96 Sho - Ford Forums

tfrench · 05-08-2009, 23:21

1996 SHO 3.4 L 250,000 miles replaced rear main seal at 85,000 miles. No other major repairs. I have been the only owner of this car. Oil changed regularly at 2000 - 3000 mile intervals. After last oil change, I noticed oil leaking off filter. Upon further inspection, it seems oil is coming from above the filter (not an oil filter gasket leak). I noticed a sensor above the filter looks fairly clean in one area like it may have had oil running on it recently (no build up as in the surrounding areas). However I did not see oil running off this sensor. The odd thing was this oil leaked for about 5 min and then changed to a very slow drip when the engine got warm. I have been adding about 1 quart between changes. Does anyone have any idea where the leak is coming from?? Thanks

**360ci** · 05-09-2009, 19:07

First, pressure wash the underside of the vehicle, then, go to your local auto parts store and add a half ounce or so of UV dye. If you have a trouble light, put in a UV bulb and you should be able to narrow down the source of the leak. I'd drive it 50-60 miles or so. I'm not sure how accessible the SHO engine is to view, but perhaps it's something as simple as a valve cover leak...as the car has 250K.

The leak changing to a slow drip has me believe that it is most likely a gasket problem. As the engine warms, the gaskets tighten up allowing less oil to seep out.

**jwko** · 05-09-2009, 21:40

Could it possibly be the oil pressure switch (sending unit) leaking?

wwwwest · 06-10-2009, 21:01

Remove the tube that the oil filter screws on from the block. This holds the oil cooler on. There is a groove in the oil cooler for an o-ring. The o-ring is not listed on the parts breakdown but I installed one in the groove and stopped the leak. Might be your problem.

tfrench · 07-16-2009, 14:07

Yes it was the oil cooler leaking. I went on another website " Care and feeding of the SHO " and they detailed how to take care of it. Done now and working fine. Thanks