Archived Major oil leak !

[LandShark]

The last day of a drive from Washington State to Clearwater FL; the truck leaked 4 quarts of motor oil in the last 400 miles. Appears to be coming form behind the power steering pump/ vacuum pump. Looking for suggestions as to what to check and also where to go for service, if it comes to that. I'm 3400 miles from my shop so won't be doing much on my own, but I do have a decent set of tool with me. I'm, in the Clearwater, FL area for now but I think I could make it to my 5th wheel over at Jensen Beach (about 175 miles away) and have it serviced in the Stuart / Port St. Lucie area.

The KDP was tabbed many years ago and the front gear case seal and gasket replaced last year. I'm sure the leak is not from that area. The power steering pump and vacuum pump has never been touched.

 

[petersonj]

With miles and age of your truck and the quantity of leaking oil, I suspect that you may have a tappet cover gasket leaking - it covers the length of the left side of the engine block. The valve cover gasket is another possibility and is easy to check, but is not likely to be the culprit.

John

 

[mwilson]

Is it possible the little braided oil feed line has let go??? I'll try and find an illustration for you....

 

[mwilson]

Item 14.....

 

[LandShark]

mwilson: Are you thinking the #14 in the illustration? I've never noticed it. Looks like it starts from the bottom of the vacuum pump and goes where? I'll get under the truck in the morning when it has cooled down. Would be nice if it was that simple!

petersonj: It's definitely not from valve cover gaskets. I'll try to get a look at the tappet cover.

 

[mwilson]

Goes to the block. Supplies pressurized oil.to the vacuum pump I believe.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The line goes to a T at the block; other line at the T goes to the injection pump.

 

[JR]

If it is indeed behind the pump assy it could very well be the tappet cover. The gasket becomes brittle with age and blows out from the oil pressure.
Also, make sure your breather is open and venting freely. A plugged (or partially plugged) ccv will pressure the engine up until the weak link is found.

 

[RoyChristopher]

could also be cracked vacuum pump housing near power steering pump. damages shaft seal which can leak.

 

[GAmes]

Don't forget the timing pin. It might have fell out.

 

[LandShark]

My morning inspection did not reveal an obvious culprit. Took the truck up to the local Clearwater Dodge dealer and met the diesel mechanic and service manager. Hated to leave the truck there, as it has not been in a dealers or anyone's garage in 18 years; however I felt good about the people there.

I'll let you know on Monday what I find out......... Thanks for the replies.

 

[Bill Lins]

From your description, I'm betting vacuum pump seal, and the housing does not need to be cracked for that seal to fail.

 

[LandShark]

Also, make sure your breather is open and venting freely. A plugged (or partially plugged) ccv will pressure the engine up until the weak link is found.

I'm not aware of any breather/ccv on the 2nd gen 12v engine. Am I missing something?

 

[Bill Lins]

Draft tube?

 

[BigPapa]

The power steering pump and vacuum pump has never been touched.

From your description, I'm betting vacuum pump seal.

That would be where I'd put my money, also. ? They can leak a LOT of oil quickly when they fail.




.

I'm not aware of any breather/ccv on the 2nd gen 12v engine. Am I missing something?

Circled in red below. I think mine had some course "steel wool" material in it. Kinda like those old school pan scrubbers.

 

[LandShark]

Guess I was lucky... It was the oil sender. It was blowing out all that oil through the electric connection. I had looked at that but couldn't see the leak. Total damage was about $430, including $77 sender, tax, $118 diagnostic fee , and shop rate of $125/hour. They at least pressure washed the affected area. Seems a bit much but I'm glad to get back on the road again! I was hoping the dealer would wash the truck, but I guess they don't do that!

 

[petersonj]

LandShark - Glad to hear you are back on the road again. Might have been a bit costly, but if they got it right the first time, then it has to be worth some peace of mind.

John

 

[bigblock_doc]

They really should have put the diagnostic fee towards the R&R of the switch.