Topaz FWD L4-140 2.3L CFI (1987)
Timing Cover: All Technical Service Bulletins
Oil Pan Gasket - Oil Leaks
Article No.
91-13-7
06/26/91
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LEAKS - OIL - 2.3L/2.5L - AVAILABILITY OF NEW RTV SEALANT
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LEAKS - OIL - 2.3L/2.5L - FROM OIL PAN GASKET AND FRONT COVER BOLTS
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LEAKS - OIL - 2.3L/2.5L - MISDIAGNOSIS LEADS TO REPEAT REPAIRS
FORD:
1984-91 TEMPO 1986-91 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1984-91 TOPAZ
ISSUE:
A new RTV sealant with better sealing characteristics is now available for service use. Current RTV is not as oil resistant in its wet state as
the new grade of RTV material (F1AZ-19562-A).
Sometimes oil leaks from other sources have been misdiagnosed as being oil pan gasket and seal leaks. This misdiagnosis often results in repeat repairs.
ACTION:
If service is required, use the following procedure to correct or prevent repeat repairs and ensure proper use of RTV for adequate sealing.
1.
Perform a pressure leak check as described in the appropriate 1990/91 Car Shop Manual, Engine Diagnosis Test Procedure Section.
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The engine must be cool. A cool engine is required because a warm engine may not show any leakage with this test procedure.
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The air pressure should be 2-3 PSI (14 to 21 KPa).
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Use a solution of liquid detergent and water with a suitable squirt bottle applicator to check the oil pan rails, oil pan front half-round and the
entire front cover area.
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If the area of the soap bubbles (leakage) is too large to isolate the source, reduce the air pressure to pinpoint the location.
2.
If no leakage is determined by the pressure leak check, perform an engine black light test as described in the Engine Diagnosis Test Procedure
Section of the Shop Manual. (Since it is difficult to shine the black light on certain sections of the oil pan joint and the entire front cover, the
pressure leak check in Step # 1 is usually preferred and will produce better results.)
3.
If no leakage is determined from either the pressure leak or the black light test, check for leakage from other sources above the oil pan joint. Check
the front cover, rocker cover gasket and cylinder head gasket. Repair as necessary.
4.
If the oil leakage is coming from the front cover, proceed to Step # 5. If the oil leakage is coming from the oil pan, proceed to Step # 6.
5.
Seal the front cover bolts.
a.
Remove the front cover and oil pan.
b.
Blow out any fluid in the front cover bolt holes in the block.
c.
Install a new cover gasket (F13Z-6020-A).
d.
Use Gasket Maker (E2AZ-19562-B) on the bolts prior to tightening. Gasket Maker is used instead of a threadlock because it is a thicker
material. It will help displace any residual oil in the tapped bolt holes.
e.
Tighten the bolts to 6-9 lb.ft. (8-12 N-m).
f.
Install the oil pan as described in Step # 8.
6.
Remove the oil pan.
7.
Prevent the front cover gasket from leaking at a future date by proceeding as follows:
a.
Remove the bottom two (2) front cover bolts on the spark plug and manifold side of the engine.
