The AERA Technical Committee offers the following information regarding an engine oil leak on 2002-2004 Ford 4.0L VIN E engines. This condition is often thought to be resulting from a faulty rear main oil seal.

Some vehicles equipped with this engine, and an engine build date of 04/01/2004 or earlier, may exhibit an oil leak from the rear of the engine. This leak may be coming from the oil filter adapter, due to a porosity condition. When the oil filter adapter leaks, the oil may wick around or follow the ladder frame gasket channel to the rear of the engine. The oil leak may appear to be coming from the rear main seal and/or ladder frame gasket area.

If it is determined the oil filter adapter is wet in oil, replace the adapter, the gasket and mounting bolt. After removing the old adapter, clean the area and obtain the required parts listed below. Then, follow the steps listed below for proper installation.

1. Position the new oil filter adapter and gasket to the cylinder block.
2. Install a new oil filter mounting bolt seal onto the mounting bolt, and install the bolt into the engine block (hand-tighten).
3. Torque the adapter mounting bolt to 57 Nm (42ft/lbs).
4. Install a new oil filter and fill crankcase with the proper amount of clean engine oil.
5. Finish assembly of previously removed components, start engine and check for leaks.

Part Number — Part Name
3L2Z-6881-BA — Oil Filter Adaptor
3L2Z-6L621-AA — Gasket (Filter Adaptor)
E3TZ-6749-A — Seal (Bolt)

Source: JASPER Engines & Transmissions.

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