Let's play: What's leaking from my Bronco?

[bostonbronconut]

I haven't driven my 1977 Bronco in a few days. I went out to the garage just now and saw that there is a new leak coming from the under the hood, driver-side. I can't exactly figure out where/what the source of the leak is but it is relatively new and it isn't a consistent drip.

Thank you for your input!

 

[rmk57]

Looks like engine oil or really neglected ATF. Coming from the front pan seal or trans oil cooler line.

 

[Steve83]

I didn't realize we'd also be playing spin the camera... %) What do you see looking straight up the front of the engine, forward of the axle?

 

[DirtDonk]

It's the anti-grav stabilizer fluid leaking! Get that to a star base for service quickly!;D

I wonder if it could be brake fluid? Engine oil seems the most likely, but since it's coating the tubes for the front brakes too, it's hard to say.
With so much stuff right there, you may have to give it a good cleaning then wait for the leak to just start to find the source.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[triracer67]

I can testify to the fact that the more it’s driven, the less it leaks. Take it out for a drive. I’ve driven mine the last ten days, pulled into the garage today, and zero spots.

 

[Steve83]

No, it leaks more (until it goes dry). It just blows away as you drive.

 

[SteveL]

I can testify to the fact that the more it’s driven, the less it leaks. Take it out for a drive. I’ve driven mine the last ten days, pulled into the garage today, and zero spots.

Check your fluids

 

[bostonbronconut]

Thank you for the productive feedback. And sorry for the shotty images.

I haven't had a chance to really get under the Bronco to try to find the culprit but I am planning on doing that this evening. I'll follow up with better information if possible.

 

[bostonbronconut]

Here is another attempt at getting some good photos to you guys.

I cleaned underneath the Bronco and set a large rubber mat under it to collect any drippings. I found two drops this morning:

1. Driverside, potentially from the oil filter
2. Passenger side, potentially from oil pan

I'll take another look at the mat when I get back from work this evening.

 

[Justafordguy]

If you're lucky maybe it's just the oil filter and the drain plug gasket.

 

[Montoya]

Check your fluids

Haha, I love Steve!

 

[Juiceman]

I used the foot powder method. Gave everything a good cleaning and then sprayed the white baby/foot powder on the bottom side of the engine. Leaks show up quickly. It does coat everything and remains there, so you want to give it a good power washing afterward to get the white residue off.

 

[savage]

Could it be the fuel pump gasket? Or front main.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Very likely an engine oil leak.
So, lots of suspected sources.
It's best to steam clean it (a real steam cleaner, and not a hot water washer) then watch.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Very likely an engine oil leak.
So, lots of suspected sources.
It's best to steam clean it (a real steam cleaner, and not a hot water washer) then watch.
When you do find the source, reseal all the other suspected areas anyway.
Why?
Because everything is old and ready to leak.

 

[blubuckaroo]

Very likely an engine oil leak.
So, lots of suspected sources.
It's best to steam clean it (a real steam cleaner, and not a hot water washer) then watch.
When you do find the source, reseal all the other suspected areas anyway.
Pan, valve covers, intake manifold, oil pump, timing cover, and seal.
Why?
Because everything is old and ready to leak.