Skip
Well-known member
Vehicle: 97 F250, 5.4 Triton V8, Automatic
Last night (after dark of course, this couldn't happen in the daylight hours) I am driving to deliver a pool cue to a friend. The engine oil temp light comes on, the engine coolant temp gauge pegs at full hot, the check engine light comes on, and the truck is still running smoothly as ever. I stopped and checked the oil. It was a little low, so I added some. Engine didn't act hot, idled great. So, I figure it is a warning message that something is messed up, and proceed. Sold the cue, and a case. Headed home. All the lights are back on. Since it is still running smoothly, I take the chance and go for it. 16 miles under 40 mph. Then the trans started shifting sluggishly from off the light. As soon as it was in high gear, it was fine, smoothed out, and purred. Got home, shut her down and went in and tried to relax. Don't need engine trouble a week before my plates are due, and I have to get through DEQ.
This morning, I drag my butt out to look at the damage. Engine fires like it is a happy camper and idles normally. Only the check engine light is on. Oil temp light is off, and the coolant gauge is reading cold. I noticed some fresh oil on the driveway as I was walking out to the truck, so I looked under the truck while it was running, and there is a steady stream of liquid lubricant coming from approximately area where the battery cable hooks up to the starter. I collected some on a paper towel. Smells more like engine oil than transmission fluid, although it doesn't smell much at all, and it isn't pink. Guessing engine oil for now.
I picked up a OBD II scan tool this morning. Still reading the book to figure out how to operate it.
A couple of posts on the Ford truck forums hinted at issues, but nothing that really matched up. Needless to say, I can't see "Jack..." down there from the top or the bottom. See pics.
Any of you (newer) Ford experts have an idea what might have sprung a leak in that area that could be causing all of this mayhem?
Last night (after dark of course, this couldn't happen in the daylight hours) I am driving to deliver a pool cue to a friend. The engine oil temp light comes on, the engine coolant temp gauge pegs at full hot, the check engine light comes on, and the truck is still running smoothly as ever. I stopped and checked the oil. It was a little low, so I added some. Engine didn't act hot, idled great. So, I figure it is a warning message that something is messed up, and proceed. Sold the cue, and a case. Headed home. All the lights are back on. Since it is still running smoothly, I take the chance and go for it. 16 miles under 40 mph. Then the trans started shifting sluggishly from off the light. As soon as it was in high gear, it was fine, smoothed out, and purred. Got home, shut her down and went in and tried to relax. Don't need engine trouble a week before my plates are due, and I have to get through DEQ.
This morning, I drag my butt out to look at the damage. Engine fires like it is a happy camper and idles normally. Only the check engine light is on. Oil temp light is off, and the coolant gauge is reading cold. I noticed some fresh oil on the driveway as I was walking out to the truck, so I looked under the truck while it was running, and there is a steady stream of liquid lubricant coming from approximately area where the battery cable hooks up to the starter. I collected some on a paper towel. Smells more like engine oil than transmission fluid, although it doesn't smell much at all, and it isn't pink. Guessing engine oil for now.
I picked up a OBD II scan tool this morning. Still reading the book to figure out how to operate it.
A couple of posts on the Ford truck forums hinted at issues, but nothing that really matched up. Needless to say, I can't see "Jack..." down there from the top or the bottom. See pics.
Any of you (newer) Ford experts have an idea what might have sprung a leak in that area that could be causing all of this mayhem?