I6 Oil leak

[SSD-85]

Morning all,

I have an AU1 Forte that appears to be leaking oil from between the head & block. It is just down behind the thermostat housing in what appears to be some sort of 90 degree angle. I was wondering if this is indeed the head gasket thats leaking or something else? Its just so hard to see in and around there.

Also, if it is the Head Gasket, would I be alright in just replacing the gasket? Or should I get the head machined & all that other expensive stuff?

Cheers for any help

[Jimmyd]

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...light=oil+leak

Cheers

[SSD-85]

Originally Posted by Jimmyd

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...light=oil+leak

Cheers

I checked that thread out, mine is leaking on the opposite side of the engine. :(

[Jimmyd]

Have you degreased and re-checked? Oil leaks around the front are a pain to isolate.

In my experience the three most likely sources of oil leaks on the AU I6 are

1. Timing Chain tensioner - remove and reseal or replace
2. P/Steer pump mount bolts - remove and apply thread sealat (bottom one extends into oil gallery.... )
3. Loose timing cover bolts - retension

Unusual to have a head gasket leak in the AU

Cheers

[Mechan1k]

Is there much oil on the passenger side of the engine much?????
Maybe an oil pressure switch cause oil to be sprayed forward on that side of the engine bay???

[SSD-85]

Yes I have degreased it, & I then started it and it immediately began to weep (albeit VERY slightly) out of the area in question.

EDIT: Just so we all know, the power steering side & all its mounting points are bone dry & clean before i even degreased.

[Jimmyd]

OK, first thing I would do in this instance would be retension the timing cover bolts then recheck.

Cheers

[SSD-85]

The area where the timing cover meets the head is bone dry. Not a single sign of a leak. Its not even dirty.

Heres a photo of where its leaking.



I couldnt get my camera into the exact area, it is leaking just behind the area circled in red

[Day-mow]

good luck. i've got no ideas as to what it could be.

[mik]

i think mine has a bit of head gasget oil seepage , but it does`nt loose water and runs like a clock, nearly at 200,000 k`s, if you remove an alloy head you should at the very least get the the head surfaced, it`s not much coin to have the head resurfaced, usually less than $100 depending on the machine shop.

edit; mind you i`m not saying that`s where your leak is.

[AMB]

Originally Posted by Scotty85

The area where the timing cover meets the head is bone dry. Not a single sign of a leak. Its not even dirty.


I couldnt get my camera into the exact area, it is leaking just behind the area circled in red

I would say it still is the timing cover, the join goes around the back where you have the circle, mine's got a slight leak there too.

[Stav]

That is 99% your timing case cover.Degrease it and retighten the bolts. Failing that I used a pretty blue silastic glue..most leaks dissappeared

[The Monty]

Scotty, I had the same issue in the blue AU. There is a part where the timing case ends that has a gallery slightly showing on the AU's. Trust me, its weird. For seem to put a bit of gasket glue in there to stop it weeping out. Go have a look at someones thats not leaking, you will see the spot that you have shown, with gasket glue coming out. I degereased and wiped it, and pumped it full of sikaflex. Worked a treat.

[SSD-85]

Originally Posted by The Monty

Scotty, I had the same issue in the blue AU. There is a part where the timing case ends that has a gallery slightly showing on the AU's. Trust me, its weird. For seem to put a bit of gasket glue in there to stop it weeping out. Go have a look at someones thats not leaking, you will see the spot that you have shown, with gasket glue coming out. I degereased and wiped it, and pumped it full of sikaflex. Worked a treat.

Maybe I should come around & you can have a look see Josh