5.0 Ford question (again)

[nonhog]

Not sure its worth worrying about but as I was removing the flexplate on a 99
5.0 Ford I smelled something odd like burnt oil.
Sure enough some oil seeped through the bolt holes after I took the bolts out.
I'm thinking maybe it came from the rear main seal and built up over time?
Anything to be concerned about? I will be replacing te rear main but it sure did not seem to be wet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Clean the threads off when you put it back together and use some loctite. This should seal any leakage around the threads.

BTW, are you sure it's a '99 5.0 ?

 

[gjz30075]

Agree that its most likely the threads and not the main seal. I believe the holes go all the way through the crank and are exposed to the oil in the pan. Seal the threads when you assemble it and you should be good to go.

 

[tdkkart]

Agree that its most likely the threads and not the main seal. I believe the holes go all the way through the crank and are exposed to the oil in the pan. Seal the threads when you assemble it and you should be good to go.

What he said........
Back when they switched to one piece main seals some doofus engineer forgot that the flywheel flange could no longer be drilled through and through.
So now, rather than simply putting the bolts in dry or with a bit of locktight, now you gotta use thread sealant.

 

[nonhog]

Thanks guys ! Not a lot of Ford history for me. Learning is good.

"BTW, are you sure it's a '99 5.0 ?" Pretty sure, tag from wrecking yard listed it as 99. Explorer engine. Why ?

 

[cwolfley]

never mind