2003 Expedition - Oil Leak Picture

[Kistle]

Can anyone help to identify where the attached oil leak is coming from. The photo is taken from underneath the truck, looking up beyond the starter. It appears to be originating between the head and the block (typical head gasket location), but this seems like a lot of oil to be coming from the top end. I get about 7 or 8 quarter-sized drops on the floor after driving enough to get the engine warm.

Also, in the picture, you can see the metal "bracket" or "plate" that has the checkered grid lines on it. That is the piece that has the actual oil droplet on it in the photo. Does anyone know what that piece is? It seems to attach between the head and the cylinder right where this leak is, but it is kind of hard to tell from looking.

Any insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

JA

 

[2k3Expy]

By the sounds of it you have the typical 5.4l head gasket failure. My just finally let loose at 120k. I am no looking forward to getting it fixed.

 

[Kistle]

I think you are exactly right, 2K3Expy! A little further research after I posted this question pretty much led me to this conclusion. 139K on mine before it started, but it leaks pretty good now. I wonder if putting a new PCV filter on would help with the pressure here, or maybe not since this is not in the crankcase area.

Any idea of what it will cost to get this fixed? I'm not going to drop $2K to fix an oil leak. I'll just leave the metal drip tray under it in my garage before I do that.

Thanks,

JA