Help!!!! Massive, mysterious oil leak
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 89
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From: jamestown N.C>
Help!!!! Massive, mysterious oil leak
I have a heavy oil leak, its at the r side of engine behind ac comp. above motor mount, running down control arm and on spring and cradle, the valve cover and head is dry, the crank pulley is dry, no smoke from exhaust pipe or manifold, I can't see where the dipstick goes into the block. The oil Pan, oil filter, drain plug are all dry. Crazy thing is it did this about 1 year ago then stopped as quick as it started, the only difference is I had to start driving it about 100 miles a day the last month, where I usually drive it 30 miles a week, I am sure it is mobil one engine oil, smell, taste test., please help, sorry about lonnggg post. thanks Tom!!!!!!!
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,339
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From: Dyer, IN
I have a heavy oil leak, its at the r side of engine behind ac comp. above motor mount, running down control arm and on spring and cradle, the valve cover and head is dry, the crank pulley is dry, no smoke from exhaust pipe or manifold, I can't see where the dipstick goes into the block. The oil Pan, oil filter, drain plug are all dry. Crazy thing is it did this about 1 year ago then stopped as quick as it started, the only difference is I had to start driving it about 100 miles a day the last month, where I usually drive it 30 miles a week, I am sure it is mobil one engine oil, smell, taste test., please help, sorry about lonnggg post. thanks Tom!!!!!!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I agree with the degrease and do so right away. Oil is flammable and I've got pictures of a '90 that went up in flames due to a un-repaired oil leak...fortunately it wasn't a car that belonged too me.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: jamestown N.C>
Massive oil leak
hi all. thanks for the replies, I was wrong it is not engine oil but the power steering rack is leaking out r end boot, the fluid is brown not red like auto trans fluid, now the next question is how difficult is replacing the rack, and I am going to replace sway bar end links, shocks and air box, I guess now is the best time to do the rack, right? while these other parts are off, last question, where is best place to buy a new steer rack, thanks again for assistance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Morton illinois
St. Jude Donor '14-'15
i had one of these leaks once...seemed like it was all over and couldnt fing it. turned out to be the oil pres sensor on the back of the valley behind the intake...take a look there.
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Yes, this is the best time to replace all that. Remember too that PS fluid is flammable too. I think its flash point was like 450 degrees f, so get it fixed. The rack can come out and if you have the manual, it'll detail that process. You can buy a new rack, buy a rebuilt or have it repaired at your wish.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: New Market AL
I had my streering rack pop an end seal also. I already had experience getting it out after my cam swap. It takes quite a bit of effort to remove the steering rack. Take off the driver's side front wheel, disconnect the sheering shaft & power steering lines, drop the engine cradle down to the last thread on the 4 bolts, unbolt the rack and end links, and then rotate it while you slide it out the driver's side wheel well.
I ended up having my rack rebuilt, and it is holding up well 2 years later.
I ended up having my rack rebuilt, and it is holding up well 2 years later.
