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So my new car with the little oil leak seems to be turning into a monster of a repair. While I was at the local lincoln dealer having the cruise recall done(40 minutes 'cause its a 95) They did a quick peak at the oil leaks a said the front seal might be leaking, probably need a new pan gasket and the oil pressure sensor might be leaking. So I figured under $100 for gaskets but then they mentioned I have to pull the engine. I don't have the money to have this done now, well I have too now. Question, what costs are involved and price? Anything else I should have done while the engine is out? I guess I save money doing it all at once. I hope this will be the last major repair for some time. Thanks.
Posted by: whiplash15
Are you absolutely sure that it is not the oil filter adaptor to block gasket??
Posted by: lscmkviii
I don't want to steal this post but, Do you have to drain the oil to change the filter adapter gasket? Def drain the coolant right?
Posted by: Hemihed426
I'd get a 2nd opinion, I don't trust stealerships to empty the ashtray.
Posted by: Roadboss
I doubt that they it diagnosed right for you. I strongly suspect it is your oil filter adapter gasket that is leaking, as this is a somewhat common problem.
Posted by: Speed Demon
The adapter gasket is what I first thought it was. I'm going to have someone do a dye test to see exactly where the leaks are. Do you really need to pull the engine to change the pan gasket? Seems backwards to me. Maybe pull the sway bar out of the way instead? I also have a slight leak in the drivers side seal on the rear diff. I guess that means I have to pull my rear apart too. If I do need to change the front seal and the pan gasket do you know what a fair price is?
Posted by: whiplash15
If memory serves, if you want to change the pan gasket you must split it from the K frame - ala pull the engine. Actually, you block the engine in place and drop the entire K frame and front suspension etc down.
Posted by: Markviiiedrea
For the diff, I think you just have to remove the axel and you should be able to R&R the CV shaft seals, it been awhile since I have had to do it. I'm sure some other guys here have done it recently.
I would say there is a 95% chance its just you oil filter adapter gasket, easy fix 20 to 30 minutes top's
Posted by: Speed Demon
WTF! I had the car in today while I was at work and they cleaned all the oil off and idled and drove about % miles. They couldn't find any leaks! You're kidding? No leaks. Is it possible that the dipstick tube might be leaking after I fill it then is ok after a certain amount leaks? If it is leaking is the amount left still within tolerance? I'll have to look this weekend. Uggghh.
Posted by: unity
The oil is not high enough in the pan for the dip tube to leak. If you are leaking is is likely, as mentioned by you and everyone, the oil adapter gasket.
I will add that I did have an oil pressure sensor rupture. When it finally went oil poured out FAST. What a mess! So dont rule out the sensor....
Posted by: RedCellSix
A while back I began noticing a drop or two of oil on my garage floor. My buddy put my Mark up on his lift and we cleaned the bottom. He pointed out some rust on the oil pan (1994 Mark on salt laden winter N.Y. roads.) After he explained the cost involved of dropping the motor to change the oil pan, he gave me an alternative he had done on other cars before. He mixed this epoxy compound that dries to a ceramic hardness. After scraping/sanding he then applied it. It hasn't leaked since.
Posted by: Speed Demon
I'm still thinking adapter gasket but the guys today couldn't find any leaks. I have puddles all over my drive and there was oil all over the bottom of the engine, we're all stumped.
Posted by: ChooDatChit
im ganna agree with tha adapter gasket as well. mines dripping like a blonde on exctasy...Inoticed the huge oil spot when my car was idling, so i back it up and tha leaking stopped. 2 days later back to tha leaking so i jacked it up and can see it pouring from in front of tha filter..
and to whoever said 20-30 min fix? i read in another post that it takes like 3 hours? im really hopin its a half hour job.. adios.
Posted by: turborich
The oil/cooler adadpter gasket will leak more when the engine is cold, at least that has been my experience with them. It will also normally leak on the drivers side of the car. If this is the issue then it's not hard to change out at all. Maybe 30-45 minutes. It's not nearly as hard as it would seem.
I would clean everything just like you did, start the car when it's cold & look for any leaks. Good luck.
Posted by: Speed Demon
I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Posted by: Speed Demon
I can't thank you guys enough. My friend and I replaced the adapter gasket Saturday and the Easter bunny gave me a clean drive way Sunday! No more mess! Whoo Hoo! ....yea, I'm a little happy. Thanks again.
Posted by: mespock
See it was that little thing ... now wastn't that fun...
Posted by: Speed Demon
It was fun, we were able to use the lift at the stealership my buddy works at. Big mess and no clean up . Thanks Dean!
Posted by: Abbens
did you check the pcv? if not that can cause an oil leak as well. just shake it
Posted by: Speed Demon
Still goin' through everything. Thats on the list.
You're kidding? No leaks. Is it possible that the dipstick tube might be leaking after I fill it then is ok after a certain amount leaks? If it is leaking is the amount left still within tolerance? I'll have to look this weekend. Uggghh.
No more mess! Whoo Hoo! 
....yea, I'm a little happy.
Thanks again.