2014 3.5L Base Engine Oil Leak - rear of engine on passenger side

[buschman]

135k miles, this has been weeping for awhile and is starting to get worse. The leak is on the passenger side at the rear of the engine.

How involved is the repair for this? Thanks.

 

[runningonfords]

That sucks. Thats the block heater area with that silver wrapped wire, no? Probably pricey just because time involved. I imagine all the pulleys and crap on the passenger side face of the engine would have to come off. You'd have to drain all the oil and replace/reseal that gasketed plate that all the oil is sitting behind. You could always try the hillbilly method of using something like Lucas oil stop leak and give those few bolts right there a small turn if possible, moreso if you find a loose one. Use an independent shop to save money. Get more than 1 quote.

 

[peterk9]

Depending upon how long you plan to keep the vehicle, the other option, if it isn't dripping in the garage or driveway, is to just keep an eye on the oil level and fill when needed. How long has it been leaking?

Peter

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

Seepage is not an issue. Leaking is different.

 

[buschman]

Seepage is not an issue. Leaking is different.

I'll doublecheck the torque on those cover bolts to see if it helps.

It's not dripping yet and hasn't required addition of any engine oil to maintain proper level.

I am assuming this requires removal of the front engine cover and reseal it, which most likely involves engine removal. And while that's apart it's probably a good idea to replace water pump. Any other things I should be thinking of it comes to that?

Just surprised nobody else has weighed in that's had a similar issue, there are lots of these 3.5's out there. I can't image mine's too special.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

I'll doublecheck the torque on those cover bolts to see if it helps.

It's not dripping yet and hasn't required addition of any engine oil to maintain proper level.

I am assuming this requires removal of the front engine cover and reseal it, which most likely involves engine removal. And while that's apart it's probably a good idea to replace water pump. Any other things I should be thinking of it comes to that?

Just surprised nobody else has weighed in that's had a similar issue, there are lots of these 3.5's out there. I can't image mine's too special.

Mine has something similiar in rear valve cover. Seepage doesn't need to be fixed.

 

[Crates]

I'll doublecheck the torque on those cover bolts to see if it helps.

It's not dripping yet and hasn't required addition of any engine oil to maintain proper level.

I am assuming this requires removal of the front engine cover and reseal it, which most likely involves engine removal. And while that's apart it's probably a good idea to replace water pump. Any other things I should be thinking of it comes to that?

Just surprised nobody else has weighed in that's had a similar issue, there are lots of these 3.5's out there. I can't image mine's too special.

Looks fairly minor, if its not dripping on the floor I would suggest spraying it down with some brake cleaner and then monitoring it over time. If it does need to be repaired you don’t have to pull the engine but it is fairly involved - intake, cam covers, belts, tensioner, damper, RH engine mount, all have to come off. Definitely change out the water pump and tensioner/chains while you’re in there.

Mike.