Aloha: oil leaks

[DaBoss]

Aloha folks,
I have noticed some oil leaks on my Gen2 V6. Have about 163K on it. I am told there are two seals an upper and the lower one. Is this correct? Is RTV used at all? Should I get the new seals/gasket from Ford or is there another brand you'd recommend? Anything else that should be changed when doing these? Any help much appreciated. Thank you very much. Mahalo!

 

[DILLARD000]

Assuming oil leaking around the OilPan? Any pics?
On V6~4.0L~SOHC, there's a lower OilPan & upper "Girdle" between Pan & Engine; both have gaskets.
Lower OilPan is fairly easy to remove & replace the gasket; upper Girdle is more involved.
It's also possible oil is leaking from a ValveCoverGasket or RearMainSeal & dripping down.
How old is your PCVValve on the back end of the left ValveCover; if older than 4Years\33kMiles replace it;
a clogged PCVValve can cause excessive CrankCasePressure & force oil around Seals\Gaskets.
Run truck thru a bottom car wash & take a close look to pinpoint leak; best to confirm before proceeding.
Hope this helps. Click links below for more info on related items:
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil_Pan+Screenhttps://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil_ValveCoverGasketshttps://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_AirIntake_PositiveCaseVent

 

[EddieS'04]

One of my local ST owners, talked me into. Trying Mobil 1. For some reason, that felt dumb. Next change, I went back to penzoil-plat. Now I have an oil leak from the rear main seal, crap. Still leaks on my driveway and exhaust cross over.
I have known other folks switching to Mobil 1. Then having leaks. My dad for one on a pontiac 400cui.
I feel stupid for not remembering that.

 

[user 64972]

I use the Motorcraft synthetic blend in my ST since new and no leaks. In my older GM cars(early to mid 1970's) I've used synthetic tranny fluid and developed leaks I never had before. Switched back to traditional fluids after putting new seals in and no leaks. I will be buying up traditional fluids especially for my older cars JIC the asswipes in DC decide to make the fluid producers stop selling them. The new cars usually have seals made for synthetics.

 

[swshawaii]

Like @EddieS'04 have the same RMS issue with my 2005. Not sure how much oil brand had an effect on it. Previous owner used only dino oil it's entire life until I bought it in 2009 @ 46,000 miles. Made the switch to full synthetic starting with NAPA (Valvoline). Very slight seep immediately appeared after making the switch and has gotten progressively worse. Only used full synthetic Pennzoil, Mobil 1, Castrol, and even WalMart's house branded SuperTech 5W-30 with Motorcraft FL-820S or Wix Gold/Platinum oil filters. Not a gusher, but annoying when it drips on the hot cat and having to wipe the ground every time I move the truck. Even tried a quart of Rislone RMS repair with marginal results. I'm not ready to pull the engine to replace a $10 seal and may even try switching back to conventional oil as a last ditch effort. Not expecting a fix but we'll see.

 

[Rod Mann Deux]

Good thread on oil pan seal replacement including videos
https://sporttrac.org/threads/oil-leak-questions.123435

 

[DaBoss]

Assuming oil leaking around the OilPan? Any pics?
On V6~4.0L~SOHC, there's a lower OilPan & upper "Girdle" between Pan & Engine; both have gaskets.
Lower OilPan is fairly easy to remove & replace the gasket; upper Girdle is more involved.
It's also possible oil is leaking from a ValveCoverGasket or RearMainSeal & dripping down.
How old is your PCVValve on the back end of the left ValveCover; if older than 4Years\33kMiles replace it;
a clogged PCVValve can cause excessive CrankCasePressure & force oil around Seals\Gaskets.
Run truck thru a bottom car wash & take a close look to pinpoint leak; best to confirm before proceeding.
Hope this helps. Click links below for more info on related items:
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil_Pan+Screenhttps://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Oil_ValveCoverGasketshttps://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_AirIntake_PositiveCaseVent

Aloha Dillard and everyone else, thank you for all your suggestions. I am so sorry I did not comment sooner. Sadly where I am, the crime and violence has gotten very bad in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not long after posting my question above, we had a suspicious fire set in our area, thank goodness the fire fighters and police got it under control and caught the perp. Then the next day up and down my street, vehicles were smashed. Including my Sport Trac. They smashed my driver side window and the small vent window behind me! The driver side window to replace was about 250.00 with Ford glass. The rear little vent window, which we hope comes in tomorrow will cost almost 1000.00! This is crazy how these folks are acting so uncivil. I will be posting a question in the tech area about car alarms I can have installed with the glass sensor feature that won't hurt, override the factory alarm.

I hope to have an update on this oil leak for you all soon. Please have a safe and blessed 4th of July. Mahalo

 

[DILLARD000]

Last I was in SF some 20+ years ago, homeless+mentals had already overrun the streets.
Working a short term contract for SF City\County, was offered a permanent position;
declined as I needed 300%~400% pay raise just to afford decent housing in SF & maintain lifestyle.