Oil Leak - Tranny probs

[Jacob07]

Last time I had my oil changed they mentioned I had three oil leaks. I know my valve cover gasket is leaking but the others I'm unsure of. The whole thing is covered in oil.

A couple weeks ago it got worse. I'm finding about 4+ teaspoons of oil under my car every morning. Other problems have begun at the same time. My transmission isn't acting right. I can't really describe it but it shifts and downshifts eccessively and isn't normal. I've also noticed considerable engine braking.

My oil pressure used to stay steady but now it varies depending on the RPM of the engine. It will usually stay steady for a while if the car hasn't been driven recently. At idle the pressure is about 1/4th of the guage. (stock guage) When you rev the engine the oil pressure goes up in respect to the RPMs.

I've found where the oil is dripping from and included a picture. The oil is dripping off the transmission. Also I should mention the transmission fluid level is fine.

I'm searching for a turbo motor so I don't want to sink much money into it. Just need to know if its something that could be fixed without too much and if its fairly safe to keep driving as long as I keep up with the oil level.

On a side note how bad does the rust look in the picture? I was thinking of getting some POR 15 or Rust Bullet and jack stands. Spend a few days getting rid of all the rust. Any recommendations on which product to get?

Edit: 88 lx with A4LD

 

[Jacob07]

Anyone have ideas? Today I left it idleing while I made room in my garage and the oil pressure was only a mark above red. The fan kicked on (shockingly - it hasn't worked automatically that I've seen in months). I checked the temp guage and it was getting up there.

So overall its getting worse... I can really hear the lifters ticking now so I know my guage/sender isn't just screwy. I'm also assuming it got that hot because of the low oil pressure.

Help anyone? Its probably going to be at least three weeks before I can get even start getting the engine swapped and I don't think its going to make it without some work.

 

[RustBucket]

Rear pan seal or rear main seal leaking. Both require you to drop the pan. I don't know when Ford switched to a 1 piece rear main on the 2.3 so I can't tell you if you'll need to move the trans out of the way for the rear main replacement. It's easier that way regardless so keep that in mind.


EDIT: Just for kicks and grins, when was the last time you checked or changed the PCV valve? I worked on a 351W once that leaked 2qts of oil per day. 1 qt on the way to work, and one on the way home. You could literally follow the oil stains up the street until you got to the highway. Anyway, after laboring through a rear main seal replacement and new oil pan gasket set, the trouble ended up being a the PCV valve stuck closed. At the very least, make sure the pcv rattles when you shake it and the little door opens when you push it.

 

[Jacob07]

Thanks RustBucket

I changed the pcv valve a few months ago but I'll check it out.

Could you tell me what kind of work it is? I've never dropped an oil pan so I have no experience there.

Would these be the only gaskets I would need?

Rear main seal (felpro): $8
Oil pan gasket (felpro): $22

If the materials will be under $75 and it can be done in a days labor I'll go for that.

What about the "pick-up screen". I looked that up to be about $30 for a cheap one - Is it worth it to go ahead and replace that while I have it lowered?

Also the oil problems couldn't be related to my transmission problems in some odd out-there way could they?

Thanks!

 

[RustBucket]

It can be done in a day. Do a search, there's some good information around here on oil pan removal with the engine in the car. I think there's even a step-by-step.

As far as the oil pump pickup, wait until you get the oil pan off of the car. Check the screen for sludge or other crap clogging it up. It may be easier (and cheaper) to just clean it.

No, the engine oil leaks have no effect on your trans other than making it grimy and deteriorating the trans mount.