Oil leak

2002 FORD TAURUS
121,790 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JGONZO2398
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I have been having a small oil leak for a couple of months now. at first I replaced the transmission fluid pan gasket, the problem went away for a few weeks, then it came back. It is only a small, slow drip and it is only in one spot. After taking it to my mechanic to get the engine oil pan gasket replaced, he told me that was not the issue, the valve cover gasket was the culprit. Well, I just replaced that valve cover gasket yesterday, along with the grommets, and now it seems like it is leaking in several different areas. I used a FelPro gasket, with engine sealant, all screws were turned tightly so I do not know what the problem is. I took a video under my car and a lot down there just seems to be greasy. any ideas?
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Mar 29, 2018 at 10:53 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

From your description and video, it looks like the back of the transmission pan is leaking and there is a leak at the back of the oil pan.

You did not show anything on the valve cover area.

I would start by going to a self serve car wash and using hot soapy water to rinse down the engine of all oil and debris. then drive it to see where the oil is leaking.

Roy
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:19 PM
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JGONZO2398
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So you think the gaskets for the both the oil and transmission need replacement?
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:30 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Transmission, yes

Oil, cannot tell from there as there was nothing from the top to verify it was coming from the top. can you do another video of the top?

Roy
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:34 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Will do that later, thank you.
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:37 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

We will be here.

Roy
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:43 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Here is a video of the top.
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Mar 29, 2018 at 1:48 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, looks good.

Assuming the back cover looks the same, it appears the back of the oil pan is leaking.

You were right in your first post. I would agree that the oil pan is leaking.

Roy
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:51 PM
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JGONZO2398
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Okay, so both the oil pan and transmission pan need gasket replacements?
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:52 PM
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JGONZO2398
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And by the back cover you are referring to the intake manifold? Because that would require me to take it apart in order to check right?
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:53 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, you usually change both valve cover gaskets when doing one gasket.

Yes, the upper intake has to come off to access the cover. look closely at the cover and inspect for leaks.

Roy
Mar 29, 2018 at 1:56 PM
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JGONZO2398
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I went ahead and took another video from under the car, especially of the oil pan drain plug, it seems like some oil may be spilling from there, what do you think? I also noticed that big drip dot on top of the drain plug so I am wondering how that happened, would it be spilling from the top? Also, the bolts on the oil pan seemed to be covered in oil.
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Mar 30, 2018 at 6:27 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good video.

That is all oil pan. the gasket has failed and is leaking.

Replace the oil pan gasket.

Roy
Mar 31, 2018 at 8:11 AM
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JGONZO2398
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I figured, thank you.
Mar 31, 2018 at 8:13 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Roy
Mar 31, 2018 at 8:19 AM
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JGONZO2398
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I have taken another video of under the car. I still have not replaced the oil pan gasket yet, but it seems like there is oil dripping from other areas around the oil and transmission pan. I do not know. What do you think? I need help on this.
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Apr 27, 2018 at 3:49 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, can you take a video of the upper end of the engine? Especially the rear toward the transmission. I am looking for the back of the intake manifold for a leak.

Roy
Apr 27, 2018 at 4:41 PM
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JGONZO2398
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There are some wet stains on top of the intake manifold cover. Here is the other video.
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Apr 30, 2018 at 6:26 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, I still suspect a leak at the back of the intake manifold. the lower one.

Roy
May 1, 2018 at 3:33 AM