7.3 Powerstroke Common Oil Leaks – Finding & Fixing

The 7.3 PowerStroke is one of the most attractive Ford engines in the class. As it's very reliable, it is used in many trucks and other vehicles. But, this is not very efficient, and some 7.3 Powerstroke common oil leaks are critical issues for the engine.

You must always keep an eye on the oil leaks as they reduce engine oil and ultimately cause potential issues. Also, leaking oil from your vehicle's engine pollutes nature and your garage. As a result, we will discuss these common issues with their possible solutions.

Symptoms Of The 7.3 Powerstroke Common Oil Leaks

Some symptoms are below that indicate oil leaking issues in your 7.3 Powerstroke:

Checking Engine Light (CEL)

If HPOP o-ring leaks, it won't cause a CEL or any other major drivability troubles until it reduces oil flow to the 7.3 injectors. When this issue occurs, pull over the engine valley and inspect it for oil.

Lower Reservoir

Checking your engine's reservoir level is a simple way to find oil leaks. It should have up to ¾ to 1 inch of oil from the inspection plug's top.

Causing A Gradual Power losing

It's another good symptom of oil leaks because of low pressure from the oil delivery mechanism. If the startup pressure is less than 500psi, they may not fire in any way.

Some Of The Most Common Oil Leaks In The 7.3 PowerStroke

We have categorized some common leaking spots that allow you to manage them quickly, or at least you can locate them where they're leaking from the engine. Below are some common spots where oil leaking happens in the 7.3 PowerStroke:

Oil Pump

It's not very tough to locate a leaking oil pump. Usually, the leakage happens heavily as the PowerStroke is designed with a high-pressure pump for oil discharge. If you realize it's leaking, you must repair it as soon as possible because it can sprinkle oil on the road.

The gasket of The Oil Pan

Oil leaks most commonly happen in this spot in the PowerStroke engine. The oil pan is aluminum; it can lose its original shape when it hits anything.

 

As a result, the gasket can't save the raised situations anymore. Sometimes it requires changing the gasket, sometimes it doesn't work, and sometimes it needs the replacement of the oil pan.

Turbocharger

Regrettably, the 7.3 PowerStroke's reliable turbocharger is prone to oil leaking. It remains unnoticeable when it starts. But, eventually, this leak produces black smoke that causes issues with its turbocharger.

Valley

This spot remains between the HPOP and the turbocharger that leaks very often. It stays above the engine, and leaked oil comes down onto the location of its main seal. Therefore, you can think that its main seal may require replacement, which is not always correct.

Main Seal

It frequently happens after running 150000 miles; that's the youth of the engine, and this main seal can commit suicide saying goodbye. Then, you'll need to replace the costly primary seal and spend some money that's tough to do.

Small Seals & Rings

Some seals and rubber components are prone to wear and damage. They can discontinue functioning correctly and finally start dripping oil. Sometimes, it becomes tough to find the location of the issue.

 

However, the possible leaking spots may be the upper and lower parts requiring care checking. Both the turbocharger and HPOP can drip and send oil there.

How To Deal With These Oil Leaks?

Initially, it would help if you kept in mind that checking the oil level of the PowerStroke is very important. When you take it too lightly to watch this oil level frequently, you can get into potential issues.

 

If you find the engine is leaking oil heavily, avoid driving the vehicle and even starting its engine. As you know, the engine comes with a high-pressure oil pump, so all leaks would be dangerous.

 

Also, you must be careful with the light of the oil level that doesn't always flash until its oil level reaches extremely low. If the light flashes because of low oil pressure, it could be delayed to save this engine.

 

But, when it comes to dealing with its leaks, it's not too hard. First, find the location of the issues and replace the malfunctioning components using the new ones.

FAQs & Answers Section

Let's know about some FAQs with their answers that you might be looking for:

How Good Is The 7.3 Powerstroke Engine?

The 7.3 Powerstroke is one of Ford's most durable and reliable diesel engines. The engine was produced before creating some regulations for diesel engines. So, it doesn't have emissions controls that make the engine less complicated.

How Can You Make Your 7.3 Powerstroke Run Better?

Getting more air into your 7.3 Powerstroke engine is a great way to make it robust. But, that air must come out of the engine correctly. It calls an exhausting system that reduces back-pressure and increases power.

Why Does Oil Leak From Your Bellhousing?

Your engine has bolted to the bell housing in front of the transmission system. The oil drips down into your bell housing if its main seal leaks. It results in oil dropping the bell housing bottom.

What Is The Best Type Of Oil For The 7.3 Powerstroke?

The best engine oil for the 7.3 Powerstroke is the 15W-15 recommended by Ford.

Final Words

Finding and fixing the 7.3 Powerstroke common oil leaks will allow you to drive it many miles for years. Because of high-pressure oil circulation, these oil leaks are common.

If you find oil drops in and under the engine, investigate the vehicle and solve the issue correctly. Otherwise, a simple leak may be a big issue very soon.

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