Where's the Leak

[briang0]

I just replaced the heads on my 97 sport 4.0 L OHV. I started noticing a couple of drips under the vehicle in the front on the drivers side. When I look at the engine right below the PS pump the block is wet it appears to be oil but I can't tell. I tried to look behind the PS pump but it looks dry It's either AF or Oil but having trouble figuring it out. Any ideas on troubleshooting this. Is there a gasket near there? Water pump or time chain cover? It was wet there before I did the heads so I'm hoping I didn't cause it.

 

[briang0]

I crawled under the Explorer and this is what I have found. There is what appears to be oil on the under side of the lower radiator hose. It looks like it is then blowing back over the engine. The only thing I can think of is that the timing chain cover gasket is leaking at the top and the oil is running down. Anyone want to venture a guess? I wiped everything down and will check again tonight after it has been driven.

 

[jackndelphine]

I know this reply is probably a little late, but my truck is leaking form the same place as yours, I am going to do the timing chain cover gasket this weekend, how did you make out with yours?------Jack

 

[briang0]

I have not done it yet I was looking for better documentation on it. I looked at the Ford Service manual and it says to pull the engine. I can't do that so I was looking to find someone who did it without hauling the engine it looks like it could be done. I have the gaskets sitting on my work bench. I called a garage and they said 525.00. The only issue I see is there appear to be two bolts coming up into the cover from the pan but it looks like they can be removed easily then here is a gastet it looks like it is part of the pan gasket. One other issue I see is the crank seal in the cover. I'm not sure what tools I would need to remove it and replace it. It also says not to use the bolt that goes through the harmonic balancer again. I haven't been able to find one on-line. Just a few thoughts.

Brian