Oil Leak Help for the Mechanically Challenged

[Scormunch]

Last night I was sweeping out the garage and noticed a (rather big) oil splotch where I usually park my X. I know it wasn't there last friday... so I block the wheels and head out under the truck in near 0 deg. temps to look for the source. The catch: I know basically nothing about engines past adding some oil. I found the source, and I know it looks like the bottom of the actual engine... there's a screw that has drips on it.

I've got a 97' 5.0 near oil-change time... I was hoping to learn how to do it myself finally and save some money (I just hit 18 and am admittedly embarrassed that I don't know how to do this... its something I've always wanted to learn)

I got a few pictures... but only got one uploaded to CarDomain before I got an error saying "The upload feature has temporarily been disabled, check back later". Anyone know any other sites that will host (and allow links) pics?

The screw I'm talking about is on the far bottom... I'll get the rest of the pics up later. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Scormunch]

http://community.webshots.com/album/65482950fWoyTq

The link is the best I can do for now...

 

[Howard]

That bolt is where you drain the oil. It may not be the source of the leak as gravity has a lot to do with it and the drain bolt is at the lowest part of the sump (container for the oil). I would advise that you ask your friends and get one of them to show you how to do an oil change. In that way you will learn and not make an expensive mistake. All the best.

 

[tenikiwon]

If a friend isn't available the process for changing the oil is pretty easy.

Basically you unscrew that bolt (drian plug). Watch out for the oil that will be pouring out. Be REALLY careful if the engine is hot.

While the oil is draining, hopefully in a container, unscrew the filter. You made need a special tool and some cuss words to get it off.

Once the oil has finished draining take a new filter and rub a light coast of oil on the seal.

Screw the new filter in place. Again special tool may be required. Cuss words will not (note: DO NOT TIGHTEN AS TIGHT AS IT WAS TO GET OFF, a snug fit will be fine.)

Once the filter is back on, screw the drain plug back on. You may wish to replace it because of the possible leak. There is a post here that talks about a new type that will allow easy access to drain the oil.

Once the plug is back in fill 'er up! You will want to find exactally how much to fill. A little less is FAR better than a bit too much. If it says 4.1 quarts I usually only put in 4 quarts 'cause it's too hard to figure out what .1 is and too much oil will cause excess oil pressure and can blow gaskets and seals.

Once the oil is full check for leaks and check the level.

If ok then start it up. Make sure you're oil pressure gauge on your truck is about the same place is was before. If you don't have pressure in a few sec. You probably didn't put the oil it. HEY, it happens

Now you should be all set. Continue to check the level as normal to ensure it's wear it needs to be.

Make sure you properly dispose of the oil. You can't just throw it away or dump it in the drian. People get very mad if you do that!!

 

[SteveVB]

GET a NEW washer for the drain bolt

Hard to see where the oil is from, but a new drain plug washer would be a good idea, and dont over- torque the bolt when you put it back in.

I prefill my filters with oil before installation.
Put down newspaper and get some latex gloves to keep your hands clean. Dispose of the oil at a recyling facility.

Have fun

 

[dogfriend]

Here is a link to the oil change instructions at Autozone.com: Explorer Oil Change

 

[Scormunch]

Ok thanks everyone for the responses... I cleaned the area around the bolt and let it sit overnight and it dripped about 2.3 drops per hour directly from the bolt...

I knew pretty much what to do for the oil change, I was just wondering if I was trying to unscrew the right thing (drain plug) because I was putting a lot of pressure on the screw and it wouldn't back out... they probly just torqued it too much last time at Jiffy Lube...

 

[tenikiwon]

Very Nice