Forum Discussion

Sir_Traveller's avatar
Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Apr 15, 2021

oil leak

Hello Everyone…

I have a 2003 Ford F-53 RV

Two months ago I did an oil change, the recommended amount was 6 quarts, but most forums recommend adding 5 quarts fits then check the level and add as needed. So I added 5 quarts but got busy and forgot about checking the level and adding more till 2 weeks ago, so I checked the level and added about ¾ of quart… few days ago I noticed an oil leak, I got under the RV and saw the leak was forming around the AC compressor belt, is that normal after oil change? Does that mean I overfilled it? Could it be different type of leak? Or is it a sign of something more serious? Take into consideration I have not drove or moved the RV, I have been hooked up for the last 5 months
Class A
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2021
    MountainAire05; Over the years I've replaced numerous (maybe a dozen and a half) compressors that I've purchased new from parts stores and auto dealers and have never had a warranty that was contingent upon having the dryer replaced. I'm not saying it's not a good idea rather, if the work to reapair the system was done in a timely manner, usually only the compressor, compressor oil and refrigerant has to be replaced. If all the refrigerant has leaked out, the entire system stands a good chance of being contaminated and then in addition to the dryer needing replaced, the expansion valve plus other parts might also need replacing.
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2021
    Another suggestion to locate the oil leak is to find a shop or purchase a uv light kit that will allow you to add a dye into any of the oil bearing systems and leaking oil will efflouresce when a black light is shined on it.
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2021
    ernie1 wrote:
    At the rate the oil is leaking, if it is the ac compressor seal, the ac system should be out of refrigerant already or soon. Does the ac system work well? If the problem is related to the ac system, get it repaired now rather than wait until another time because once all the refrigerant is gone, air will replace it and then you'll most likely have to replace the dryer along with a long draw down of the system with vacuum to remove the air. Plus, air has water in it and water will possibly cause corrosion of the internal ac parts. Save time and money and fix it now.


    If its the compressor, he will have to replace the dryer to get any warranty for the compressor.
  • ernie1's avatar
    ernie1
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2021
    At the rate the oil is leaking, if it is the ac compressor seal, the ac system should be out of refrigerant already or soon. Does the ac system work well? If the problem is related to the ac system, get it repaired now rather than wait until another time because once all the refrigerant is gone, air will replace it and then you'll most likely have to replace the dryer along with a long draw down of the system with vacuum to remove the air. Plus, air has water in it and water will possibly cause corrosion of the internal ac parts. Save time and money and fix it now.
  • Sir_Traveller's avatar
    Sir_Traveller
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2021
    so far it is still leaking very slowly ( one drop every few hours ) the color of the oil is golden / brownish

    I will clean the area and try to locate the source... I just hope it is safe to drive like this, as I wont have time to fix it till November
  • Chum_lee's avatar
    Chum_lee
    Explorer
    Apr 23, 2021
    udidwht wrote:
    Also get a spray can of brake clean and spray off the ac clutch face and plate. Making sure to get the spray into the clearance area of where the clutch plate pulls against and engages. You want it free of oil.


    "Suggest a complete cleaning of the oil . . . . determine the source. . . ."

    This is the best advice.

    Chum lee
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 19, 2021
    You should, when changing both oil and filter (When you change one do the other) run the engine for at least one minute or long enough to get it warm and then re-check the level right away.. you may need to adjust oil depending on the filter you installed... many engines have more than one filter that fits.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Apr 19, 2021
    Suggest a complete cleaning to remove all oil and then observe often to determine the source.
  • udidwht's avatar
    udidwht
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2021
    Also get a spray can of brake clean and spray off the ac clutch face and plate. Making sure to get the spray into the clearance area of where the clutch plate pulls against and engages. You want it free of oil.

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