Oil Leaks Weeps And Seeps (20-7065)

WARNING: This page is about the Explorer Base, 2.0L Eng VIN 9, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2020-06-02
Reference number: 20-7065

OIL LEAKS WEEPS AND SEEPS

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 20-7065, Date of Issue: June 02, 2020

FORD:	See list below
LINCOLN:	See list below

MODEL

SUMMARY

This article is intended to be used by technicians as a job aid in assessing potential cases of engine oil leaks. Some vehicles may present to the dealership with what appears to be an engine oil leak. This concern may also be noted by the technician upon vehicle servicing/inspection. These concerns should be reviewed against the information contained within this document before any repairs are carried out.

NOTE: This guidance is in addition to other rights and remedies conferred upon consumers under Consumer Law and any other applicable Commonwealth, Government, State or Territorial Statutory Enactment.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Weepage: A slight moistness of the surface in the vicinity of a joint or connection, resulting in discoloration and/or accumulation. Weepage can only be detected under black light, cannot be visually detected under white or ambient lighting. Some components, such as oil fill caps, may show weepage proportional to mileage. These components are functioning as designed and will cause no further damage to the engine.

Seepage: A greater passage of fluid than weepage resulting in a visible moistness, although not enough to result in dripping on the floor. When wiped off, the moistness shall not reoccur before renewed operation. Can be visually detected under white and black light.

Leakage: A passage of fluid which results in dripping.

DIAGNOSIS

NOTE: When diagnosing engine oil leaks, the source and location of the leak must be positively identified prior to repair.

Refer to Engine Oil Leaks, which can be found under Section 303-00 Diagnosis and Testing of the Workshop Manual (WSM) and compare results to the images below.

If the engine oil leak being reviewed is similar in appearance to those described as weep in Figure 1, no further repair is required and the part is considered serviceable. It is recommended the dealer take the following course of action:

•Wipe down and clean the area to ensure it is free from oil, fluids, grease or contaminants.

•Record the service date and mileage of the vehicle for future reference.

If the engine oil leak being reviewed is similar in appearance to those described as seep and/or leak in Figures 2 and 3, it is recommended to confirm the source of the oil leak and repair following the correct repair method as per the WSM and/or any Ford service publication.

Weep - No repair required, wipe down and clean the oil, fluid and/or contaminants.

No detection of oil under white light (Figure 1 Callout 1) and a light die trace at the gasket under black light (Figure 1 Callout 2).

Seep - Repair the source of the oil leak.

Oil detection under white light (Figure 2 Callout 1) resulting in surface staining. Must be fluorescent under black light (Figure 2 Callout 2).

Leak - Repair the source of the oil leak.

Oil detection under white light (Figure 3 Callout 1) resulting in oil drips. All oil must be fluorescent under black light (Figure 3 Callout 2).

NOTE: This information is not intended to replace or supersede any warranty, parts and service policy, workshop manual (WSM) procedures or technical training or wiring diagram information.