If he hasn't bought it yet, it shouldn't be an issue for you. Make the seller address it. Most external oil leaks are found visually not by scan software.

A good cleaning, then careful inspection should find the source.

BTW depending on build date, a 2004 can be an odd duck and include its own BS problems. IMO he should consider a 2005 to 2007 to avoid the early issues. I hate the 2004 more than any year, just for those reasons.

 

Look around the turbo and hpop cover and you will likely find your leak. There are positives and negatives for early and late build 6.0s. 04 is unique as they consist of early build and late build 6.0 motors, you just have to know which you are dealing with.

 

Lets focus on the oil leak and not the dramatics about our beloved 6.0 step child.

 

Agreed, I'm curious about an oil leak that pours at idle and goes away once you start moving.

 

LOL, I read that other thread and it made me wanna bang my head on a wall. This thread was heading down the rabbit hole, so good correction by Heavy!

As stated by all. You have to LOOK for an external leak. Hard to do on a dirty engine. I take it this truck is not at a dealer?

Also as mentioned, build date matters as to HPOP/cover type. (05+ don't leak, oops sorry)>

 

OP - Is it an early or late 04? Your symptoms sound just like my early 04 whenever the ICP sensor goes south. It's only happened twice in 15 years so not too bad I guess, but it is common across the early trucks. It drains down the back of the engine and is still present when driving but the air flow under the truck splatters it back across the frame and axle. Unfortunately it splatters all over my travel trailer too! Might be something to look at if it's an early build.

Oh, one more note..... The 2004 Super Duty is the best truck built, past, present & future! :icon_ford:

 

Maybe he was scared off by the other posts and went back to the 7.3 forum? hnoes:

 

sorry i got sucked in, good call heavy. im interested in why the leak happens that way as well. why would it suddenly stop? turbo drain tube? hpop cover gasket? this is wierd.

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I've had the same issues as DMc, it was the ICP leaking, hard to get at & was hard to identify where the leak was coming from, the first time it happened, I pulled the tranny to identify the problem, hehe lol

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The build date I believe is Aug of 2003, which means a late model 2004 correct?

This truck was previously used as a work truck by the local township, and it is being sold as-is to the highest bidder via sealed bid (bidding ends July 27th). If it might be a relatively cheap fix, my dad could get this for a steal as there is currently only 1 other bid.

The oil doesn't blow backwards underneath the truck when driving...the oil leak completely stops. We started it up: massive leak. Drove for a bit and stopped: maybe 1 or 2 drips.

I'm not very familiar with the 6.0, but I looked around the best I could under the hood in the valley/turbo area. There was oil present, but didn't look like anything serious...just a normal coat on a dirty engine. The leak is definitely coming down the backside of the engine.

 

The build date of September 22, 2003 is the break between early and late 2004 MY. Before 09/22/03 is early model, after is late.

Oil leaks don't generally stop when the vehicle is moving. Actually they practically never do, but if that is the case, then it shouldn't be that hard to find if it leaks the way you said it does.

 

Unfortunately my dad was outbid on the truck. It will remain a mystery.

 

Probably for the best. You should have him go buy a lottery ticket.

Oh and 05's are the best...... at draining your wallet. :nod:

 

^ my 04 has done a pretty dern good job of draining my wallet

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