Not sure if you all have seen this. I came across it while researching my leak.
Article No.
01-20-4
ENGINE - 3.0L 2V VULCAN - ENGINE OIL LEAK AT
OIL FILTER SEAL AREA - ENGINES PRODUCED AT
LIMA ENGINE PLANT 8/1/2000 THROUGH 10/10/2000
ONLY
FORD:
2001 TAURUS, RANGER
MERCURY:
2001 SABLE
ISSUE
Some vehicles equipped with the 3.0L-2V (Vulcan) engine may exhibit a engine oil leak at the oil filter mounting surface. This may be caused by machined chatter marks during production. The marks are machining lines radiating outward from the center adapter and could create a leak path. If machining marks are in a circular pattern, they are considered normal and acceptable and will not cause a oil leak. The oil leak may easily be mistaken for an oil pan leak.
ACTION
Remove oil filter and sand oil filter mounting (pad) surface. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
OIL LEAK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Verify oil leak is from the oil filter mounting area. If necessary use the Fluorescent Oil Additive method to determine the leak path. Refer to the appropriate model year Workshop Manual, Engine System - General Information, Section 303-00, Engine Oil Leak-Fluorescent Oil Additive Method.
2. If the leak is from the oil filter mounting surface, continue with the following procedure. If leak is not from the oil filter, determine other leak source and repair as required.
OIL FILTER MOUNTING SURFACE REFINISHING PROCEDURE
1. Remove the starter motor to gain access to the oil filter mounting surface.
2. Drain the oil and remove the oil filter.
3. Wipe the oil filter pad (oil filter mounting/sealing surface) on the cylinder block and visually inspect the machined surface. A circular machined pattern is normal and acceptable and will not create a leak path
4. If machining lines (chatter/roughness) radiating outward from the center adapter are visible or low spots (flatness concern) is suspected, continue with the rest of the procedure. (Figure 2).
5. Remove the oil filter adapter fitting (threaded nipple). The nipple has an internal hex that should be used to minimize damage.
6. Plug the center oil filter adapter hole and the other oil inlet holes with plastic caps, rag plugs, etc.
7. Sand the filter pad using a 60 grit sandpaper with a flat block or a oscillating sander with a flat pad until radial machining lines and low spots (dull areas) are removed.
8. Carefully clean the filter pad with shop air and rinse/flush the pad with an appropriate liquid cleaner with the oil passages still plugged.
NOTE IT IS IMPORTANT TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN ALL METAL AND SANDPAPER DEBRIS FROM THE OIL FILTER PAD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE ENGINE OIL THAT COULD LEAD TO ENGINE BEARING DAMAGE.
9. Remove the plastic plugs, rag plugs etc. from the oil filter adapter hole and the other oil inlet holes, and install the oil filter adapter fitting (threaded nipple). Torque to 30-40 Nm (22-30 lb-ft).
10. Lubricate the oil filter pad and oil filter seal with clean engine oil and install the new oil filter. Tighten filter 3/4 to one turn after initial seal contact.
11. Install the starter motor. Refer to Workshop Manual Section 303-06, Starting Systems, Starter Motor Removal/Installation.
12. Fill engine with new engine oil, start engine and check for oil leaks.
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
012004A Perform Oil Leak Test 1.2 Hrs.
Diagnosis Then Follow
Procedure To Resurface
Oil Filter To Engine Block
Sealing Surface Ranger
012004B Perform Oil Leak Test 1.2 Hrs.
Diagnosis Then Follow
Procedure To Resurface
Oil Filter To Engine Block
Sealing Surface
Taurus/Sable
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
6010 14
And here I thought this was going to be an easy fix.
