Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

R

Ryaske

Registered
Hey Guys,

I am new to the Mark 8, and considering purchasing one in the coming days.

I already saw a 93 with a standard suspension conversion and 145k. he demanded 2g, and lied in the advert and on the phone about it having "NO OIL LEAKS". The crossmember was soaked when I went to look at it. The rest was nice, but I walked away. Oil leaks suck. Plus, sounded liek a pulley or the PS pump was going.

Then recently I went to see a 95 with about 120k @ 2.5g semi-firm. DEFINITELY a nice guy, hes a young teacher and immediately admitted over the phone that the front falls down after sitting for some days. I see the replacement proceedure for the air struts is easy, and the parts arent THAT expensive. So, I'll likely do it myself if I get it.

BUT... MY REAL QUESTION... OIL LEAKS!

The second car is perfect, except I can see a TINY bit of fluid on the back of the oil pan, and the bottom of the bell housing. Couldn't tell where it was coming from .... and I will likely be taking it to mechanic pre-purchase. If its nothign that serious, or an easy fix (oil pan gasket??), I will definitely jump on it. Ill offer 2.2k cash and see what he says

Does anyone know much about potential oil leaks on these engines? Is the engine similar to one in any other car (so I can research on other forums?) I'm just looking for some insight before I get screw myself with a car that needs a rear main seal or headgasket. WHICH, just happens to be why I'm seekign to replace my 1996 infiniti J30....... stupid leaks

I also saw a Smallllll bit of coolant on the bottom of the front facia on the passenger side. The car was running for abotu 6 minutes. Could this be serious? I'll also ask the mechanic about it.

Also, does anyone know other poppin' 1st gen Mark8 forums? this is is the best I've come across so far. LincolnVSCaddlaic is another one, but I haven't signed up yet.

Thanks guys .. This car is sooo my type. I hope to hang around here much more often!
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

WELCOME! :)

The front crossmember gets soaked in oil during normal oil changes.

Look at www.americanairsuspension.com for answers to suspension questions.

A small amount of oil at the back of the oil pan or bell housing is most likely not a dilemma. Is it motor oil or tranny fluid?

The biggest POTENTIAL oil leak on these cars is the oil filter adapter gasket. A PITA, but a DIY project. Another common but usually harmless oil leak will not be found until you decide to change spark plugs. ;)

The transmission dipstick tube has an o-ring seal that may begin to leak causing oil leak issues as well. If the car has had a severe driveline vibration issue, you may see a leak at the tranny tailshaft seal due to a worn bushing.

The coolant is most likely from a slow seepage type leak on the radiator where the end tank meets the aluminum core but the radiator drain-cock is also on the lower passenger side.

Be sure to peruse the FAQ section from the technical pages accessed from the home page.

Good luck! :)
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
The coolant is most likely from a slow seepage type leak on the radiator where the end tank meets the aluminum core[/div]

I had a coolant leak in that same exact location, and that's what caused it. The radiator is kind of a pain to replace. However, it's nothing of immediate concern. Mine started with an occasional whiff of coolant from the front of the car that I couldn't track down, and it took 6 months before it leaked enough to leave a tiny spot on the driveway overnight.
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

I chime in with all the above comments with only one more. There have been a few (very few) whom have had oil pans rust out. I notice you are from NY so when you get the car on the lift keep your eyes open for this. I doubt that you will find the oil pan gasket leaking, it will be the housing as Driller stated or a rusty pan or hopefully the normal oil that ends up hanging around after an oil filter change on the front strut.
You might want to drop by the car wash to give it (Cross member) a blast with the high pressure hose before you go to the garage for inspection.
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

If you do need to change the oil pan or oil pan gasket, you need to drop the k-member to get it out.
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

hey guys........ took it to the mech.

he said 3 main issues:

1) tranny leaks. a few of them. one is coming from the pump he said; so tranny will need to be dropped. I'm guessing $700+ to fix when it gets bad enough?

2) front air bags indeed need to be replaced. $360 plus some of my time

3) radiator has a slow seep


Besides those;
4) computer says door is always ajar (I read in the FAQ this should be an easy fix)
5) the drivers side lock/unlock button does not unlock. Easy fix

I can't get him any lower than $2,400. Someone is looking at it tomorrow. If they don't take it............ I think I will

am i being dumb?
 
RE: Looking at a 1st Gen; Anyone know about oil leaks??

If the issues don't bother you and the car is otherwise nice as you said, it's not dumb.

Realize that if the tranny eventually needs to come out, with that mileage it may merit replacing depending upon previous service and intended use. I wouldn't necessarily condemn it 'cause of a minor leak though.

Sound like you have a handle on the other issues. Good luck. :)
 
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