Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) oil leak

[tURBOdIEZEl]

on my way to texas yesterday, i noticed oil drips when i was re-fuleing. after futher investigation all i can figure is its either the return line from the turbo or oil pan gasket? i kept an eye out on the oil level when i would stop and fuel, and it is not loosing any oil? could any texas members in the ausin/san marcos/san antonio area take a second look? if ya can PM me.

 

[crabman]

TurboDiezel,

If the engine is not using oil and you notice oil drips from the rear of oil pan/bell housing area. Check your oil level in the transmission. If the input shaft seal leaks it will look like the rear main seal/oil pan is leaking.

crabman

 

[Forrest Nearing]

if your truck is anything like mine, it could be oil vapors from the blow-by tube accumulating...



currently in process of routing mine to the exhaust! LOL!



Forrest

 

[RT66DOC]

currently in process of routing mine to the exhaust! LOL!Forrest

Blue Angels eat your hearts out. :-laf

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

Update

took the truck down to the local carwash, and degreased everything. drove it home it seems only the right side of the engine is getting wet (when under the truck. ) :{ it only drips a little. i checked all fluids and everything checked out okay.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

passenger side?

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

yes sir. the head on my truck was just done, would this have something to do with it seating in? i also had my front main seal replaced at the same time.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

man, your guess is as good as mine...



one thing you can do is add some UV dye to the oil and let it run and hit it w/ a UV flashlight... the oil leak will glow. make sure and do it in the dark, it's kinda hard to see during the day.



Forrest

 

[Dave M]

UV Dye

Like Forrest said try the UV dye. I got some from NAPA (transmissin UV Dye) and used it, for the first time,a few days ago in my power steering fliud. I had a leak between the brake master cylinder and the hydroboost unit :{ . Put the dye in power steering fliud and next day hit it with black light at night and it was power steeering fliud leak cause the leak glowed greenish yellow. The UV dye works great if you have access to the black light (I borrowed it). Easy way to trace the leak.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Dave, that's how I was introduced to UV dye! trying to track down a mysterious leak that ended up being a bad hydroboost unit. don't fret, it's not that bad of a job... I used an A1 Cardone reman unit. just follow the instructions on re-filling the system (weight off the tires, turn the wheel back and forth, kill the engine, top off, turn wheel back and forth, kill engine, etc. ) just take your time making sure you get all the bubbles out.



I added a cooler and used Royal Purple fluid to try to keep the pump alive as long as possible.



Forrest

 

[Dave M]

Hyroboost Leaking:

I don't mean to highjack this thread but thanks for info Forrest on the boost unit. Never done it before. Had me stumped, being new to diesels, when brakes and power steering were giving me trouble at same time.



The leak isn't real bad. . yet . . so when my wife lets me have the truck (maybe this weekend :-{} ) I'll tackle it. I seen a post recently by someone who got a new unit from hydroboost.com and were happy so I've been talking to Paul there.



They recommend a synthetic also (Valvoline SynPower), I suppose either one would work, and get out all old fluid out. Their new unit is $275 plus shipping for my 97 but I have to send mine in so they can transfer the bracket and pedal rod connection onto new unit... . what a pain... but its a new unit. Truck will be down for 2 weeks probably :{ . I'll PM you if I have trouble (if you don't mind) or post a thread.



I have a low boost :{ ssue now I'm researching that needs addressed before the #10 :-laf and 3K GSK Oo. . The 4inch exhaust and AFE Stage I just added really helped the truck out and my turbo now whistles at me



Thanks Forreset and good luck on the leak TurboDiesel. And now back to your regularly scheduled thread .



Dave

 

[DMoon]

From your description I'd bet it's the turbo return line. Tighten up the clam and you'll be OK.

 

[Glen Pratt]

Another thing you can since the area is all clean is spray the area in question with Sure anti-perspirant spray. It will leave white powder on everything and the source of your oil leak will show right up.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Thanks Forreset and good luck on the leak TurboDiesel. And now back to your regularly scheduled thread .



Dave

last hijack post I swear...



anyhow, I wouldn't use SynPower... it's got seal conditioner in it... seal conditioner causes rubber to swell, which can stop small leaks. but over time it basicly eats the rubber. when mine was leaking, I used SynPower, but when it was time to replace the booster, I went with Royal Purple as I didn't want the seal conditioner in there on a permanent basis. any high quality synthetic will do, I just used RP because it was available at my local NAPA.



my . 02 on that



Forrest

 

[Dave M]

Response to Hijack Post:

Thanks again Forrest. I'll verify with Hydroboost that Royal Purple will be OK... as I'm sure it is or find another synthetic. I shop at NAPA all the time so I'm sure they have it.



End of hi-Jacked post.



Dave

 

[RT66DOC]

last hijack post I swear...



anyhow, I wouldn't use SynPower... it's got seal conditioner in it... seal conditioner causes rubber to swell, which can stop small leaks. but over time it basicly eats the rubber. when mine was leaking, I used SynPower, but when it was time to replace the booster, I went with Royal Purple as I didn't want the seal conditioner in there on a permanent basis. any high quality synthetic will do, I just used RP because it was available at my local NAPA.



my . 02 on that



Forrest

Not end of hijackson post. I believe Forrest. About eight months ago I decided it was time to change the PS fluid. Nothing wrong, just seven years old. So I did the turkey baster thing and replaced fluid with Valvoline Synpower. About six weeks after the change guess what? Leak leak leak.



Back to thread.

 

[Dave M]

Hi-Jack Thread - Thank you:

Thanks Forrest and Tom for saving me the extra work it would have taken me to figure out another possible leak scenario that could have ruined my new hydroboost unit . This forum has been great for learning this stuff.



And now... Back to... huh... Oh Yeah... the Oil Leak thread... . still in progress... I think? :-laf .



Dave

 

[WDimig]

hey!

chris - glad you made it home a ok! hope you get the oil leak resolved. ive got a oil leak that appears to be coming out of the pump cover, just under the fan pulley, and i just recently had my KDP killed by the jig method, and as far as i know there had never been a leak there before the KDP was killed. im gonaa degrease everything down and see if i cant pin point the leak.



wes

 

[dmclaughlin]

Your truck misses PA

Hey Chris,



Guess your truck liked PA so much that is didn't want to go back to TX. It likes being a Yankee.



Hope you find your leak. Safe trip.



Dave

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

thanks for all the responses guys! and NO dave my truck doesnt like being a yankee. :-{} . it seems like the leak has stoped? had a browns welding front bumper replacement put on today, and have not noticed any oil dribbles. all fluid levels seem okay, ive gotta run into town and get some bulb replacements along with some sure deodorant (seems someone is suggesting my truck smells :-laf ) so i can track this bad boy down.