oil leak - Diesel Forum

Taz969 · 02-14-2010, 09:07 PM

I have just recently gotten a '92 F250 with the 7.3 international diesel. I have had it about a month at this point and it's sitting about 224000 on the odometer. As of today I have noticed that it's loosing oil from the top left side of the motor. it appears looks like it's probably a valve cover gasket. is there anything else in that area that I should look at before I make a rash assumption? I would greatly appreciate any help I can get on this as I am brand new to diesels in general.

tnplowboy83 · 02-14-2010, 10:10 PM

left side if you were sitting in it or standing infront looking at it ?

chuckster57 · 02-14-2010, 10:42 PM

To BOTH of you guys.

The valve cover gaskets can wear and leak over time. The bolts that hold them in place can become loose and the "spreaders" will not hold the cover down tight. They are cheap enough and easy to replace. Just pay attention to the way (top) the spreaders go back on. Since yours is NOT turbo'd it is easy to get to all the bolts

Taz969 · 02-14-2010, 11:16 PM

Left as when sitting in or driver's side. the oil sending unit is in the right area but it's bone dry. further inspection there's only oil visible on the outside of the engine not anything showing in the valley so it's pretty much gotta be the valve covers. the truck sat for about 3 years without much if any use. appears the gaskets brittled out and gave way. had planned on replacing them tuesday since I just found the leak today. yes there's a ton of room to get to the covers. thank goodness. if anyone has any suggestions or tips on the job it's self I am all ears!

Taz969 · 02-18-2010, 09:15 PM

this isn't at all going like I planned. got the gaskets changed late yesterday. was dark and I didn't run it to test it last night. fired it up this morning and oil running on the ground like a sieve from what I think might be the oil pan gasket. there's oil everywhere and no hint as to where it might have come from. not a guess at all. off to get cleaner so maybe I can see where it starts. UGH!

Taz969 · 02-19-2010, 08:20 AM

if there are any other spots the engine could leak oil in a dramatic fashion I could use any suggestions anyone has here. I am hoping that it's the oil pan gasket but I really can't tell yet. waiting for day light and my helper to get back from the store with some brake cleaner now.

Taz969 · 02-19-2010, 08:53 AM

went out in the sane light of day and started it up and found the source of my current issue. fuel line leaking down the engine washing the crud off the back of the motor where the built up gunk from the valve cover leaking was. replacing the fuel line this morning with a slightly longer line and it should be back in business!