2008 F-250 6.4L - Replaced Engine - Oil Leak

jascott · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 04:40 AM

My 08 6.4L was replaced under warranty with an enhanced short block. I also got two new reman heads. They reused the injectors and turbos, and I assume all the accessories.

The truck has leaked oil from the passenger side head/rocker basket/valve cover area since I got it back. It has been back several times with a new valve cover gasket and then a new rocker arm basket. It seems to be leaking while the engine is running and will leave a 4" diameter puddle and a few small puddles after being parked for an hour. It is leaking from around the valve cover area down the engine and off the bell housing.

Has anyone else had this type of problem or have any ideas what to check? Its going back today/tomorrow, but I am tired of driving rental cars...

The tech is top notch and did a great job with the engine swap, etc. I know he is trying his best. This has to be something weird...

BlueF350 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 05:21 AM

Why didn't they just replace the motor with a crate motor? I can't see where swapping parts on a short block makes sense and then you risk having these tpyes of issues.

**dieselkane** · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 08:47 AM

What does "enhanced short block" mean? Does that mean it has some design changes or something?

jascott · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 09:48 AM

I am selling the truck, not keeping it or the exhaust. Going to order a 2011 F350.

The enhanced short block, from what I was told, doesn't really have a bunch of changes, but comes from Ford with all the other parts, etc. needed to install it. I asked why we were going this route rather than a long block. Ford warranty decides all that based on the problems with the current engine.

I have to drive with the recirc air on to avoid oil burning smoke from coming in the cab...

shakes · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 10:36 AM

I had a leak in same area,dealer replaced valve cover gasket,still leaked.it turned out to be the glow plug harness.look with flashlight right where top of shock is,behind it you can see glow plug in side of valve cover.i could see the oil leaking out of it.showed it to them and they replaced harness.

***sinner6.0L*** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 01:54 PM

supposedly the ESB implements quality control measures that make it more durable. it comes with the oil cooler/housing and front/rear covers installed. takes slightly less time to install

oh yeah and it's painted (read dipped in) a shiny gloss black

***m-chan68*** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 02:02 PM

If I were to guess at the possible leak source by what is described by the OP, I would say a nicked or gouged low pressure turbo drain rubber grommet as a possible source.

JMart · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakes

I had a leak in same area,dealer replaced valve cover gasket,still leaked.it turned out to be the glow plug harness.look with flashlight right where top of shock is,behind it you can see glow plug in side of valve cover.i could see the oil leaking out of it.showed it to them and they replaced harness.

Mine had that leak and a couple others before I got rid of it. Good thing it only had 20k on it.

***sinner6.0L*** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m-chan68

If I were to guess at the possible leak source by what is described by the OP, I would say a nicked or gouged low pressure turbo drain rubber grommet as a possible source.

that brings back BAD memories man, i'll never mess that up again.

you can install that drain without pulling the turbos too. not easy but doable