View Full Version : Suddenly, all my oil was on the garage floor!
jdavis500
06-02-2021, 01:28 PM
****Edited: It was coolant****
My build has been 3.5 years in the making partly due to the fact that I did all the bodywork and paint. I am very happy with the way things are shaping...until yesterday. I was running the engine preparing to charge the AC. I noticed the pressure gauge was bouncing around a lot. Often on startup, the pressure needle will peg when I rev the engine and seem to stay high until it warms up. Posts online say that this is somewhat normal for the Coyote. Nonetheless, all of my oil poured out of the joint between the bell housing and the transmission. I am sure that it is not coming from anywhere higher. Just the bottom. I assume that this is a problem with the Rear Main Seal. I have an understanding of how to replace that, but I am worried about why it happened. I would hate to go through the process of replacing it, reassembling, and then it happens again. Possible causes could be:
1. The oil pressure always read all over the map. From what I could tell online, this is normal until the oil warms. It does generally settle, but when I rev on initial start, the pressure would in past 100 psi.
2. I remember that I way over-torqued the flywheel bolts at one point.
3. I had a hard time mating the trans(TKO 600) to the engine. I had to tighten the bolts incrementally to get them together. It did not slip in as I saw in videos.
This engine has 10 miles on it and has run great up until this point.
Any thoughts on a plan of attack would be appreciated.
edwardb
06-02-2021, 02:28 PM
Wow, really sorry to hear this. First I've heard of such a thing. A quick Google search doesn't show rear main seals as problematic on this engine. But anything is possible. Both Coyote's I've run had oil pressure all over the place just like you describe. Really doubt that's an issue. Not sure how either over torqueing the flywheel or using the bolts to pull the bell housing onto the block would damage anything. Within reason of course. I've done the same thing with the bell housing. I don't care what anyone says, the tolerances are just too tight and it doesn't just slide on. I line it up very carefully and pull into place with very slight turns on every bolt keeping it parallel the whole time. Not the textbook approach. But couldn't get mine on any other way. Sounds like you were the same.
I only have two thoughts about your situation. (1) Any possibility the PCV system is routed incorrectly or plugged? Excessive pressure inside the crankcase could be the issue. Unlikely, but worth asking about. (2) I've been surprised more than once where leaks originated and weren't the original diagnosis. Amazing how far away from the actual leak the oil can travel. So if you haven't already, really clean things up, put some new oil in it, and check again very carefully after very short engine runs. Even to the point of marker dye in the oil if that would help.
Good luck.
michael everson
06-02-2021, 04:24 PM
Between the bell housing and trans or bell housing and block? Bell and block sure sounds like rear main seal. Based on pictures I have seen, there isn't anywhere else for oil to leak at the back.
Mike
Ducky2009
06-02-2021, 04:52 PM
Jim, Sorry to hear. Also didn't realize to had to force the trans in. I know you checked the alignment first. If you need some help checking it out, let me know.
lewma
06-02-2021, 05:19 PM
Nonetheless, all of my oil poured out of the joint between the bell housing and the transmission.
You sure it's not transmission fluid if it's leaking between the bell housing and the transmission ??
Just a thought
You sure it's not transmission fluid if it's leaking between the bell housing and the transmission ??
Just a thought
Lewma's post got me thinking. I skimmed your build log to see if there were any photos of coolant line connections over the rear of the engine. I didn't see any, but there are other possible sources. Dex cool looks just like ATF. Unless you're positive it is oil, it could be coolant, too. I only suggest this as that happened on my coyote. In my case it was the bypass valve that let go (directly above the seam of the block and bell), but I also had a 90 degree quick connect let go and that ran the length of the cylinder valley and drained out the rear of the engine. So to Paul's point that the leak could be well away from where it presents itself, there could be possibilities. Then again, if you're certain it's oil on the floor, just ignore my comments.
jdavis500
06-03-2021, 09:46 AM
After my panic and despair of the other day, I went back to the scene of the crime this am and inspected things more. It is definitely coolant, but not much evidence of it coming from higher than the bottom of the bell housing. You guys have good Spidey Senses. Spending some time today to find the source. I assume there is no chance that coolant is leaking somewhere inside the bell housing.
jdavis500
06-03-2021, 10:04 AM
Much relief here as I see that the leak is at the heater send port connector on the right side of the engine. I have been working with wiring the heater control valve and switches. I guess now that the heater control valve is functioning, it has tested the connector and it failed. There is a little bit of coolant leaking from the return connector as well. I double-checked my plumbing and it appears correct, but I will post pics. You guys are totally right that fluid can sneak around the engine making it easy to confuse the source. I feel like I dodged a bullet. Hopefully, there is nothing more serious with plumbing or wiring that caused the leak.
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egchewy79
06-03-2021, 10:49 AM
what a relief. it's never a fun time trying to find a mystery leak
Glad to hear it's only coolant! My suggestion: while you're at it, why not change the 90 degree quick disconnects at the front of the cylinder heads? the originals that come with the engine aren't the highest quality. Get a couple of Gates connectors and you'll not need to worry about those. The Gates part number is 28504.
edwardb
06-03-2021, 01:30 PM
x2 on the recommendation to change those heater hose connectors. I had the same exact issue on mine. When they started leaking, the coolant went under the manifold and out the back of the engine. I thought I had blown a head gasket or something. Get the genuine Gates connectors and you'll be good. Unfortunately FF is providing a cheap knock-off and they've been a problem for several that I know of.
jdavis500
06-03-2021, 08:00 PM
x2 on the recommendation to change those heater hose connectors. I had the same exact issue on mine. When they started leaking, the coolant went under the manifold and out the back of the engine. I thought I had blown a head gasket or something. Get the genuine Gates connectors and you'll be good. Unfortunately FF is providing a cheap knock-off and they've been a problem for several that I know of.
So thankful this is an easy fix. Gates connections are ordered. Hopefully, case closed.