Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oil leak...

[Gary - K7GLD]

I have an oil leak - not large, but enough to leave a half dozen decent spots on the garage floor after the 10 mile round trip into town and back. I'm certain it is engine oil, and seems to originate from somewhere around the front of the power steering pump, in a location not easily seen from any available observation point.



Everything is functioning perfectly, and power steering fluid is at the proper level. I've read here of seal leakage or failure at the PS pump, but thought those mostly resulted in PS fluid leaks - do some cause engine oil loss instead?



Reading a few related threads using the search feature seems to indicate a seal issue that can cause this sort of leak, but wonder exactly where it originates, and if it can be seen other than actual disassembly of the pump(s)? Unfortunately, with the various stuff like the modded crankcase breather, fuel filter and such, the dealer service guys will undoubtedly whine and moan about the "changes" I've made and how much they will impede service work...



Jeeze, I'd rather take a beating than have to take the truck to the shop for their "5 star" ASSistance...

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I was sorta hoping to hear from a few others having the leakage I posted above - perhaps with some specifics as to exactly where the leakage path exists - I sure can't seem to locate it on mine, dunno if it is from between the vacuum pump and power steering pump, or between the vacuum pump and flange it mounts to - also wonder in such cases if DC policy is to replace BOTH pumps as a unit, or only the defective one?



I hate leaks of this nature, where the specific leakage point is hidden - the techs invariably seem to want to add dye to the oil, send you on your way, then have you return after a few miles so they can see if the leakage point is more obvious - then schedule yet ANOTHER trip and date for the actual repair - takes forever to finally get the dern thing actually cured...



Still like to hear from others who have been down this road...

 

[Ram4Sam]

Been here...

Gary, this is a motor oil leak most likely. There is a shaft seal in the silver painted adapter that the power steering pump bolts to. In the old days, the dealer had to replace the adapter ($800+/-) but DC just recently made a seal kit available to the dealers to fix the leak. There have been a number of threads in the past about this. My 1st gen truck did this but so far my 2nd gen hasn't leaked. I don't know if the blown seal is covered under the DC or the Cummins warranty.



Sam

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Sam - yes, it seems to definitely be motor oil, and as nearly as I can see, the flow path of the oil is at the FRONT of the vacuum pump where it attaches to the engine gearcase flange - can't really see any more than that - everythng SEEMS dry and clean on further above, so don't think it's VP-44 related...



Went to the dealer this morning to schedule an appointment, and related my concerns about the need for dye and multiple trips, so they gave me the dye to add myself in order to save at least ONE return trip - the local Dodge facility seems to be a decent one, they have serviced my old '91 with good results, and the one time the '02 went back for a replacement on a defective passenger side mirror, ir was handled well and quickly. Maybe they will do as well in this instance as well - keeping my fingers crossed!