Oil Leak Diagnosis - Bedplate leak - Diesel Forum

EBExp2000 · 08-08-2006, 12:22 AM

Well, I had the truck checked over today. All the normal leaking sensors have been replaced. The oil filter assembly was replaced. The "turbo inlet pipe" was replaced. I made them dye the oil, and they said the leak is coming from near the bedplate. 2003 with 84500 miles.

This specific shop said they don't have the setup to pull the motor, so I'm thinking about taking it to Badger Truck, in Milwaukee WI. They are supposedly "trucks only." The shop itself, runs 7:00 AM -Midnight. The service advisor could tell me that the motor would be pulled without removing the body. When I asked what their procedure was, he said that Ford does not want to do that repair twice, so they carefully check everything over once the heads are pulled.

Now, there's of course several things that could be wrong. It could just be the gasket. Worse would be bad machining. Cracked block, etc.

I trust that they would fix the problem. Would a repair at this time get me the "better" head gaskets, even on a 2003? Should I insist on seeing the block/heads myself to make them show me the problem? Additionally, I suppose it would be good to check the rear main and look for leaks there as well.

Any thoughts?

grounder · 08-08-2006, 01:01 AM

If it isnt the Bedplate leaking.It could be the Flywheel housing or as some like to call it the rear engine cover.I have seen them leak right at The End of the Block rails where the Housing mates to the back of the Block.I would also trust there Inspection of the Block.Theres No way they would let something like that go and then Have it leak and come Back on them.I am sure The dealership thats going to do this will Double check the source of this leak before they rip into it to make sure it has Not been Misdiagnosed.

TexasTruck · 08-08-2006, 11:04 AM

My previous 04 (engine build on 11/03) had a bedplate issue. They replaced all the orings, and what not, finally pulling the engine to RR the bedplate.

Not to scare you, but one day I saw my old "girl" at a local mall. I looked under it to see if the leak was gone. To my surprise, it was still leaking! The dealer changed everything but the RMS. Since they we're stabing in the dark to begin with it seems like that would have been the next thing to "try".

My point is make darn sure it's not the RMS or engine cover as I've heard it called.

Scott

EBExp2000 · 08-08-2006, 11:52 AM

Is there any way to really R&R the bedplate without replacing the short-block? FordDoctorDTS says it's NOT fixable if it has the "poor" machining or it is not a flat surface.

Yes, there are the front and rear motor covers too. As I said, since it is so labor intensive, they apparently want to get it right the first time.

ford_doctor · 08-08-2006, 12:19 PM

The bedplate IS part of the block and it is actually called the "lower block assembly" in the service manual. This lower portion contains the main bearing caps which are integrated into the casting. The block and the bed plate are machined as an assembly and are mated to each other.

EBExp2000 · 08-08-2006, 02:05 PM

And the head goes on top of the bedplate, correct?

rstaichi · 08-09-2006, 01:24 AM

Well the good thing is you'll be getting a re- manufactured short block out of it. The bad thing is been told that the people that rebuild them have quality issues.

They said my first short block to come in looked so bad that they wouldn't dare put it in my truck so had to wait for another one.
Was in the shop for 28 days, but got it back and everything seems to be good so far but only have like 500 miles on it.

You can see all in my pictures.
http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.c...y.ten?id=16599

EBExp2000 · 08-09-2006, 08:34 AM

Well, fortunately I hear that the place I'll be taking the truck to is an excellent shop. They rebuild diesel engines all day, every day. The 6.0L engine is little compared to some of the stuff they service.

My dealer said they wouldn't even touch it due to lack of technicians, equipment, and the time it takes. Their tech considered it "minor seepage." I consider it warranty work.

mettech · 08-09-2006, 08:46 AM

I take my '05 into Andy Mohr Ford near Indy on 20 Aug to repair the bed plate leak also. I hope they know what their're doing and Ford sends them good parts.

The local Ford dealership shop said they don't have the setup to pull the motor, but they did replace the steering gear box during the week they had it.

I would think that Ford would provide a loaner car since I have to repair shop is 60 miles from my local shop.

Ford_Doc:.... Does Ford replace the block when they do this repair?

GregH · 08-09-2006, 09:54 AM

Mettech - If the leak is caused by a poorly machined surface, then the block assembly is replaced. This includes the upper crankcase (block), lower crankcase (bedplate), and the rotating assembly (crank and pistons).

If it is caused by a failed bedplate gasket, then just the gasket is replaced.

rstaichi · 08-09-2006, 08:13 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Well, fortunately I hear that the place I'll be taking the truck to is an excellent shop. They rebuild diesel engines all day, every day. The 6.0L engine is little compared to some of the stuff they service.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well they will not be rebuilding the short block, that is done by Franklin and they are the ones that been having issues with quality.

But your shop will put ever thing else back together.