Serious oil leak

[Martin96]

This is my first diesel so im still learning. but driving home from college i noticed my truck was knocking really bad when it was idling like really bad. it seemed to get better as it warmed up so i figured id check it out when i got home. well after an hour of driving I pop the hood and there is oil everywhere. So i checked the dipstick i realized there was no oil on the dipstick so i checked 4 times same result. I looked over the oil pan and it seems to be coming mainly from the front. I did notice there is a lot of oil pooled on top of the block behind the belts where the hose comes out and runs into the cab. what could it be and what do i need to look for?

[majek5]

Need some info on the truck. 7.3 6.0 6.4 6.7?

[Martin96]

96 F250 7.3L powerstroke

[7PO1NT3]

Could be a lot of things pal, but it sounds to me like its the high pressure oil pump (HPOP). Check all of your fittings, oil lines, and gaskets. If this happened a long distance away from home then you better get comfortable with where you're at or hope a friend has a big enough trailer/flat bed for your rig cus you ain't goin anywhere anytime soon.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[NoRalPh]

Here's an interesting video that might help. BUT I have to warn you about this guy,,,, he makes Great Videos, that Does NOT make him infallible though. He's got some really GOOFY theories (not about this though) So, don't take him as your Guru, as many do Confirm his advice on anything else he says

POWERSTROKEHELP.COM - The Information Source for Ford Power Stroke Diesel Owners

[7PO1NT3]

Yep, definitely seen that guy and his videos. He is knowledgeable for sure, and has good advice from time to time. Leaks can come from many places on this engine...the good part is that with a little bit of time and the willingness to get your hands dirty, you can usually trace a leak back to its source. Don't take anyone's word for it when it is your set of eyes on your truck. We can't see what is going on with your truck through the internet. It is up to you to find your leak, and then we will diagnose it the best we can from there.

[Martin96]

Thanks for all the input. the truck is at my house and i got a chance to look it over. I had the old oil from when i changed it so i put it back in for now. I washed it down with some degreaser and cleaned it up some so i could see where it was coming from. I started it up and there was a steady drip coming from the sleeve where the harmonic balancer is. Im pretty sure thats the only leak as of now but ill keep checking. anyone have any experience with that??

[7PO1NT3]

You may have more oil leaking elsewhere when under a serious load and increased oil pressure. When its just idling, you may only see some of the problem. Try having someone hold the accelerator down, or drive it around and see if oil gathers elsewhere.

[7PO1NT3]

Check the oil cooler for leaks as well as the HPOP, these are the two prone areas for leaks on this truck.