3.8L Oil Leak

Topic: 3.8L Oil Leak (Read 2422 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8L Oil Leak

December 01, 2012, 06:23:36 PM

I think my oil filter cover gasket is leaking (aluminum oil filter mount piece that covers the external oil pump). Autozone lists the fel-pro gasket, but it's not available. NAPA does as well (FPG 72539), but my local store says they can't order it. I don't see it on Rock Auto anymore (I'm pretty sure I saw it in the past).

Anyone ever had to replace one of these? The Haynes Manual seems to sound like it's not a big deal, but it's part of the write up for a oil pump replacement, which I don't plan to do (unless it's easy and something I SHOULD do - car has 256,000 miles on it...runs quite well as my daily driver).

I've replaced the oil cover gaskets and the oil pressure sensor, so I'm pretty sure it's not those...the filter cover is an oily mess and it gets all over the bottom of the engine and "frame". I'm sure it leaks more than it burns!

I wanted to try this "fix" while I'm changing oil, but I guess I'll have to complete the oil change and do it some other time...

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #1 – December 02, 2012, 12:31:09 AM

You may have to purchase a timing cover gasket set to get it. Take the Felpro number and Google it and see what you get. I have found some things on Amazon which I couldn't find anywhere else. You would be surprised.

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #2 – December 02, 2012, 04:00:47 AM

nope, not that far,,,,,
the gear set "kit" comes with the proportioning valve body, spring, freeze plug and two gears.
The two gears will prompt you to ask the one question i asked 6 years ago and never got a clear response.

stop looking for a gasket.
go to staples, kroger or a gas station and buy a hand held hole punch.

now dig through your trash and find a corn flakes box or something and make your own.

if you dont want the hand punch ( i have one on my tool wall just for this ), then just use a short piece of steel tubing then sharpen one end to an edge with a grinder,, then punch out the holes using a wood block under the gasket and a hammer.
Either that or use an old hand gun or riffle brass sharpened up to punch out the holes.

theres only six holes,, nothing really spectacular about the gasket anyway.
put your mounting braket on a belt sander though and even it out,, it may be a tad warped and this will correct it.

sometimes i lay my part on top of my "napa gasket material" >hint<, then spray paint over the part and through the holes.
this gives me the shape i need along with the holes and thier exact arrangment.

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #3 – December 02, 2012, 04:09:25 AM

by the way,
that proportioning valve has a kinda small cavity ,, and if ever sometime down the road your oil light flickers while at idle and in drive or even in park, this hole may be clogged.

the hole takes a 90deg turn about 4'' into the block,, sucks but it is what it is.
carb cleaner perhaps...?

really the only way to clear that bend is when the crank is out via the oil journal NPT plug on the rear of the block.

be sure to check this out.

also be sure to pack the pump with assembly grease before re-installing the old gears, however you should replace them while they are out.

take note of the wear and tear on the oil filter mounting braket as well,, i was surprised at mine actually, it was worn more than i expected but due to the engine design, thats the way it is.

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #4 – December 02, 2012, 01:23:43 PM

Thx for the tips, guys! I have made my own gaskets in the past with general material I bought and that's probably the best way to go with this situation. Probably will be a Spring project now, as I doubt we'll be continuing to have 70^F days in December in KC much longer!

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #5 – December 02, 2012, 03:51:02 PM

its up to you, its going to add 1 hour to your oil change process. just six 10mm bolts iirc

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #6 – December 05, 2012, 08:47:03 AM

Well, I might do it. Oil change was completed by the time I started this thread, but I could just "waste" a qt (or maybe try to save it...but oil is still relatively cheap) when taking the filter off and changing the gasket. We'll see what the weather brings this weekend...

3.8L Oil Leak

Reply #7 – December 05, 2012, 01:39:06 PM

Are you talking about the oil filter adapter on the side of the block? The thing that attaches to the block and the filter screws into? I bought one directly from ford a few years back. I might still have the little baggie for it with the part number...