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4.6L Oil Cooler Leak fix
Have you found a puddle of oil
inside the left front tire that looks like it might stem
from a power steering leak? Is the leak more noticeable
when it is cold? Since the oil pressure is higher when
the engine is cold (and the oil leak may stop as the
engine warms up and the oil pressure drops slightly), it
could be time to change the gasket between the oil
filter adapter and the engine block.
The part number for the improved gasket is
F6AZ-6840-AA. It is about 1/8" thick and fairly rigid.
(There could also be a coolant leak, for as well as the
two oil passages there is also the coolant inlet from
the radiator.)
Let's Get
Started
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Turn your
wheels all the way to the left for better access.
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Drain the
coolant. Use a fairly large bucket or tub as the
coolant hits the air dam and spreads out.
-
Jack the car
up at the left front jack pad. Jack it up until the
left front tire is off the ground about 4 inches.
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Place a jack
stand at the frame under the left front door for
safety.
-
Remove the oil
filter. You do not have to remove the lower radiator
hose to do this, it will allow the adapter to move
far enough out to be able to remove the old gasket
and slip in the new one. (The gasket is similar to a
head gasket in that it is rigid and will not break
when you remove it. It almost falls out. I do not
think it could break and leave part still in
position. Also you have a very good view into the
area and you can inspect both surfaces without
removing the radiator hose.) There are four bolts
holding the adapter to the block. You can reach them
with a ratchet and two 6 inch extensions. You do not
need a universal joint on the extension.
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Remove the old
gasket.
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Slide the new
one in and start the bolts. Do not tighten them
until all are started so that the gasket is seated
right. When you tighten the bolts alternate between
them to avoid overstressing the oil filter adapter
and possibly cracking the casting.
-
Re-install the
filter.
Editors note: this might be a good time to replace
the oil and filter to minimize the risk of
contaminants.
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Pour the
coolant back in.
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