engine cleaner/oil leak

[twisted_mr]

Ya'll seem a little more tolerant of stoopid questions over here...(this might belong in tech)

Main question #1---Has anyone ever tried the engine cleaners which are available to put on your air compressor? Is there a good cleaner you would recommend to use with this attachment?

Subordinate question 2---(I'm trying to find an oil leak) The oil is showing up at the bottom of the bell housing. I have replaced the valve cover gaskets and have cleaned pretty well around the intake manifold. I can't see oil leaking at idle speed anywhere but after taking a drive there is always oil at the bottom of the bell housing. I changed oil and filter and have put around 150 miles on it since that and am still above the add mark on the dipstick thus, it isn't real bad, just a few drops everytime I go somewhere. It seems to be coming from both sides of the motor but worse on the driver's side. Any hints on where to look?

edit...thanks, Terry

 

[Skuzzlebutt]

#1, I don't know.

#2, What you are describing is a Rear Main Seal leak. Ideally you pull the engine to fix these but I'v heard stories of it being done in the Bronco.

There is a dye that you can add to your oil that shows up under a black light that is used to find leaks. I've never seen it done so I don't know how well it works.

 

[Ed74]

I have the exact same annoying problem with my engine. I also think it is my rear main seal. Can anyone elaborate on how to replace the seal without removing the engine?

Thanks

 

[twisted_mr]

I have the exact same annoying problem with my engine. I also think it is my rear main seal. Can anyone elaborate on how to replace the seal without removing the engine?

Thanks

I found the thread on that question...
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89074&highlight=rear+main+seal

I also called a mechanic for a ball park price. 300 give or take

I also have about decided to just wait a while and see if anything changes after I start driving it on a regular basis. I'd still be curious to know if the engine cleaners for air compressors are worth having and what kind of cleaner you use w/ them.

 

[Ed74]

Thanks for the info I think I will just wait until my engine loses oil pressure or is ready to die out and purchase an early 90's HO engine to rebuild and drop in with EFI!!!! Good luck

Ed

 

[NeverSatisfied]

sounds like a rear seal. it's not that hard to replace the older 2 piece style. drop the pan, pull the rear main cap, and replace the seal. any of the shop manuals outline this proceedure.

 

[wildbill]

If you have the stock motor 289/302 ect you can just pull the pan and replace the rear main seal it is a 2 pc. seal. If you have the stuff to pull then you can lift it out and reseal the motor and replace all the soft plugs (use brass) If you pull it its a all day job or so I would also look at the timming chain if I had it out good luck. Bill %) ;D

 

[j.r.nice]

I have replaced the 2 piece type in the vehicle. If it's an original 289-302 it probably has a rope seal. There is a tool "set" specifically designed to do this. Part of it looks like a small wine cork screw puller. Basically you just pull what you can and use the remaining parts in the set to extract it.

I would agree with your decision. If it's got lots of miles on it, I would tolerate the leak until you have another engine (90s) ready to pop in.

good luck

 

[twisted_mr]

I have replaced the 2 piece type in the vehicle. If it's an original 289-302 it probably has a rope seal. There is a tool "set" specifically designed to do this. Part of it looks like a small wine cork screw puller. Basically you just pull what you can and use the remaining parts in the set to extract it.

I would agree with your decision. If it's got lots of miles on it, I would tolerate the leak until you have another engine (90s) ready to pop in.

good luck

Not really alot of miles...66,666.6 but, i am ready for a break. Been working on this short bus pretty steady for the last 3 months. It's hunting season now, time to abuse it a little and see some fur fly. May even try to pull the lips off a crappie. Sounds like I can leave it alone awhile as long as I keep an eye on my oil level. Thanks for all the replies. I take it no one has used an engine cleaner that attaches to your air compressor ?:?

 

[Apogee]

...I take it no one has used an engine cleaner that attaches to your air compressor ?:?

Is there an "engine cleaner" in particular that you're looking at?...do you have a link so that those of us not familiar can add something to our X-mas lists? ;D

 

[twisted_mr]

several air tool mfrs have one. they all look similar to the one at this link

http://www.huskytools.com/Product.aspx?pid=d12a0d9b-cb97-4d4e-827f-c1491d802b18&cid=801430

I'm unsure what kind of cleaner the siphon tube goes into. I have searched a little to no avail and just thought someone here may have used one.