Engine distributors WSG-1068 - Engine Oil Leaks

WSG-1068 GENERAL INFORMATION
Engine Oil Leaks
NOTE: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source
and location of the leak must be positively identified
prior to service.
Prior to performing this procedure, clean the cylinder
block, cylinder heads, valve covers, oil pan and flywheel
with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil.
Fluorescent Oil Additive Method
Use the 12 Volt Master UV Diagnostic Inspection Kit to
perform the following procedure for oil leak diagnosis.
1. Clean the engine with a suitable solvent to
remove all traces of oil.
2. Drain engine oil crankcase and refill with
recommended oil, premixed with Diesel Engine
Oil Dye 164-R3705 meeting Ford specification
ESEM9C103- B1 or equivalent. Use a minimum
14.8 ml (0.5 ounce) to a maximum 29.6 ml (1
ounce) of fluorescent additive to all engines. If
the oil is not premixed, fluorescent additive must
first be added to crankcase.
3. Run the engine for 15 minutes. Stop the engine
and inspect all seal and gasket areas for leaks
using the 12 Volt Master UV diagnostic
Inspection Kit. A clear bright yellow or orange
area will identify the leak. For extremely small
leaks, several hours may be required for the
leak to appear.
4. If necessary, pressurize the main oil gallery
system to locate leaks due to improperly sealed,
loose or cocked plugs.
5. Repair all leaks as required.
Pressure Method
The crankcase can be pressurized to locate oil leaks.
The following materials are required to fabricate the tool
to be used:
 air supply and air hose
 air pressure gauge that registers pressure in 4 kPa
(1 psi) increments
 air line shutoff valve
 appropriate fittings to attach the above parts to oil
fill, PCV grommet hole and crankcase ventilation
tube
 appropriate plugs to seal any openings leading to
the crankcase
 a solution of liquid detergent and water to be applied
with a suitable applicator such as a squirt bottle or
brush
Fabricate the air supply hose to include the air line
shutoff valve and the appropriate adapter to permit the
air to enter the engine through the crankcase ventilation
tube. Fabricate the air pressure gauge to a suitable
adapter for installation on the engine at the oil filler
opening.
Testing Procedure
 Open the air supply valve until the pressure gauge
maintains 34 kPa (5 psi).
 Inspect sealed or gasketed areas for leaks by
applying a solution of liquid detergent and water
over areas for formation of bubbles which
indicates leakage.
Leakage Points - Above Engine
Examine the following areas for oil leakage.
 valve cover gaskets
 intake manifold gaskets
 cylinder head gaskets
 oil bypass filter
 oil level indicator tube connection
 oil pressure sensor
Leakage Points - Under Engine
 oil pan gaskets
 oil pan sealer
 oil pan rear seal
 engine front cover gasket
 crankshaft front seal
 crankshaft rear oil seal

crankshaft main bearing cap side bolts
Leakage Points - with Flywheel Removed
NOTE: Air leakage in the area around a crankshaft rear
oil seal does not necessarily indicate a crankshaft rear
oil seal leak. However, if no other cause can be found
for oil leakage, assume that the crankshaft rear oil seal
is the cause of the oil leak.
NOTE: Light foaming equally around valve cover bolts
and crankshaft seals is not detrimental; no repairs are
required.
 crankshaft rear oil seal
 rear main bearing cap parting line
 rear main bearing cap and seals
 flywheel mounting bolt holes (with flywheel installed)
 camshaft rear bearing covers or pipe plugs at the
end of oil passages
Oil leaks at crimped seams in sheet metal parts and
cracks in cast or stamped parts can be detected when
pressurizing the crankcase.