Hi All,
this forum has helped me in the past and I once again ask for some experienced help. 2 weeks ago, I performed my regular first drive maintenance on my 55 series 1 C3100 ( 235 Thiftmaster, 3 on the tree) including new oil, filter, new oil in air cleaner ( oil bath filter) and notice now I have a puddle of oil after each of my first 3 short trips around my neighborhood. The amount of oil is more than a few drops and I initially thought I spilled some into the frames when I changed the oil and it dripped out when I backed out of my garage ( long trail of silver dollar size oil drips to make me popular with the wife). I thought that the first time might have been me spilling a bit of oil either from the oil change, or the oil change in the air cleaner, until it happened two more times, where I got puddles again including stopping after warm up at the local gas station. the puddles look to be on the order of 3-5 ounces each time.
I immediately checked the drain plug and the oil pan - both are bone dry and not leaking. this 235 came with the Partial oil filter ( I think it may have been optional this year) and I did not see any oil on the filter Canister outside, but I did notice tonight it appears that the oil may be leaking from the bottom of the filter canister. As many of you know, there is a rubber hose connection between the block and the oil filter canister. What puzzles me is that my oil level still reads full - right on the full line - not even a hair low, even after losing what I estimate about 8-10 oz. so far. I check my oil every single time I take the truck out and it has stayed on full through all these leaks ( 3 times total short outings, estimating more than 8 oz oil loss - possibly more) I am wondering if I overfilled the oil and it is blowing out of my canister, or somewhere else - I then checked the outside of the canister carefully and there is no oil residue - I caught one drip while watching from bottom of canister. The truck frame immediately below the canister is also oily indicating to me that my canister is leaking. the pooled oil appears to flow down the frame and as soon as I back down my driveway it drips onto the leaf springs and then leaves a nice trail on the driveway and then a big spot when I stop to shift into first and pull away. So I am wondering
1) I am guessing my oil hose from block to canister is leaking at startup when oil pressure is highest - the hose shows no obvious cracks, or other wear indicating to me it is old and brittle - I did not replace it , but it also looks after market and still appears to be in good shape - No oil leaks on this truck at all anywhere in the last 4 years until this latest oil change. I am guessing starting the engine with "cold" oil is causing a momentary leak ( Oil pressure at it highest at this point viscosity wise) and is pooling below the canister and then flows down the frame as I back out the driveway
2) If I overfilled it, would I see this behavior? - I was thinking that oil might be leaking form the top of canister from overfill but I would expect some residue down the sides somewhere. I am pretty careful when I change the oil, but it would not be the first time I went day dreaming for a bit while working
- I also verified the bolt on the canister top is tight. I pulled the top of the canister off and the oil is right up to the top of the filter, where i think it should be
3) If I need to replace the oil hose, does it make sense to also replace the fitting in the block and 90 degree at canister the hose connects with? - block fitting looks dry, so I doubt it leaks, canister fitting was a bit oily (from what I could see) , but it also sits at lowest point of the canister, so it may not be the culprit
Any suggestions or opinions welcome - the oil hose does not look too difficult to replace, so I am hoping that is the problem, or something connected with possibly adding a bit too much oil
thanks to all who respond
Joe
