PaulSchott Report post Posted February 24, 2017 Just noticed a leak on my garage floor. This car has never marked it's territory before. I got under her the other day and the leak is in the oil filter area. The filter itself looks dry. I can't get a visual on the leak. The front of the engine looks dry and so is the oil pan. Anyone have an idea where to start looking. If I can't find it over the weekend I'm going to bring it into the shop. (SCAREY) Thanks Paul 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted February 24, 2017 Sure it is an engine oil leak? If it is in the front, it could be from the valve cover. But you have ruled out trans fluid leak? And you are sure no other vehicle has parked there prior, and it's leak is actually what you are seeing. Novice questions, I know 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSchott Report post Posted February 24, 2017 The fluid is oil, yellow not red. It isn't from a valve cover and it isn't down the front of the engine. It appears in the filter area but if the filter was leaking it would be dripping on the filter. I was wondering if the filter attachment was an integral part of the block or if it is a casting that is "O" ringed in place. It would be nice to just tighten or replace a couple of "O" rings. By the way, there are no Novice questions. You would be surprised at how many obvious answers can be overlooked by us "experts" I made an appointment with my mechanic who I trust for Monday. I'm getting too old to be crawling around on cold cement. Just hope it doesn't hurt too much. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chefduane Report post Posted February 24, 2017 Is your Edge AWD? If so, possible seal leaking? Smell the oil and see if it is lube oil. Oil filter need another 1/4-1/2 turn? But it sounds like you make have already eliminated that. Maybe you drove through someone else's oil and picked up some splatter that is now dropping on the floor? Any signs of the rest of the undercarriage being splattered? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSchott Report post Posted February 24, 2017 Thanks, its FWD and it's not splatter, I will try to snug the filter, but I doubt it. It can't hurt and would be the best of all worlds if it fixed it. Thanks Paul 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted February 24, 2017 (edited) I THINK there is an oil filter adapter, if so, this might be it (nontow, tow ends in F) http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-OIL-COOLER-FILTER-ADAPTER-FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY-3-5L-3-7L-7T4Z-6881-E-/222257553685 No chance of a leak at the Engine Oil Pressure Switch? Edited February 24, 2017 by WWWPerfA_ZN0W 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
macbwt Report post Posted February 25, 2017 Oil pressure switch leak(s) have been showing up on the older Edge's. Seems there is a new repair as the Edge ages. Pretty simple repair and from what I see not all that difficult to reach and replace. Plus it is near the oil filter area. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted February 25, 2017 Also got to watch for the thermostat housing rotting out ... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freebird Report post Posted February 26, 2017 Could whomever changed the oil last not removed the old filter gasket? I have seen an old gasket get stuck to the engine when removing the old filter. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSchott Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Boy was I wrong!!! I forgot that the antifreeze is yellow and not green. I tasted it on Friday when it really started dripping more than one drip occasionally. At least I got it before it contaminated the oil. $1500 water pump. I new it was coming and was right. Oh well, suck it up and go on. This is the first major repair in 114 thou miles. Lets hope for another 100,000. Thanks for all the great feedback. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chefduane Report post Posted February 27, 2017 $1500 repair sux but at least you found the problem before anything worse happened! Also, good on ya' for being attentive to your automobile and noticing that something was not right. Lotsa' folks would have just ignored it and waited till something blew. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Sorry to hear, Paul! Although I must admit, you have a bit of a Sherlockian thing going on there, tasting the evidence ... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSchott Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Good thing I didn't have a cat peeing in the engine compartment I'm having them change the drive belts while the thing is apart. They are original. Fixing this is still better than car payments. I still love this vehicle and intend to drive it for at least another 5 years. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freebird Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Was the $1500 figure from dealer or local shop? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaulSchott Report post Posted February 27, 2017 Local shop. I've been dealing with them for years. Connecticut labor rates are $100/hr. 12 hrs. labor $180 for the pump and the 2 belts. Dealership is getting over 2 grand. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Report post Posted February 28, 2017 Have them cost out the timing chains & VCT solenoids also while it is apart. These do make a significant impact on smoothness. Have you tracked the fuel trims and/or VCT advance errors? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
macbwt Report post Posted March 1, 2017 Wow at least you caught it early. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
