If you own a 7.3 Powerstroke, you know the engine oil is a constant headache.
Unexpected oil leaks are often around the corner to trouble your wallet.
Let’s go through the causes of the 7.3 Powerstroke oil leak from the back engine and its common symptoms.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Symptoms of an Engine Oil Leak From a 7.3 Powerstroke Engine
Here are the common symptoms that show that the oil is leaking from your 7.3 Powerstroke Engine.
Lack of Power
Some of the most common signs that you may be experiencing an oil leak include decreased power and torque, eventually leading to decreased performance and fuel efficiency.
Smoke Out of the Engine
You may also find that your engine is producing more smoke or burning more oil than usual due to the loss of lubrication caused by the leaking oil.
Visible Leakage
Other engine oil leak symptoms may include unusual noises from the engine or an unusually large oil puddle underneath your car due to extended parking periods. The most common noise associated with this problem is a tapping or clicking sound which usually comes from the engine’s valvetrain.
Reasons Behind 7.3 Powerstroke Engine Oil Leak and Their Fixes
Here are the common reasons why a 7.3 Powerstroke engine might engine oil and their possible solutions.
1. HPOP O-Rings Seal Leak
O-rings are essential to the High-Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP) found in diesel engines. Failure of these O-rings results in a leak that can cause serious damage to the engine.
Without proper care and maintenance, this often goes undetected until it is too late to fix it without costly repairs or total replacement.
These rings form a seal between two components within the pump assembly, preventing any oil from escaping through small cracks or gaps.
If these rings become worn, cracked, or otherwise damaged, they may not be able to form a seal properly, causing oil leakage into other parts of the engine system.
Possible Fix
You can fix this by replacing the O-rings on the High-Pressure Oil Pump (HPOP). The first step is to remove the old O-rings and inspect them for any signs of damage or wear.
Once this is done, install new O-rings with enough lubricant to reduce friction and prevent damage to the new rings.
2. CPS Leaking O-Rings
CPS o-rings are responsible for sealing off critical engine components such as fuel injectors and injector pumps. Cracked or worn-out rings can cause an oil leak due to their location on the engine block or more sealant.
Possible Fix
Once you have inspected where it’s leaking from, you can remove any old or damaged o-rings with pliers or other appropriate tools before replacing them with new ones.
3. Oil Cooler Leak
An oil cooler is a device that helps control the temperature of the engine’s lubricating oils. This becomes too hot in certain driving conditions or due to wear on parts like bearings and oil cooler o rings.
Over time, it causes components within the oil cooler to expand and contract, leading to tiny fractures in its walls that allow leaks.
Possible Fix
Fortunately, repairing an oil cooler leak is relatively easy. Specialized tools are often required to remove the cooling unit, so it’s best left up to certified automotive technicians having access to these tools and knowing how to use them safely.
4. Dipstick Oil Pan Leak
Whether you drive a 7.3 Powerstroke or another diesel engine, a dipstick oil pan leak can be a serious problem. These leaks occur due to worn-out seals around the oil pan, allowing oil to escape from the engine.
Not only does this damage other components in your vehicle, but it also results in decreased performance. It may even put you at risk of an accident due to reduced lubrication on critical parts of your engine.
Fortunately, replacing a leaking dipstick oil pan is relatively straightforward and requires only basic mechanical knowledge.
Possible Fix
Replace the leaking dipstick oil pan on a 7.3 Powerstroke using common hand tools and a new gasket for the replacement part.
5. Oil Pan Gasket Leak
Oil pan gasket leaks are a common issue encountered by 7.3 Powerstroke owners. This leak originates from the oil pan itself and significantly damages the engine if left unchecked.
The most common signs of an oil pan gasket leak include a noticeable drop in engine oil levels, wetness around the base of the oil pan, and sometimes even a puddle below the vehicle.
In some cases, an increase in oil pressure or smoke may also be observed from the tailpipe or valve cover.
Possible Fix
The repair process for an oil pan gasket leak requires removing all components near it, including the exhaust system, drive shafts, and other parts attached to the transmission.
6. EBPV Oil Leak
An EBPV oil leak typically occurs due to a worn or brittle valve gasket has worn, causing it to become loose and unable to seal off the exhaust back pressure valve properly. This results in both visible oil leakage as well as poor fuel economy.
Additionally, it may cause other problems, such as excessive smoke emissions or even damaged catalytic converters.
Possible Fix
If your EBPV valve leaks oil, replace it to fix your problem. You can remove any components blocking access to the valve and then replace the old one with a new one before reassembling everything back together.
7. Valley IPR Oil Leaking
The valley IPR is a system located on the engine block that helps cool and lubricate the valves and injectors, allowing them to operate properly.
Unfortunately, when this system wears out or fails, it can lead to significant oil leaking from the engine bay area. Such a leak can be extremely costly to repair and potentially damage other parts of your vehicle if left unchecked.
Possible Fix
The first step in repairing a leaking valley IPR on a 7.3 Powerstroke engine is to drain out the existing oil completely, ensuring that none remains inside when you begin work. Once this has been done, you can remove the top cover and inspect all of its components before replacing any parts which appear damaged or worn out.
How To Confirm an Oil Leak From 7.3 Powerstroke Engine?
- Start with cleaning it by washing the engine.
- Then, leave the engine until it is dried completely.
- Take several sheets of used paper towels and roll them up in a funnel.
- Tuff one into the valley under the Turbo and another forward under the HPOP (again, O-Rings on the dr side, where the two hoses exit are the most typical) so that you have the entire valley filled.
- Start the vehicle to see signs of oil leakage if present.
Final Thoughts: Troubleshooting Oil Leak From the Back Engine of 7.3 Powerstroke
The 7.3 Powerstroke oil leak back engine can be a serious problem for your car. If you notice any oil leaks, get them fixed immediately. Otherwise, you may damage your engine and cost yourself a lot of money in repairs.
For more engine-oil-related queries, explore our blog.
