Oil leak advice

[jdphish]

My 2002 powerstroke
7.3 has been sitting up for 7 months as I slowly rebuild the frontend. Today I noticed this oil leak I had never seen before. I am concerned becuase 1) it never had a leak before. 2) we had a hard freeze after I took
bad water pump off.

Looks like its coming from around the freeze plugs. Why?

Any ideas on cause or repair would be great. Thank you

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[79jasper]

Not sure what freeze plug you're talking about. Appears to be coming from higher up.

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[jdphish]

79jasper, thanks. On the first pic there is a plug on front of block. It may not be called a freeze plug. With a square inset. On second pic is same type of plug. Oild could also be coming out from front engine "cover" that is directly behind the water pump. Not sure. I wonder if rainwater got in cooling Passages and froze would
Cause this?

 

[jdphish]

Another thought just occured to me. Could it be that the cold weather (low teens) shrunk the metal enough that a small amount of oil leaked? Any comments would be great. Thanks

 

[79jasper]

Some reason my reply didn't go through.
Those are just port plugs. Could be oil behind them.
I doubt enough rain water would have gotten in there to allow it to freeze.

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[jdphish]

79jasper, thank you. There is no oil on the ground. I think I may take my chances and button it up as is. And hope engine tps will expand things enough to stop any seep.

Too risky? Thoughts?

 

[79jasper]

Honestly I would run it.
It "could" be the front cover.
But without a actual steady leak, it's hard to tell.

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[greenskeeper]

you call that a leak? Just drive it and it'll probably clear itself up.

My definition of a leak on any older engine is something that leaves a puddle to mark it's territory.

 

[jdphish]

Thanks greenskeeper! With help here i have come to that conclusion. Lol

 

[94f450sd]

If I remember correctly there are a couple long bolts that go through the pump and cover,correct?(been a while since I tore one apart.)

You will seep a little oil out from behind the cover.the top of the cover houses a couple of oil ports.

I'd run it.thats not anything I'd be concerned with.

 

[jdphish]

94f450sd, you were correct. After I installed the new water pump the leak/seep stopped. I have not yet cranked the truck but should soon (within the week). Thank you