Oil? Leak.

[brutusthedag]

This site has been such a huge help in the past, figured I'd ask another question. I have what appears to be an oil leak. But I'm trying to figure out where its coming from. I'm not loosing that much oil, but every so often (the leaking seems to be tempermental) I see 2 dime sized spots under the truck. The spots are in the center of the front end, about 2 feet apart from each other. I looked, but I can't tell where its coming from because the area (front axle) from where its dripping, is caked with old oil and dirt. Its obviously coming from somewhere, running down the front end and then hitting the ground. Any Ideas, I know its a vague description, but any ideas would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[JDraper]

Best way to go about it is to completely clean the axle/motor off and then look for where it's coming from. With everything already caked with oil, it's hard to make a determination of the problem area. Common areas for engine oil leakage are valve cover gaskets, front and rear main seal, and pan gasket.

 

[dogfriend]

My psychic powers say its the front main seal (crankshaft seal).










If it is the valve cover gaskets, you should get the burning oil smell when it leaks onto the exhaust manifold.

If it is the rear main seal, you should see oil accumulate on the inspection plate between the engine and trans.

I have owned a couple of Fords, so I have some experience with oil leaks. :

 

[brutusthedag]

Oil Leak, new development

I have just noticed that there has been a significant drop in the coolant in the resevoir since yesterday. ALSO, I've been using a piece of plywood to catch the oil drips. Initially the oil looked normal, but after a night of drying it looks like milk. I hope this isn't what I think it may be.

 

[brutusthedag]

Oil leak...more trouble.

I just let the truck run for about 15 min. I opened the oil fill cap and noticed on the underside of the cap a "swirl" of white (milky color). Again, I hope its not what I think.

 

[dogfriend]

Ut oh, now my psychic powers are telling me it may be what you don't want it to be.




My Toyota truck was sucking coolent out of the radiator, but the oil looked ok - it turned out to be a crack in one of the exhaust ports in the head.

 

[brutusthedag]

does it all make sense? After the oil dries, it changes color?

 

[brutusthedag]

also, would an oil leak be an indication of this potential problem, or could the leak just be a coincidence?

 

[brttwttnr]

If you have a blown head gasket or cracked head your coolant and oil will mix, that is probably why you had significant coolant loss & the milky fluid under your cap. Do a compression check on each cylinder and you will actually be able to pin point your problem. Good luck.