[brent1a]

I already found some basic info on the forum discussing, in brief, alleged problems with the rear main seal. They've helped alleviate a little of my worries but when it comes to my powerstroke baby I spazz out a little when I have a problem.

Anyway, I recently saw a couple droplets of oil appear under my drivetrain area on the concrete over a couple days. I took a look underneath and saw that the area directly behind my oil pan and up around he front of the tranny (is that the valley?) was covered in a thin gritty slick of dirty oil. So I started freakin out. I took it to my cousin who is a certified mechanic for regular non-diesel engines and he said it could be my main seal. HOLY CRAP!

So I found some info that states:
1. PS rear main seals almost never fail.
2. Always look from the top down when there is any leak.
3. Could be the oil plugs at the back of the heads, an o-ring can fail

However since I am a spazz and it's too late to go to the local diesel mechanic can anyone else give me some reassuring words of wisdom?

 

[94strokerace]

Easy now, lets not get upset yet. First, determine if it is in fact oil. Fuel will take on the same appearance of oil after it mixes w/ a little grime. Look real close in the valley directly under and behind the fuel pump. If you have any leaks, oil or fuel, the liquid will drain through a hole in the block casting located behind the fuel pump and continue down the rear of the engine which makes one think the rms is leaking. Also, if you have a manual (fill out your sig) the clutch inspection cover is known to rub a hole in the back of the oil pan due to vibration.

 

[brent1a]

So I waited until night time and went back under the truck with a maglight. I saw that there was grimy buildup coming off the back of the engine down the right side. I could see the oily leakage/buildup coming down between the oil pan and the starter(?) or HPOP(?). I guess it's the HPOP. On the left side of the oil pan it was dry and free of any oily grimy buildup. Then I looked down from the top of the engine. I tried to look straight down but my truck sits up a bit too high and it has the biggest bumper/brush guard in existence so I can only look down the back of the engine half-a$$ed. Anyway, I saw the same grimy oily buildup underneath the aluminum mount under the turbo that has 3 legs or so that attach it to the engine. I then did a (warm engine) oil check and it was full of oil. Also when I looked at the area under that aluminum mount under the turbo (behind the fuel filter area) I saw standing liquid. However, I just changed the fuel filter last night and when I pulled the old filter out a bunch of fuel flew out with it so I'm thinking that might be a little fuel sitting in that area.
I just bought it and drove it from texas back to my hometown in Illinois and there wasn't a single problem. I think that within that 1000 mile trip I should've seen something major happen if it was going too. I don't know hopefully my descriptions make sense.

 

[brent1a]

By the way it's a 1997 F350 crew cab long bed.

 

[94strokerace]

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I could see the oily leakage/buildup coming down between the oil pan and the starter(?) or HPOP(?).

[/ QUOTE ]
That would be the starter, the hpop is on the top of the engine.

[ QUOTE ]
Also when I looked at the area under that aluminum mount under the turbo (behind the fuel filter area) I saw standing liquid.


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That is probably the source, running out the rear of the engine and down its side.

[ QUOTE ]
However, I just changed the fuel filter last night and when I pulled the old filter out a bunch of fuel flew out with it so I'm thinking that might be a little fuel sitting in that area

[/ QUOTE ]
You need to hose that fuel/grime out of there, use a good degreaser such as Purple Power and let it dry completely. Go for a long Sunday drive and then check for leaks again. Itll be a whole lot easier with a clean engine. Looks like your rear main is fine, feel better? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[brent1a]

Would that area be the "valley"?

 

[brent1a]

I keep seeing posts referencing plugs on the back of the heads and bad o-rings. Could it be that simple of a thing? I'll have to power wash the valley area and then try and see whats up I guess.

 

[94strokerace]

Yes, the valley of death because if you ever drop something in there, youll never see it again. As fas as power washing, I wouldnt do that. These are drive by wire engines, too many sensors and gadgets to mess up. All that is needed is to spray the degreaser in the valley, etc and let it do the work. Hose it out gently, direct the stream away from anything that doesnt get along with water.

 

[brent1a]

Where is the HPOP exactly on the engine? I would like to check the HPOP fittings?

 

[94strokerace]

OK, standing in front of the engine, climb up on top of the bumper so that you can lean over into the engine compartment. The alt is on the left, the a/c compressor is on the right, in the middle between the two is a small tank with a sensor in the top, left side (oil pressure sensor). That tank is the High Pressure Oil Pump Reservior. Follow the tank to its back side, now you are looking down into the valley. On the back side of the tank, just below it you will see a pump with two stainless steel lines that connect to the heads. That is the High Pressure Oil Pump.