Oil Leak..Please HELP 2003 windstar

[jrdodgerfan]

So while I was changing the front passenger brake pads I found an oil leak but I am not sure what the part is. The Haynes manual doesnt help me any. It is on the passenger side and looks to be an aluminum part & sits directly behind the oil filter. If anyone can help it would be great. Thanks

[tripletdaddy]

You would want to see if the oil is originating from higher up on the front of the engine, say from a valve cover, but it could be coming from down lower. It sounds like you are describing the front timing cover and oil pump area, which I assume the filter is attached. Oil could leak from either. The cover has a gasket around its perimeter that I think keeps oil in. The seal is pressed into the front caover and goes around the crankshaft, which has the large pulley and aluminum cogged wheel on it. So , a leak from it would be behind the cogged wheel, whereas, a leak from the cover gasket would be further back on the cover part, which is about 1-1/2" thick. Hopefully, you might find a loose bolt or nut to the cover that needs a little snugging and will easily stop the leak.

[mundy5]

as tripletdaddy has explained, the source of the oil leak might not be where you think it is. what you need to do is to clean the area up really nice and then run the van and see where the actual source of the leak is coming from. When the oil gets hot, it leaks easier and so that's when you can identify the source. once you identify the source, then report back and we'll see if we can help you replace the appropriate part.

[tripletdaddy]

There is a high tech approach I've read about where you put a harmless dye into your oil that you can then see exactly where it is coming from with a black or infrared light and special glasses. This could very well be the same exact leak detection dye, light and glasses used on ac leaks. However, it does cost some money and may not be needed if you can get a good cleaning and see the leak as soon as it starts. For me, I'd consider the dye leak test a last resort, or wait till the leak gets worse. Supposedly there are stop leak products for the seals, which is what I suspect you have if you have considerable mileage on your vehicle, but I don't know just how good or safe they are.

[jrdodgerfan]

Thanks for the advise, I ran the vehicle till hot it is leaking from the bottom of this aluminum piece. It is very clear that this is where it is coming from. I have tried tightening the bolts plus a stop leak, with neither working. This part looks to be rectangular almost credit card size & about 1 1/2" like tripletdaddy indicated. Is this the timing cover? Thanks Tripletdaddy & Mundy