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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 01' leaking oil

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Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) HO engines?...

RBeard

TDR MEMBER
Help out here guys. Got home and parked the truck and started unloading tools. As I walked by the front of the truck, I heard the sound of drops hitting the cardboard I put under engine area.(cardboard is to catch the 2 drops of oil that comes from extended breather hose daily) I looked under and there is oil coming down like a sprinkling rain from all over the left side of everything. Probably didn't amount to a few ounces, but can't see where it comes from with all the stuff on the side of the engine.
 
All on drivers side. Used flashlight to try to locate origin, looked from front to rear, but can't see much with all the stuff in the way. (Inj. pump, P.S. pump, ECM, transfer pump, fuel filter. It's not the valve cover, so must be lower and behind something.
 
Help out here guys. Got home and parked the truck and started unloading tools. As I walked by the front of the truck, I heard the sound of drops hitting the cardboard I put under engine area.(cardboard is to catch the 2 drops of oil that comes from extended breather hose daily) I looked under and there is oil coming down like a sprinkling rain from all over the left side of everything. Probably didn't amount to a few ounces, but can't see where it comes from with all the stuff on the side of the engine.

How many miles on the engine? Best guess is tappet cover.
 
After looking with bright light from all angles, I agree. Next week, I'll tear into it. With 303k miles, I guess I should rebuild vac. pump also. Cam sensor replaced a few years ago with VP-44.
 
There are quite a few posts on the TDR referring to tappet cover gasket replacement etc. When I replaced mine I let the new gasket cure overnight and was glad I followed that advice from several TDR members.
 
So I'm tearing into my oil leaking truck tomorrow. IP is coming out, so I'll need to change the o-ring seal for it. I'm hoping it's just the tappet cover that's leaking and getting new gasket for it. Do I need to do anything to the Vacuum pump or power steering pump or anything else in there, while it's easy to get to. 21 yrs old and 303k miles.
 
OK Guys, After waiting for parts and letting it sit over the holiday, I finally finished the repairs. And I am happy to report that I see no leaks after a lengthy drive through the countryside. Thanks to all for the extra info. on what all to rebuild while doing the job. Although the back of my hands look like chopped hamburger after it was all done. (never knew there was so many sharp edges on everything, during teardown and replacement of parts).
 
Only warranty repairs on my '02 were the power steering shaft seal, and passenger side mirror that wouldn't stay in adjustment. I was told by dealer that the seal was a common defect, and updated replacement used a double lip seal design - never any further issues - altho' my IP also failed at 22K, also due to a poor design internal advance cylinder that caused quite a few early replacements back in the '02 range of trucks - did replacement myself. pretty much an all day job - no further issues.
 
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