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oil leak

Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Explorer
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
20 REPLIES 20

ernie1
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer II
Explorer II
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
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
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CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Explorer III
Suggest a complete cleaning to remove all oil and then observe often to determine the source.
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
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udidwht
Explorer
Explorer
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.
1994 Fleetwood Southwind Storm
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MountainAir05
Explorer II
Explorer II
Your AC compressor oil should be clear or just slightly dark, very thin.

Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Explorer
I haven't started the engine since the day of the oil change about 2 months ago , I started it for few minutes just to heat up the old oil ( I did top the oil couple of weeks ago but did not start the engine )

Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Explorer
I am sure I didn't spill any during the oil change, also I noticed the leak after over a week from the last time I added oil

it looks like engine oil but not sure yet, I just put paper-towels under to see the actual color of the leak, it drips very slowly, about 1 drop every coupe of hours

chuckftboy
Explorer
Explorer
Running a quart low can't cause a leak and really won't hurt anything but it is better to keep it on the full line. Like others have suggested, you probably spilled a little.
2019 Horizon 42Q Maxum Chassis w/tag
Cummins L-9 450 HP / Allison 3000
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ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
You need to resize your pick to 640 x 480 MAX.