billmac

Is it prudent maintenance to periodically check the tightness of the oil pan bolts? The bolts next to the bell housing cover on my truck have some clear oil residue on them. There doesn't appear to be any leak from the rear seal. If there is a leak then it would be coming from around one or more bolts in this area. The oil level remains constant so it isn't leaking much. My shop manual says the torque on the pan bolts is 24nm or 18ft. lbs. I've always been told that a bolt needs to be loosened and then torqued as opposed to trying to check the torque of a tightened bolt. Frankly I'm not too excited about loosening the pan bolts and then torquing them to specs.

John Faughn

The best is to clean hole with brake clean , TQ with blue Lock Tight , with a lock washer .
Depending on what gasket , repeated tightening , can just crush or squeeze the gasket out .
You can do one at a time to the old gasket , clean , lock tight , just be careful not to squeeze gasket out [ after market ] I think the Cummins gaskets have sheet metal on the inside .

billmac

Thanks John for the info. The bolts are still in the pan and I haven't touched them. I'm the original owner of the truck. They don't appear to be loose except for the clear oil residue; but before I put a socket and torque wrench on them I wanted to get some other opinions.

chainzaw

What about the oil vent tube (i can't remember the correct name)? If its not cleaned periodically it tends to leak and make a mess under the engine. I just recently read about it. The bottom front of my engine is a mess but i haven't had time lately to take a look. Does anybody have a link to what i'm talking about?

chainzaw

I think i found the thread that talks about it. This may or may not be your problem, but at least a very good possiblity to look into. The oil may not be leaking form the gasket but this puck bottle and just covering the gasket with oil. There's some great pics. https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=182688
I hope this helps.

PChouinard

I agree. The oil pan is a relativaly low pressure area. This is like having a vertical paint bucket leaking around the lid. Get in there and follow that leak up and forward to the suspected source. Clean everything very well and then monitor for the leak..

chainzaw

Regardless of what the problem is let us know what you find and take pictures if you can. Please.

DetroitDiesel71

If you find the leaking bolt, remove the bolt, put a copper washer in there, and it will seat and not crush the gasket.

CamperAndy

If it is clear it is not engine oil and is not coming from the pan. Most likely engine coolant as the glycol has a slick feel to it and will be clear in small drip size amounts. Completely clean all surfaces with degreaser before you disturb any bolts.

Look for a drip on the passenger side. There is a small section of hose (foil covered) that has been known to leak and the drips can migrate to the back of the oil pan.

Hillcountry

Oil mist from your breather tube will gather on the bolts...mine did the same...when I moved the breather...the oil went away.

klx650a2

if you have not moved the puke bottle AND cleaned the rad, you need to do it. Here are a few pictures to make you want to clean your rad and help your cooling.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hp?photo=33386
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...hp?photo=33387

P.S. The rubber gloves are optional...

1-2-3

"P.S. The rubber gloves are optional..."

I noticed that and had to do a double take. I guess you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

TIMMY22

Ahhhhhh, you mean the external lubrication applicator tube. This provision was added to help combat under vehicular corrosion.

Good point, it only helps from the end back. That is unless you always drive in reverse.