Oil Leak

[MAPSVO]

I need some info please. My 86 SVO has about 500 miles on it since I got it back on the road. I installed a engine that I overhauled but had no experience with prior. I have noticed a oil leak which I had assumed was the rear main since I had some difficulty with it when I put the engine together. Only thing strange was that it leaked static with out having been run, the longer it sat the bigger the spot on the floor was.

I needed to install another tranny since I had borrowed one from one of my Turbo Gts until I got the SVO tranny overhauled. Today I put the car up on jackstands to switch transmissions and go after the rear main. Long story short, the leak seems to be coming from the oil level sensor on the side of the oil pan. I can clean everything off with brake cleaner and blow it dry and almost watch the oil seap from the center of the sender right where the wire goes in the thing.

I can look up and see the bottom of the crank and it is dry inside the bell housing. I have cleaned the outside and am going to let is sit overnight to confirm the sensor leak.

Is there a plug available to put in the pan to replace the sensor, if so what size is the hole in the pan, or what has been used to plug that hole?

Thanks in advance.

Mark Potter

[Patrick]

You just need to replace the gasket or O-ring for the oil level sensor. Pull the sensor by removing the wire clip that holds the sensor in the hex housing that threads in to the oil pan. Any local auto supply or automotive air conditioning place should have compatible O-rings.

[MAPSVO]

No, I changed both of those things when I overhauled the engine. The leak is coming around the wire itself, right in the middle of the black plastic thing that the wire goes into. The base of that is dry as is the gasket. It's wierd, that center part must be cracked or something and the oil is coming out around the blue wire itself. That whole sensor needs replaced or the pan needs a plug of some sort.

[MikeFleming]

Yep, those sensors do leak sometimes. I do not know if Ford still services that sensor (and the associated large plastic o-ring seal) but its worth a try first. Might also check with your local Napa store as that level sensor was used on many a Ford.

Sometime back - 6-7 years - Patrick had some allen-head plugs for that hole that he gave me. Patrick - got any more? I hope I don't have to search here.

BTW - the rear main seal cannot leak oil if the engine is not running - unless the crankcase is severely overfilled (proper fill has the oil well below the outside weights on the crank, thus below the seal also), or properly filled and standing on end with the front up. If it's in the car, there is no oil on the front or rear crank seals unless the engine is running.

[Patrick]

SAE O-Ring Boss (ORB) Hex Socket Plug.

Check at a local Hydraulic supply house or an Eaton, Weatherhead, Aeroquip supplier.


1692
1693

[MAPSVO]

Excellent, that's what I need, much thanks!

[fess40]

That's perfect Patrick. I've just done an 88TC swap on my 89 and don't need that leaky thing. Thanks!

[DaveS]

If you want to try and replace the sender and gasket, here are the part numbers:
F2AZ-6C624-B Oil Level Sensor Assembly
E4AZ-6C626-B Oil Level Sensor to Oil Pan Gasket
I bought them 3 or 4 years ago.

[KevinK]

For the first time, I would contradict Pat's finding. Those hydraulic fittings usually have parallel threads and require a tapered seat to seal The Ford parts book lists E4AZ-6A828-A as the level sensor plug. Still need the same gasket as the sensor. I hope Ford still makes the level sensor because no one else does.

[oneowner88lx]

The correct plug size is M20-1.5
Dorman Part #65221
Comes with sealing gasket too.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-5433-65221.aspx

I bought one and the fit is perfect.

[MikeFleming]

With free shipping on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-65221-AutoGrade-Drain-Plug/dp/B000C11GIW

[Gyrhead]

Not to hijack but the OP seems to have gotten his answer. I noticed a small slow leak under the rear main seal with the nose of the car elevated significantly on jack stands with the motor running. It's not from the pan gasket and the crankcase isn't overfilled. Is this leak likely due to the angle? I've also noticed that newly rebuilt stuff occasionally drips assorted fluids on initial fireup but the leaks mysteriously go away. Thoughts? I thought the rear main seated fine.

[brsvo]

I too am sick of the level sensor leaking! If you remove it should you connect the wires or isolate them to turn off the light?

[Lanes84s]

Is this a common issue I should look into solving myself? (didn't read all the posts) My car isn't in my driveway and I don't want my parents being mad at me lol (Bruce, we should meet up in the next month or so, so I can give you your EEC and look at your bi-wing :D )

[brsvo]

Lane your 84 doesn't have a level sender.

[Lanes84s]

Thank you :) didn't think I saw any warning lights for it so I was confused :P, WOO less to worry about