I have an oil leak but don't know what the part is called
06-09-2012, 03:22 AM
#1
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 104
I have an oil leak but don't know what the part is called
In my 96 gt I have an oil leak coming from the three metal wires in the back right corner of the engine. It is the three prong things. It is past the master cylinder. Two of the metal wires (or tubes, don't really know what to call them) are fine. The third is leaking. The two that look like they lead to the oil pan itself are fine. It is the one that is hooked into the black engine part that is connected to the master cylinder. The leak is not horribly bad because I drive it every day to work and the engine is just fine. I don't know what the cause of it is or what to do. I have to put an extra quart of oil in between oil changes. I am currently using 10w-40 this last oil change.
The car has 203,000 miles on it. It has been leaking for almost a year now and I just realized where it is coming from. It took so long to realize because the oil is landing on the engine bay and just sticking to it. None of it is on the ground. Is it just getting old and should I just accept it? Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
The car has 203,000 miles on it. It has been leaking for almost a year now and I just realized where it is coming from. It took so long to realize because the oil is landing on the engine bay and just sticking to it. None of it is on the ground. Is it just getting old and should I just accept it? Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Last edited by Cali_Swag; 06-11-2012 at 11:37 AM. Reason: add pics
06-09-2012, 10:17 AM
#2
I do not know of your model year or engine details.
But, generally speaking it sounds like a sending unit for the oil pressure gauge. I do not know of any other components that would have exposure to pressurized oil.
The oil leak "might" not get worse, but it could get catastrophically worse at any minute. You could be driving down the highway and have the unit blow completely and all your oil will be pumped out rather quickly.
Due to the possibility of a catastrophic failure (even if remote) I would replace the offending part asap. Just imagine how you would feel if you didn't replace the part and it cost you an engine...... That would REALLY suck.
You should be able to find info on the offending part online. For my Cobra I have found exploded views on Ford websites that list all parts by name and part numbers. It just takes a little searching.
But, generally speaking it sounds like a sending unit for the oil pressure gauge. I do not know of any other components that would have exposure to pressurized oil.
The oil leak "might" not get worse, but it could get catastrophically worse at any minute. You could be driving down the highway and have the unit blow completely and all your oil will be pumped out rather quickly.
Due to the possibility of a catastrophic failure (even if remote) I would replace the offending part asap. Just imagine how you would feel if you didn't replace the part and it cost you an engine...... That would REALLY suck.
You should be able to find info on the offending part online. For my Cobra I have found exploded views on Ford websites that list all parts by name and part numbers. It just takes a little searching.
Last edited by Old Mustanger; 06-09-2012 at 10:21 AM.
06-09-2012, 10:31 AM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 2,549
I do not know of your model year or engine details.
But, generally speaking it sounds like a sending unit for the oil pressure gauge. I do not know of any other components that would have exposure to pressurized oil.
The oil leak "might" not get worse, but it could get catastrophically worse at any minute. You could be driving down the highway and have the unit blow completely and all your oil will be pumped out rather quickly.
Due to the possibility of a catastrophic failure (even if remote) I would replace the offending part asap. Just imagine how you would feel if you didn't replace the part and it cost you an engine...... That would REALLY suck.
You should be able to find info on the offending part online. For my Cobra I have found exploded views on Ford websites that list all parts by name and part numbers. It just takes a little searching.
But, generally speaking it sounds like a sending unit for the oil pressure gauge. I do not know of any other components that would have exposure to pressurized oil.
The oil leak "might" not get worse, but it could get catastrophically worse at any minute. You could be driving down the highway and have the unit blow completely and all your oil will be pumped out rather quickly.
Due to the possibility of a catastrophic failure (even if remote) I would replace the offending part asap. Just imagine how you would feel if you didn't replace the part and it cost you an engine...... That would REALLY suck.
You should be able to find info on the offending part online. For my Cobra I have found exploded views on Ford websites that list all parts by name and part numbers. It just takes a little searching.
Not only loose the engine, he could loose the whole car. I had a incident similar to the one you describe, and the oil caught on fire as it was sprayed on to the headers.
06-09-2012, 05:55 PM
#5
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2012
Location: California
Posts: 104
I'm trying to upload some pictures for you guys.. It is definitely oil and nothing else.. I checked all my other fluid levels.. Plus I have to keep adding oil because the low oil light keeps coming on about every 2-3 weeks
06-10-2012, 08:26 PM
#9
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Delawere
Posts: 1,334
It could just be a coincidence that your car is burning oil too.
Like uberstand just said, there is no oil lines running anywhere.
Your oil doesnt run anywhere...its all in the engine, there are no lines.
Your 96 GT has an Oil cooler but its built into the oil filter adapter.
Just to reinforce this again, there is no engine oil leaking from those lines you are describing.
Last edited by justinschmidt1; 06-10-2012 at 08:30 PM.