I'm trying to chase down an engine oil leak on my 2004 S-Type 3.0. So far, I've replaced the two O-rings on the back of the intake plentum, and power-washed the underside to try and help spot the issue. For the life of me, I can't seem to find where the oil is coming from.

I'm hoping someone here can advise other common leak areas on the 3.0, and help vector me into some likely areas. It seems to be coming more from the RH side of the engine, but who knows how far its traveling along components before it actually drips to the floor.

Any insite is appreciated. I HATE a leaky vehicle!

Thanks!

JD

 

Next would be the valve cover gaskets (seals) or even possibly oil pan all gasket, all of which I had replaced on our 2005 S Type 3.0. Oh BTW I did the above around 45,000 miles IIRC.

 

In case it's trans oil, check the electrical sleeve and also the trans sump.

In any case, check the 2 bolts for the trans shifter cable on the trans side are snug (not oil-related but you'll have grief if they come loose).

 

Have you had an oil change recently?. Could be the oil filter has not been fitted correctly.

Just a thought.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I was also thinking valve covers or oil pan. However, after spending a lot of time on my back under the running engine with an LED flashlight and a mechanic's mirror, I can't seem to locate the source. This is after I raised and power-washed the underside to make it easier to locate a fresh leak. I looked down the side of the block for traces of an oil stream, and also around the pan for wet areas. Any specific (hidden) valve cover or oil pan area(s) typical for leaks to start?

How much of a headache is the oil pan gasket to change? The valve covers look pretty straightforward. I'm about to the point where I might just do both in case they're leaking and I just don't see it. However, I don't generally like just changing parts without confirming that they are the problem. Especially with something like the oil pan gasket, which looks like a major pain in the @$$.

As far as it being a transmission leak; no. The wet areas are way too far forward. The transmission seems dry after inspection.

I'm certain it's not an oil filter issue because it's dripping in the diagonal opposite corner of the engine area, and I always change the oil in all of my vehicles myself, and I am extremely obsessive about getting everything buttoned up correctly.

I've kept the belly pan off the front of the car in order to better locate the source, but so far, no luck.

Thanks!

JD

 

Do you need to add oil or P/S fluid to the engine? Maybe that will give a clue?

My vote for the 6 cylinders is the oil pan.
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I had the same problem and recently replaced the valve cover gaskets on my v6. I still saw some leaks afterwards and was ready to replace the oil pan gasket when it was due for an oil change. Now that it is getting close to oil change time it stopped showing any leaks. I might just put off the oil pan because it looks like a major pain to replace. I would recommend doing the naive cover gaskets first because they are a lot easier to replace.

 

Hahahahaha...Rick, taken one way, I could read that as if you dropped it off at a shop and "had" that done! Yeah...Right! For those of you who may be new-ish, Rick does about everything (did you ever get a crack at someone's "under the supercharger" hose?) and always does fantastic write-ups with great pics. IIRC, he posted the oil-pan gasket change and yes, it appeared to be a real (bitter ex-wife) but Rick probably completed it in less than 2 hrs or 6 beers, whichever comes first! Don't have a link handy, but search for it and ye shall find. I b'lieve it involves either raising the engine or lowering the sub-frame - your choice.

 

Rick will get an invite to NJ a hotel room stocked with beer and a night on the town when it comes time for an "under the supercharger hose" at my shop lol.....


Take care,

George