The first thing I would do is clean the engine and compartment very good with degreaser (maybe at a carwash when the engine is not hot). Drive the car around and then look to see where there is fresh oil. Remember oil travels down and back. If the rear main seal is not leaking and you are sure it is not the valve cover gasket it could be the head gasket. Good Luck

 

I'll try that, did it before and couldnt figure it out... Are head gaskets common on this motor? If it were the head gasket wouldnt I have ither symptoms like mixing of coolant and oil? Or is it possible the gasket leak would let oil out ? Thank you

 

The Duratec is bad about the rear seal going out , I use to change a lot of them

Like stated , clean it good then go drive it , doubt its the HG

Tom

 

Hi tom cleaned it fairly well this morning like suggested, drove it, notice oil came out from where the starter is and trickled down as well as between the bell housing and motor... Pulled the starter off inside the tranny has motor oil ... My guess is a rear main seal leak, oil hits flywheel gets sprayed all over ... Sound about right?... Should I do a complete clutch change since I'm in there or can I get by with just cleaning the mating surfaces replacing the slave as well as the rear seal and calling it a day ? Clutch seems to grab great, dont want to drop money on a clutch if I dont absolutely need to...
Thanks for the replies!

 

Depends on the miles on that clutch , check it good when you take it out and decide

Tom

 

Okay great one last question sorry if its been answered many times before... Can I reuse the flywheel and pressure plate bolts use blue loctite or should I take a trip to the dealer and replace them
Thanks again

 

I reuse them all the time

Tom

 

Great thanks if the rear main seal is the problem I will update this thread once its done
Thanks again !

 

Also check the factory oil galley plugs , have found them leak as well , there on the back of the engine behind and around the flywheel

Tom

 

Are those the Allen key head plugs ?

 

No there expansion and break off

Tom

 

Okay good to know, thank you, when I get a chance to do a tear down I'll report back exactly what it ended up being as well as pics of the leak... Starting a new job wont be near the car for a few weeks that'll give me enough time to order a new clutch kit...can I reuse the flywheel? Local machine shop says its a dual mass and can't resurface it. Usually I resurface any flywheel when doing a clutch job ... So what are my options ?.. Scuffing it up ,replacing it entirely, or reuse it as is since theres no chatter and I have a smooth engagement
Thanks

 

Heres the picture right underneath where the leak is. The arrow is pointing to the area it begins to drip before it hits the ground ...you can see right under it its been parked 2 hours and the puddle size is pretty large

 

Almost looks to be coming from the top and down the side ???

Tom

 

That's what I thought as well but everything from uptop is dry everything from the starter down is soaked I've checked the oil housing too no leaks dry as a bone.

 

Did the job today wasnt too bad rear main seal was missing a bolt I guess someone cut corners , I replaced the clutch but not the flywheel... I have a squeak first gear only when letting out the clutch... Its brand new slave clutch disk and pressure plate from autozone any suggestions?

 

A common place for duratecs to leak is the joint between the rear main plate/block/oil pan. I add a small bead of rtv to the seal plate up (the block) about 1 inch on each side and also make sure you have a good bead across the bottom where it seals to the pan.

 

I used the ford ta31 sealant for sealing 'stroke bedplates/pans/covers on my 23 oil pan & front cover.

 

I use TA-31 on almost everything

That's exactly what I grabbed while getting the rear main from Ford, so far no leaks no issues all looks good. Thanks guys

 

I use TA-31 on almost everything

 

Good to hear.