delagem

My 2002 has a bad engine oil leak; I'm losing about a quart every 75 miles.

3 different mechanics have looked at it, and can't determine where the leak is coming from. It's up front, passenger side of engine. They aren't wrong; it's not leaking at idle, so it makes it pretty hard to see.

I don't know if this is relevant, but the right front boot from the turbo into the intercooler is torn; waiting on Mishimoto boots to repair this, so currently the truck has a significant boost leak too.

Before I take it to yet another mechanic, can anyone toss out some ideas on what this might be caused by?

Michael

this is typical of what's under the truck after exiting highway and parking. Not good!

[img] by https://www.flickr.com/photos/140197229@N04/, on Flickr[/img]

AlpineRAM

Bad turbo?
Leaking the oil into the charge air, drippint out through intercooler boot. ?
You can overspool and destroy a turbo with a good sized boost leak because the wastegate won't open.

Do not drive with a turbo leaking like that!
(Youtube diesel runaway- for your enjoyment... no need to have one yourself)

delagem

Thank you for the suggestion, but the boot is dry, so that seems doubtful.

Guesses from the mechanics have been front crank seal, front edge of oil pan seal. These areas are wet. But there's no evidence that oil is spraying out there.

AlpineRAM

OK, no oil from boot is good. But still check the charger when replacing the boot.

There are 2 possibilities that make oil come out under certain circumstances- one is rpm, therefore rising oil flow and pressure, the other is crankcase pressure coming from engine load.

Did you check your crankcase vent for blockage?
The problem with searching those leaks is the rad fan that will redistribute the oil.

Other places to check would be the oil filter holder with the oil-water heat exchanger and the timing case having lose bolts and leaking.

jrs_dodge_diesel

This is where running the truck on a dyno could be very useful. You can run the truck under power with it being stationary and give a good visual observation of the engine compartment.

Fix that boost leak first though for sure.

BarryG

I can say on my truck it was the front seal.

KATOOM

Not to seem like I'm picking on you but seriously...if you're loosing a qt every 75 miles then its puking oil. And that much oil exiting is not hard to locate. I suggest you get yourself some degreaser and clean that area up so you can better pin point the location. If its not leaking at idle then ramp up the RPM's and let the oil pressure build.

delagem

Agreed. But 3 professional mechanics, and me, have been unable to locate the leak so far.

johnh

professional mechanics???? they would have to be interested also! i'm a retired mechanic, i'll bet i could find the leak in 5 minutes!

patdaly

Yea, I find it difficult to believe that you couldn't track that leak down in 10 min. minimum....... Spray wash it, drop dye, and a blacklight will show it immediately.

oliver foster

Agreed.
After cleaning all the oil really WELL and running it for a few minutes should be all you need.

Jack up the rear axle of the truck and run it with the front tires chocked.
Take off the fan if needed so the oil is not blowing around.
If that does not work, the dyno test idea is good.

That much oil in that short of a distance, should not be hard to find.

delagem

Would you guys like the number of the shop?

Sorry, revving the engine in neutral didn't reveal the leak. No dyno available.

I degreased and pressure-washed the motor, got some dye, and did a few hill climbs.

We'll have a look at it tomorrow.