oil leak

1999 FORD EXPEDITION
200,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROBERTBARNES62
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I just replaced my oil filter adapter gasket, water pump and intake manifold gasket. I noticed a spot on the ground and just assumed it was coolant, thinking maybe I over filled it and then after running the SUV the coolant expanded and was released. I then park the SUV on a slight incline with the engine pointing down in my driveway and there was no leak the next morning. So I just figured the coolant level was back to normal. but today after parking back in the normal spot I noticed an oil spot. I am lost as to why it would leak oil on a flat parking surface and not on an incline with the engine facing down. Any ideas what the problem could be?
Apr 4, 2018 at 2:45 PM
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STEVE W.
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When parked "level" the rear of the engine is actually pointed down at a slight angle. While running oil goes everywhere in that engine so any gasket toward the rear could cause a leak if oil pools near it. Valve covers, rear main seal, oil pan gasket would be common leaks. The easiest way to find where it is coming from would be to go out on a cold engine, wipe the areas down with some brake clean or similar to remove any oil/crud. Then start the engine let it run until warm, shut it off and use a mirror, camera, eyes to look at any of those gaskets. If you cannot readily see the leak you can get a dye that can be added to the engine oil (similar to AC dye) and then you look with a UV light. The leak will glow.
Apr 5, 2018 at 7:04 PM
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ROBERTBARNES62
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I found it to be rear main seal. Any tips on changing it?
Apr 5, 2018 at 7:58 PM
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STEVE W.
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Not real fun but not the worst item. Basically you drop the transmission out. Remove the flex plate and remove and replace the seal. While you have the transmission out it is a good idea to change the input and output shaft seals.

The special tools do make the job easier if you can borrow them. Some parts places have them as loaner tools.

What do you have as reference material/service manual?
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Apr 6, 2018 at 1:17 PM
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ROBERTBARNES62
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I only have a Hanes manual and YouTube.
Apr 6, 2018 at 1:49 PM
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STEVE W.
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Not sure the Haynes covers that very well. You could get a one year to either AlldataDIY or Mitchell1. They run $30.00 but give you the same access as shops have. Combine that with this site, YouTube and the Haynes and you should be able to repair anything on that truck.
That way you would not need to wait for answers so much either.

Apr 6, 2018 at 4:00 PM
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ROBERTBARNES62
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Okay, I will check into them for sure.
Apr 6, 2018 at 4:09 PM
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STEVE W.
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It can make it a lot easier to have good information in front of you. Plus we are always here if you hit a wall.
Apr 6, 2018 at 4:22 PM
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ROBERTBARNES62
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I noticed that when I drove the SUV last, after parking there was white smoke coming up in the engine area. Is this normal? I am guessing the oil is bring on the exhaust?
Apr 6, 2018 at 4:39 PM
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STEVE W.
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Oil or water will both give off white smoke if dropped on hot parts. The easy way to tell which is to take a sniff. Coolant will smell sweet like burnt sugar. Oil will stink and make you gag if you get enough of it.
Apr 6, 2018 at 7:43 PM
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ROBERTBARNES62
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Yeah it is oil for sure. I was just wondering if there was a second leak since it was coming up through the engine bay. But as I watch the oil drip when parked it only drips from where the rear main seal is.
Apr 6, 2018 at 7:49 PM
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STRAILER
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Here is a guide and a video to help you see what you are in for when doing the job.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-main-seal-replacement-rear

and this video shows the job but your will be a truck.

https://youtu.be/JpzefqEeVGE

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

Apr 9, 2018 at 1:14 PM