How an I tell if the oil pan gasket is leaking in a 1997 Ford Ranger 6cyl? It seems to e leaking at the seal, but I couldnt tell so I degreased the area, and figure I'll need to jack it up and do a visual inspection. What specifically should I look for to confirm it the oil pan gasket and not something else?
The ford ranger and the mazda b series have the same problem with oil leaking at the pan gasket. When you are under the truck, look on the side of the block between the pan and the block toward the middle of the pan and if you see oil gathering or running back then you have the pan leak. Look at the bottom of the trans bell housing to see if oil is gathering at the bottom. If so look at the side where the trans and block join and see if oil is leaving residue there If it is an auto you can remove the sheild and see if oil is inside the cover. Just a hint, If the rear main is leaking there will be oil all in the cover, if not then pan leak is main issue. Either way the trans may have to come out to pull pan back. Now I hav done the job many many times at the mazda dealer and never removed the pan. If you need more advice just ask
Usually if the oil pan gasket is leaking you will have oil residue on the pan itself and no other area in front of the oil pan. The air from the motion will blow the oil backwards but not up into the engine bay. Your idea is a good one. but also degrease the lines and the pump so that if there is a leak you can inspect it also. If you are loosing oil it could also be your piston rings. Have someone ride behind you and see if the truck is blowing smoke from the tailpipe.
If it's coming from the oil pan or any lines below, there will more than likely be spots on the gronud as well. A good way to figure this out is to leave a piece of newspaper under the oil pan over night on the ground with something on it to hold it in place.
If you see spots then you know that You have a leak. If not then you could be burning oil.
You need to look for oil leaking from anywhere that the pan, gasket, and block meet. and especially on the ground. if you see a sign of oil running down the pan and onto the ground you will ultimately want to replace the gasket between the block and the pan. if you see it higher up than there you might bee looking at a head gasket or something around that area.
But yea jack it up and get a nice bright flashlight and look around. and use your instinct.
If you have an automatic trans there should be a metal plate just after the rear seal of the motor. If you can remove the shield and see rust, good. If it has red oil, bad, its the trans. You will be able to see if the rear main of the engine is leaking by the oil on the torque converter and flywheel. You may just need to gently tighten the pan bolts which may loosen by themselves.
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