Why is my LTD Crown Victoria still loosing engine oil although all major gaskets have been replaced ?

295

Asked by froeschl Apr 30, 2014 at 02:47 PM about the 1990 Ford LTD Crown Victoria 4 Dr LX Sedan

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a big problem where I need some support: my '90 LTD Crown Vic. is loosing engine oil, but I cannot locate the leak. The oil is dripping down between the engine block and the transmission casing. Following gaskets have been replaced - without much effect: rear engine shaft seal, valve cover gaskets, cylinder head gaskets, upper + lower intake manifold gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets and PCV valve incl. grommet. What else can cause the oil leakage ? Is there any gasket I have missed ?

4 Answers

58,515

Have you pulled the Torque Converter inspection cover and looked up toward the block? There are a couple of Oil Galley plugs and the Camshaft plug in there. It would be a rare circumstance but it is possible. The first things I thought of were the intake (notorious) and the valve covers. Are you certain that it's engine oil? There isn't a lot to leak on the 302 (5.0L). Best I can suggest from here is to re-torque the intake and Valve Covers - clean everything up really well with Engine Bright and a high pressure wash, take it for a ride and climb all over and under it.

295

Hi Tracy, thanks for your prompt response ! Here are some further details: 1. It is defnately engine oil - 100 % sure 2. I have not replaced the gaskets by myself - this was done in a workshop by a technician 3. oil leakage was the reason for taking the car to the garage and having the mentioned gaskets replaced 4. I' m not sure what you mean by "torque converter inspection cover" 5. There is a pipe routing back from the driver side catalytic converter and passing the engine between the oil pan and the transmission - there the oil is dripping down the gound. It' s not much oil but enough to leave an oil stain on the ground.

58,515

I'd have that technician recheck his work - for free - if it was done recently. After all - you paid to have the concern resolved and it wasn't. Between the oil pan and the Transmission (where that pipe with the drips is located), there are 2 small bolts that hold a cover in place - it spans the bottom of the Bell Housing and allows a tech to unbolt the Torque Converter from the Flex-plate (Flywheel). With all of that said and done: The most common and most prolific Engine Oil Leaks from the 5.0L (302 ci) engine is the Valve covers and the Intake manifold. They probably forgot to re-torque them after installation. BTW - if they come back and state that some bolts just needed to be re- tightened, you could argue that the gasket has been compromised and that re-tightening them is only a short- term patch - the gaskets will not last.

2 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
295

Tracy, now I know what you mean with "torque converter cover". I remember that I had removed this cover plate once and looked up to the top. But there wasn' t much to see as this was just a small window. The only thing I can say is that there was no oil behind this inspection cover and I' m quite sure the workshop did not touch this during replacing the cylinder head gaskets. For my understanding there may only be engine oil in this area due to a bad crankshaft seal. And the former owner of my car confirmed that this seal was replaced in 2011. So if he didn' t lie to me, this passage should actually be tight. The upper area of the engine is dry - so I think the problem must be located somewhere in the lower half or the back side of the engine. I' ll keep an eye on this ...

Your Answer:

LTD Crown Victoria

Looking for a Used LTD Crown Victoria in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Tracy Hooks
    Reputation
    390
  • #2
    Michael Tutty
    Reputation
    250
  • #3
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    160
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Crown Victoria
5 listings starting at $8,250

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.