Oil Leak and Belt Cleaning

[ledzilla]

Ok, so I spent some time under the to try and verify the location of the oil leak that's spraying onto the belt. Unfortunately, it's such a mess it's impossible to tell. So, I'm going to pull the belt, then clean off the lower front of the motor and the pullies. I found some degreaser that worked well on my LTD, so I'll be using some of that. But I want to clean off the belt before further investigation. I know it's contaminated with oil, and I have a replacement on hand already. I just want this one clean so anything flung off of it is fresh from where ever it's coming from, and I'll put on the new one after either this one breaks or I fix the leak, whichever comes first.

FYI, I'm thinking the leak is on the passenger side. It was suggested that the leak may be coming from the oil filter adapter, but as oily as it is around it, it's still cleaner than between the A/C compressor and the block.

Anyway, the question remains, what's best for scrubbing off that belt while minimizing the chance of weakening it?

Also, the alternator is a mess, too. So much dirty oil on it, it almost looks painted. How the heck do I get it all cleaned up without wrecking the insides?

[fastblackmerc]

Ok, so I spent some time under the to try and verify the location of the oil leak that's spraying onto the belt. Unfortunately, it's such a mess it's impossible to tell. So, I'm going to pull the belt, then clean off the lower front of the motor and the pullies. I found some degreaser that worked well on my LTD, so I'll be using some of that. But I want to clean off the belt before further investigation. I know it's contaminated with oil, and I have a replacement on hand already. I just want this one clean so anything flung off of it is fresh from where ever it's coming from, and I'll put on the new one after either this one breaks or I fix the leak, whichever comes first.

FYI, I'm thinking the leak is on the passenger side. It was suggested that the leak may be coming from the oil filter adapter, but as oily as it is around it, it's still cleaner than between the A/C compressor and the block.

Anyway, the question remains, what's best for scrubbing off that belt while minimizing the chance of weakening it?

Also, the alternator is a mess, too. So much dirty oil on it, it almost looks painted. How the heck do I get it all cleaned up without wrecking the insides?

Check the bottom of the receiver dryer. They have been known to rust out.

[ledzilla]

Yeah, it already rusted out and was replaced years ago. But the AC system has been devoid of refrigerant since before the leak started anyway because the evaporator core ruptured shortly afterward and was never repaired. Interestingly enough, I did notice some UV dye hanging onto the bottom of it.

[larryo340]

I had the same problem, the front of the engine was covered with oil the belt was turning to Jell-O. I would spray it down with brake clean and it would stay dry for weeks then one day it will be covered with oil again driving me crazy. I was thinking crankshaft seal, but that shouldn't come and go like it was doing. Then one day I had the belt off while changing the alternator, and was called away from the car for a couple hours and when I got back there was a large puddle of oil under the front end. That was a blessing in disguise...as it turns out the power steering pump shaft had developed too much movement that with the belt on it let it seal...at least for most of the time. Changed out the pump for a remanufactured Ford pump and it's never leaked again. I've never seen a pump leak in that manor before that.

[ledzilla]

Huh... I never thought to check the power steering. I'm not confident that it's the cause, as I'd figure with how much fluid has been spread for how long it has that the pump would be quite noisy, but it can't hurt to check it out.

[larryo340]

Mine made no unusual noises, and fluid level wasn't low enough to where I gave much thought to it. It also doesn't take much oil thrown around by the belt to cover the front of engine.

[ledzilla]

Ok, so while trying to test for the leak, I was only revving the engine up, given that I was under the assumption of an engine oil leak. Would turning the steering wheel a bit have a chance of triggering this leak?

Also, I still need to know what would be good for cleaning the belt and alternator without damaging either. I plan to use a foaming engine degreaser for the rest of the front of the motor. Had one that worked great cleaning up some of my wagon's engine. A nearly 40yo motor gets pretty dirty, didn't get enough to clean all of it, but I made a start. Figure it should do pretty well in this application since it isn't ancient grease, oil, and dirt, nor as caked on.

[fastblackmerc]

Try Purple Power cleaner or other heavy-duty degreaser. After everything is clean, even the belt, I'd run the car for a few minutes while turning the steering wheel back and forth. Make sure the power steering fluid is at the correct level. Remember there is a COLD level and a HOT level. Also check the seal on the P/S cap. Check for any leaks. If you don't find any I'd drive for a few miles at different speeds, checking under the hood frequently.

[larryo340]

After cleaning mine the first time I could not make it leak by revving the engine it didn't leak again for about a week. When you have the belt off try to move the power steering pulley around and in and out to check for play.

I used brake clean on my alternator and it did take off all the oil, but then again it was only weeks old. The brake clean evaporates so there won't be water inside the alternator. As far as the belt is concerned I'd replace it, they don't like being oil soaked....I wouldn't and didn't trust it on mine.

Let us know how you make out

[sailsmen]

Try Dawn to clean the belt.

[ledzilla]

Well, let's hope for decent weather this weekend. I gots me some cleaning to get done. And I ought to give the car a sponge bath while I'm at it. Some damned critters got into my garage, shredded the box of brake lines for my wagon, and urinated all over the back of the Marauder. So much cleaning to do...

[ledzilla]

And now I can add one or both of the idler and tensioner pulley to the to-do list. One of them is making bad rattling noise. Was going to just pop on over to NAPA and grab them, but they only list tensioner pulleys.