Idle problems and quite a few questions

[92 LX]

I don't mean to jump your post but I'm having an idle issue too.
I haven't had a chance to run the codes. Probably this weekend.
As far as the pcv goes, I've got a Cobra intake, and I don't know if it's harder than a stock intake, but it's next to impossible to get to the *#$* pcv, grommet, and screen. I found that once you get the valve and the grommet out, you can use a pick up tool.
The kind that has a long spring for a shaft, and a claw that expands when you push the button on the end. I stick it in the hole, push the button to let one of the hooks grab the screen, let go the button to retract, then pull it out. Works real good.

Good luck with your car.

 

[HISSIN50]

But is having a breather and the functioning PCV really that bad? The engine is far from stock, and the compression is definatley higher.

Yes. Either keep the entire system closed, entirely open (breathers but no PCV), but not both.

 

[BigmacK192]

Might want to put a nut on that one that's missing on the upper to lower stud.

Also, is that RTV oozing out from between the upper and lower?

Wow, I just had the intake off last year before I stored her. Must have forgotten that nut.

And that's Prestone 1B pushing through where I laid the gasket. Guess I missed some.

Yes. Either keep the entire system closed, entirely open (breathers but no PCV), but not both.

Alright then. PCV it is.

 

[BigmacK192]

Nothing like a garage floor coated in oil. PCV is functioning. What's the next step? Where do I go now to try to fix the leak?

 

[liljoe07]

Where is it leaking again?

 

[BigmacK192]

Where is it leaking again?

Between the engine and trans. It's the rear main seal, isn't it.

 

[HISSIN50]

It can also be the VC's - it leaks down the back side.

 

[liljoe07]

More than likely rear main. The clogged PVC probably caused it. But as Hissin said, valve covers or the rear of the intake can leak down there also.

Did you switch to a synthetic recently?

 

[BigmacK192]

Valve covers were leaking when I bought the car. It was one of the first swaps I did. At higher RPMs, oil was pouring out and hitting the hot headers, smoke clouds ensumed, etc. The rubber ones he had on there had split and were garbage. Dropped on cork with Prestone sealer. Not a drop of oil on either side, checked that today. Didn't see any drop down on the back of the intake either. Ran my hands on the top of the trans and it was dry.

Still using the tried and true Quaker State products. No synthetics here.

 

[BigmacK192]

I just want to say thank you to you guys for helping me so much with this. I'd definatley be in the dark on my own. You've been a huge help.

More pictures to better describe what I'm seeing.

You can see it down the back of the oil pan, as well as inbetween the engine and transmission. It's gotta be rear main or oil pan gasket. That's all it's come down to. PCV is working like a charm.

This looks like my future. http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/801429-oil-pan-gasket-leak.html

 

[BigmacK192]

Not trying to bump my own thread, but I have an update.

Had to return to school, so I put the car back up on the jack stands for the remainder of spring until I'm home. In the meantime, I've spent my time researching leaks that look similar to mine. I've heard and seen that the transmission could be leaking from a front seal at the input bearing. Is this possible? Is there a noticeable difference from engine oil (I know it's red, but if it gets dirty)? I had the clutch done last summer and the mechanic didn't say anything about the leak. He's left that garage since, else I'd ask him.

Just trying to plan my course of action when I'm home so I can get her back out on the road.

 

[liljoe07]

Smell between oil and trans fluid is very different.

 

[BigmacK192]

It's definately oil then. Oh well. I'll borrow more trouble when I can actually work on it.

 

[90mustangGT]

Oil leaks.... I work in a shop, nobody wants to write up an oil leak, if the customer is not complaining, then we don't say anything unless it's really obvious it is only pouring from one spot. It is often you fix one and another starts. Often the PCV system isn't working right or the engine has excessive blowby and any weak seal will be found and become an escape hatch for the pressure. Seal up one and the next one will blow. It appears to be the rear main, but here is what we do. Wash the engine, use brake clean around the seems to get them completely dry. Run the engine and watch for where it starts to leak.

Just get a new PCV valve and screen. You may even want to pull the engine and just reseal it. You just about have to pull the engine to do a oil pan gasket, without pulling it it's a big time pita and if you are doing the rear main too, just pull the damn thing and do the timing cover while you are at it. I'll tell you, after doing multiple engine pulls, a 5.0 out of a foxbody mustang is beginners stuff. Might not be as easy as a old vw beetle but it is a vw beetle compared to a caravan.

 

[BigmacK192]

Oil leaks.... I work in a shop, nobody wants to write up an oil leak, if the customer is not complaining, then we don't say anything unless it's really obvious it is only pouring from one spot. It is often you fix one and another starts. Often the PCV system isn't working right or the engine has excessive blowby and any weak seal will be found and become an escape hatch for the pressure. Seal up one and the next one will blow. It appears to be the rear main, but here is what we do. Wash the engine, use brake clean around the seems to get them completely dry. Run the engine and watch for where it starts to leak.

Just get a new PCV valve and screen. You may even want to pull the engine and just reseal it. You just about have to pull the engine to do a oil pan gasket, without pulling it it's a big time pita and if you are doing the rear main too, just pull the damn thing and do the timing cover while you are at it. I'll tell you, after doing multiple engine pulls, a 5.0 out of a foxbody mustang is beginners stuff. Might not be as easy as a old vw beetle but it is a vw beetle compared to a caravan.

New screen installed already, the PCV valve in it was completely fine. That's what killed me, because I thought that'd fix it. I have all the other gaskets besides the rear main. I don't have the tools to pull the engine right now. So I was planning on taking 3 days to do the oil pan, my intake gaskets, and my valve covers (again). If I can find a trans jack, I may do the rear main. It's just that I don't have access to tools, like at all. I've never taken a tranny off either. Which makes it difficult for me.

 

[BigmacK192]

A buddy of mine told me to use this stuff.

Bar's Leaks Rear Main Seal

I don't have a feeling that it'd work.