Ranger 2WD V6-3.0L VIN V Flex Fuel (2001)
Crankshaft Main Bearing Seal: Customer Interest
Engine - Oil Leak Service Tips
Article No.
04-6-2
04/05/04
ENGINE - LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAKS - 3.0L 2V
VULCAN ENGINE - DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS
FORD:
2000-2004 TAURUS, RANGER
MERCURY:
2000-2004 SABLE
This article supersedes TSB 04-1-5 to update the part information.
ISSUE
When diagnosing an oil leak on the 3.0L 2V Vulcan engine, leaks from other areas may appear to be leaking from the rear main crank seal. Engine oil
leaking from the oil filter gasket, oil drain plug or oil pan gasket may migrate and appear to leak from the rear main crank seal.
ACTION
Follow the diagnostic Service Tips below to accurately identify the source of an oil leak. If areas listed below are verified not to be the source of the oil
leak, continue with normal diagnostics per Workshop Manual.
SERVICE TIPS
VERIFYING THE LOCATION OF A LOWER ENGINE OIL LEAK
1.
Clean the engine of oil residue prior to diagnosing.
NOTE
AN EXTREMELY SMALL (SLOW) OIL LEAK MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL HOURS OR AN EXTENDED DRIVE FOR THE LEAK TO
APPEAR. IF THE ENGINE IS NOT CLEANED, PRIOR OIL RESIDUE MAY LEAD TO A FALSE DIAGNOSIS.
2.
Use the fluorescent oil additive method to determine the leak path. Refer to the Workshop Manual Engine System - General Information Section
303-00, Engine Oil Leak-Fluorescent Oil Additive Method.
LOCATIONS TO CHECK
Oil Filter:
The oil filter may not be tightened to the correct specification. If a leak is detected at the filter, tighten the filter. If the filter still leaks, replace the oil
filter.
NOTE
BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE FILTER THE DESIRED 3/4 TO 1 FULL TURN AFTER INITIAL SEAL CONTACT AS SPECIFIED ON THE
FILTER INSTRUCTIONS.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Inspect for oil along the oil pan rail. Also, inspect for oil at the T-joint to front cover and at the corner of the rear half round. If oil is found and did not
originate from the oil filter, or oil change spillage, replace the oil pan gasket.
NOTE
WHEN REPLACING AN OIL PAN GASKET, CLEANING ALL OIL RESIDUE AND PROPER RTV PLACEMENT/APPLICATION IS
CRITICAL TO EFFECTIVE OIL PAN GASKET SEALING. REFER TO THE APPLICABLE MODEL YEAR WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR
THE CORRECT SILICONE BEAD SIZE AND LOCATION.
Engine Oil Drain Plug:
Possible worn drain plug 0-ring. Replace if necessary.
