Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Air Dam and Engine Breather/Oil Leak

[gwizpro]

Here is the scenario, tell me if anyone had this happen.



I recently bought a Go Rhino Grill Guard. It requires you to remove the air damn so the brackets can pass thru to the frame for attachment. Well, i didn't think the dam served much purpose and besides the Grill guard was heavy and i was by myself. SO, I left the air dam off the truck.



A few days later I am under the truck checking things out, you know, sometimes you just like to see what everything looks under there, and I notice that on the drivers side all my tie rod ends are wet and have oil on them, also the sterring shaft and the top of the front axle assembly. I hunt high and low and can find no leak what so ever. I power wash everything and drive the truck for a hundred miles and the check again. Well, oil has re appeared on all the surfaces. NOTE; 95% of my driving is highway at 70mph.



Now, from past experience in looking for leaks, I buy a can of spray foot powder and sray it all over under that side of the truck. I take the truck out for a quick 70 mph spin and come right back to check.



This is what I find. The Breather tube is wet. . and a small drip is appearing on the end of the tube. (I sprayed it with powder also).



I thought about this for a while and I always think what I may have done recently to cause this. I remember not reinstalling the Air Dam. . I'm thinking that the new air turbulence under the truck without the Air Dam has caused a venturi effect on the breather tube.



I replace the Air dam, and low and behold the leak totally stops.

Now I have one reason for the Air Dam.



Anyone had this problem? Just my . 02



Thanks "The RackMan

 

[Missouri Mule]

RackMan,

Not saying it can't be, but breather tube is toward back of engine right. Bottom of tube is lower than starter.

I know that 24v engines breather tube was moved to front of engine.



Breather tube allows gasses caused by combustion to escape the engine block (this keeps gaskets and seals from leaking), air movement under truck creates suction at tube to pull gasses out.



After a hard run I"m not surprised it was dripping, it mite of been smoking a little too. This would be normal.



Now if not having the air dam on created air to swirl in engine compartment it mite be so. But the air dam is put on to keep a great amount of air going under the vehicle giving it better road hold and less under draft at rear. Improve mpg also.



I give it a look over again and check all fluids that are toward front of truck, near front of engine.