kevin087

5.4 engine has vanishing oil problem. Not on the ground, no smokin. I've been told to check the 'V' between cylinder banks for pooling. Hmmm... the engine does look a little grubby... is this theory feasible? Could the 'V' hold several qts of oil? Is there a legit way to suction out the oil?

Tote-M-Pole

FWIW,

Quite a while ago I helped out a buddy who had what appeared to be a bad to severe oil leak under one of the valve covers on his 351M. By the time I had the left cover off it looked like a quart was on my garage floor. Not pleased to say the least. He wasnt either when I told him he had to clean it up.

Under that cover was the grimest thing I had ever seen. In this case the oil return hole on the firewall end was just about plugged. I had to use a hammer and punch to open it up. The other side was just as grimy but the return hole was open. I started to put it back together and he asked if I wasnt going to clean up the top of the head. I gave him a rag and said go for it. Needless to say the rag did not get dirty and soon the covers were back on.

Good old Bill

Not the answer you want. Yes, there is an external area that will collect oil and not let it hit the ground. Keep looking and using the search button. Read posts about the head gaskets being the culprit. A pressure oil passageway from block to head seeping thru and collecting in this area. I would assume a suction pump should be able to keep the quantity at an acceptable level. Read somewhere, remove alternator for access.