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06:01:11 - 04/29/2024
V6 Dakotas
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Mike K.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/31/2006
15:40:58
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 Subject: Sudden oil leak
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Message:
Hey all,
I've got a '00 3.9L 5spd, RC/SB/2WD w/57k mi. Always maintained it obsessively; it's got some mods (regularly "exercised" but not abused); hasn't been acting up at all. Anyway, never had any leaks until yesterday - nothing, then suddenly I've got a cluster of oil spots under my truck. I crawled underneath, and the bottom of the timing chain cover, the bottom of the crank pulley, and the front of the oil pan are all wet with oil. No leaks anywhere else, & no oil pressure drops or spikes. I can't think of what it might be other than the pan gasket or front crank seal, and I'd much appreciate any input as to what the damage is before I "go digging".
Thanks,
Mike
K&N CAI, Gibson cat-back, 180* t-stat, Superchip, MSD 8.5 SC's w/Accel coil, brass cap/rotor, 3923's @ .045, Autospecialty rotors w/carbon-metallic pads, Pirelli Scorpion 255/65-HR15's
Soon to come - NGK FR5's @ .055, MSD 6A box
Later to come (wish it were sooner, but $$$) - Fastman TB, stainless braided brake hoses, KYB shocks, & hopefully more suspension goodies
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Scott C.
Dodge Dakota
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10/31/2006
21:02:15
|  RE: Sudden oil leak
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Message:
well basicly the most easiest thing to do first would be to replace the crank seal... its a cheap inexpensive part... replace it and clean off the surrounding area and drive and recheck a few days later... if you see more oil leaking then it could be possible timing cover or oil pan.... but with the year your truck is and mileage.... i would suspect the crank seal and thats more common of a part to fail befor anyother seal...
Scott C
Royal Auto
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stevedak
Dodge Dakota
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11/01/2006
08:01:51
| RE: Sudden oil leak
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Message:
I agree with Scott C, go for the crank seal first. I think the crank seal is separated (higher) from the oil pan such that you can see if that is the source. If the crank seal is leaking, you should see the oil at the bottom lip of the seal, which is a few inches above the oil pan. You should be able to see this without taking anything apart. You might also check/replace your PCV valve to make sure it is not the cause of your sudden leak.
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Mike K.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/01/2006
13:34:51
| RE: Sudden oil leak
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Message:
Hey guys,
Thanks so much for the info - PCV valve's only 27k old, but I checked it, & it's fine. Got underneath, with a light this time (haha) and you were right: the oil pan gasket seems good, but it looks like oil's been getting out from around the top 3/4 of the crank seal for quite a while.
Apparently the leak isn't as sudden as I thought; seems like oil was seeping for much longer than it's been actively dripping. The front of the engine is caked with thick wet sludge from the underside of the water pump down to where the oil pan meets the block. It actually looks really bad...
Anyway, I'll clean the crud off, drive for a few days, & check again to see if I can better pinpoint how bad the leak is, & take it from there.
Thanks again,
Mike
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