to get a pain. Ah well, thats the price i pay for a nice truck


Thanks,
Jeff A.k.a Lamah

[Lamah]

Bah, looks like its not the pressure thing ... i didnt drain the oil or anything yet, but where is the oil pressure thing located? i think its underneath near the front of the engine, but if thats not what usually leaks, please let me know =/

Thanks,
Jeff A.k.a. Lamah

[Lamah]

well, just keeping you posted. Some kind of support for the wireing harness, i think, came loose and rubbed a hole in the oil filter, which explains why getting the filter changed stopped the leak temporarily. And also why it poured out with pressure.

Note to all car owners: Never over look simple things!

Thanks for the help, luckily it was a cheap 5$ fix

Jeff A.k.a Lamah