OIL LEAK - Diesel Forum

hobhancock · 01-24-2005, 04:31 PM

I have noticed that one of the tubes coming from the turbo up to the front has an oil leak. The tube that runs along side the engine on the passenger side up to the front between the battery and the radiator. The boot right there has a small oil drip. First off, should there be oil in that tube? Does this mean I have an oil leak at the pedestal? What kind of trouble will this cause? And as you will see by the next question how much I really know about this motor, What are the tubes and tell me how they actually work. Its ok to laugh since I am new to this segmant of the world, but am I sure glad I am part of the PSD number. So I ask alot of questions to gain more knowledge, so please hand in there with me.

rfalcone · 01-24-2005, 08:34 PM

Mine has done this since we bought it new in 2000. I believe it is the intercooler tubes.

I talked the the guy that writes up the service on it. He says there is nothing to worry about and it doesn't hurt the efficiency of the engine.

Mine has started really leaking lately so I might have to crawl under it and see what is going on.

IMartin · 01-24-2005, 08:37 PM

My mechanic says that's caused by a dirty air filter. Forces the oil up and out the turbo and vent hoses. Not positive.

CHPMustang · 01-24-2005, 10:49 PM

If there's oil coming from around the boost tubes and boots after the turbo it's oil vapors from the Crankcase Valve,it's was designed into the system by International and Ford.

That stuff sure does make a mess after awhile if you don't clean the engine area regularly.

I did away with the prob by re-routing the CCV vapors from the air intake to open air,I removed all the intake tubes,boots,clamps and intercooler and gave it all a thorough cleaning inside out.

The compliment that is most enjoyed is "How do you keep it so clean?"

Another rule of thumb is if there's an oil leak or residue on the boots you may also be loosing some turbo compressor boost pressure at those locations,if left untreated the boots will eventually get soft and blow off if given the right conditions under acceleration,the accompanying noise from the engine area one never forgets.

Bill

hobhancock · 01-25-2005, 12:45 PM

Thanks. You know I have really been impressed with all your knowledge and the wonderful manner in which you respond to everyones questions. I have the pictures of your CCV mod but I havent got around to doing it. Now that I know this is what will help I will get the supplies. Sure wish we had hooked up back in Nov for the GM plant tour. Would have loved to have seen you X. I called a local dealer here and he told me basically the same thing, that it is common to do that but also to keep them clean would be a great help. Thanks again.

hobhancock · 01-25-2005, 12:47 PM

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My mechanic says that's caused by a dirty air filter.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have brand new AFE filter in. I was told that it was common for that to do it to help the lubrication of the turbo.

fordmastertech · 01-25-2005, 01:09 PM

A real dirty air filter will cause more oil to be pulled into the air intake system from the crankcase vent. The engine wants air and it's got to come from somewhere.

CHPMustang · 01-25-2005, 01:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I was told that it was common for that to do it to help the lubrication of the turbo.

[/ QUOTE ]
In my opinion the CCV vapors do more hurt than help when it comes to overall engine performance.

The turbo is internally lubricated via the engine oil which is why we get turbo pedestal leaks from time to time [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vulnerable.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Bill

lauraandtom · 01-25-2005, 10:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]

That stuff sure does make a mess after awhile if you don't clean the engine area regularly.

Bill

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What do you use to clean the engine area and is there anything I need to watch out for when cleaning it?

Thanks, Tom

CHPMustang · 01-25-2005, 11:49 PM

For cleaning the engine I'd use a light mix of simple green say 50:1 but I tend to stay on the safe side when using cleaners.

Make sure you cover the alternator and power steering pump filler cap car.

When cleaning on and around the boots use of a sponge may help loosen lift the oil residue,then just rinse off with garden hose spray and dry off everything with some terry towels to prevent spotting.

Once the engines clean the next time just a spray of the hose to knock off the dust and towel dry.

Bill