What woud you consider normal oil seepage/buildup on the bottom of 155K 2002 4.0 XLS?

[2002xls4x4]

I'd like to get some opinions on how much oil seepage is expected on a 155,000+ mile 2002 XLS 4.0. The engine shows a fair amount of general oiliness and some crud buildup, with no actual dripping onto the driveway,.....at least not until after I sold it a few weeks ago. The new owner texted me yesterday (after having it 2 or 3 weeks) stating that he has considerable oil dripping (not his actual wording,.....just what I have been able to conclude from a later somewhat disjointed conversation). And he wants me to come look at it.

I initially responded to his first text stating that he had had the truck long enough to know that it did NOT leak when he bought it, and that if it was leaking now,......something had changed, and went on to remind him that it was a 155k / 12 year old truck (in spite of it looking like new).

He has suggested to me that he thinks I am lying. I'm not happy about this as when I sold it, it was an immaculate truck that I took very good care of, and never would have sold it with an oil drip (I don't care about oily seepage, but a leak I would have fixed before ever trying to sell it).

Just trying to get some insight into what is normal. BTW, the new owner told me that the firstone dealer where he was had quoter him $500 per valve cover gasket and that the oil pan gasket also appeared to be leaking. Sounds to me like they saw this guy coming and are trying to take advantage of him.

BC

 

[ponkotsu]

If everything is tight, there should be zero leakage and it should be dry and clean underneath. But at 155k, it's possible to have seeping valve cover gaskets, pan, rear main and who knows what else. $500 per valve cover seems a little steep, but when I did mine and the intake, it was an all day job.

A leak can start anytime, especially with a new owner that might be driving it harder than you are. When I sold my Mountaineer earlier this year, I made it clear to the buyer that there were no leaks, but I also reminded him it had 145k on it and might blow up tomorrow. Anyone buying a vehicle with 155k on it and doesn't think he might have some issues isn't dealing with reality. You can share your condolences with the buyer, but nothing you can do.

 

[2Trux]

If you sold it as-is without warranty he should have no reason or expectation to think that you will do anything for him.