[dukeswalker]

I have a 2003 7.3 with 41,000 miles on it leaking 2 drops of oil out the flywheel dust cover when parked on inclined driveway. Oil level is staying put on dipstick. Took it into dealership a few weeks ago for dye testing and they found no leak, suggested driving a week or so and returning. 2 days later started getting 2 drops in driveway AGAIN. I used blacklight and saw "glowing" in/on flywheel cover, around starter, passenger lip of oil pan and on ground but did not see source from above or below engine. I took it back to dealership and they said they still can't find leak source but they do see "wetness" in the area, but no drips. They now want to get Ford involved to take apart engine I guess?? Can leaks be this tough to find? What might it be that they can't see until engine is out? Would you let a Ford dealership take apart your baby with 41,000 miles for such a small leak? What should I do? Thanks in advance.....Todd

 

[applmac]

Look in the valley on the top of the engine for oil. Oil leaks up there will drain out the back, across the starter and down the inspection cover.

Common leaks are HPOP O-rings, turbo pedestal O-rings, intake boots.

 

[dukeswalker]

Valley is completely dry, no "glowing" oil. It is not one of the "common" leaks, I wish it was that easy.

 

[HoneyShucks]

Check where oil dipstick enters pan. We have had known problems with an O-ring (?) where the tube enters the pan.

 

[dukeswalker]

Dipstick is where I started looking first after reading about it. Again, I wish it was that easy of a fix. BTW it was a little loose but not leaking. Todd

 

[dukeswalker]

Just an update for anyone interested with similar problem. Turned out to be a rare (maybe 5%?) oil pan leak on passenger side. Under warranty they removed radiator, engine, etc. to find the seepage on lip of oil pan. A few connectors, 0-rings, gaskets, hose clamps and silicone sealant I am back on the road after 2+ weeks in the shop. $100 deductible I got oil/filter change and fresh antifreeze. Service guy says the bill for labor to Ford was 11 or 12 hours ($96/hour)...ouch. This is a horrible design that Ford (or customer) will pay dearly for. That's a shame and the end of this story I hope. Todd

 

[Pickupmanx2]

What year, my wifes 02 Exc is leaking... even more so when I use her truck to tow the camper,,,, any ideas, could be same thing

 

[ponyboychris]

Mine leaks there too...

It's not the HPOP O-rings but there is some oil - not much - in the back of the valley. I figure it might be the turbo O-rings. Since I'm still within the 5yr/100K warranty, she's going in soon for a looksie.