The Ford Barn

CatMan1 · 08-10-2021, 07:49 AM

On my '28 it has what I think is a rear main leak. I've discussed it before. The last owner said he would always keep it around 3 quarts and it wouldn't leak on him. I have noticed that as the level is now around 'L' it does leak less. Why would that be? How could the level make a difference?

Patrick L. · 08-10-2021, 11:55 AM

deleted

CatMan1 · 08-10-2021, 01:45 PM

I also noticed that a brief, 2 minute drive home on my lunch break didn't cause it to leak. I also had it parked 'nose-up' in the driveway. It might seem like heat and crankcase pressure make a difference?

eagle · 08-10-2021, 08:27 PM

Number one, yes that is common with an A. Verify you have the correct length dipstick too. Number two, synthetic oil leaks more, use nonsynthetic, I like 15W40. Number three, make sure your oil cap is vented WELL.

CatMan1 · 08-11-2021, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eagle

Number one, yes that is common with an A. Verify you have the correct length dipstick too. Number two, synthetic oil leaks more, use nonsynthetic, I like 15W40. Number three, make sure your oil cap is vented WELL.

Do you know or have pictures/measurements of the correct dipstick? Also, can an engine build up a sizeable amount of sludge in the pan in 1,000 miles and 10 years?

Bob Bidonde · 08-11-2021, 08:21 AM

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This should help.

Greg Jones · 08-11-2021, 09:06 AM

Bob, that is an EXCELLENT illustration!! Mind if I share it with others?

katy · 08-11-2021, 09:38 AM

IIRC there was 2 different dipsticks used on the Model A
Correct me if'n I'm wrong.

Tacoma Bob · 08-11-2021, 09:45 AM

MMM. Is it prudent to be driving the car at say, 40-45 MPH while touring and running with less than engineered oil volume. At some point will there be not enough oil for the pump to pick up and distribute. Sounds risky to me. Running with less oil seems like a band aide approach. If there is a problem it should be fixed I would think.

Bob Bidonde · 09-06-2021, 07:00 AM

Greg, Yes, share it as you like, but not for $$.

fundytides · 09-06-2021, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katy

IIRC there was 2 different dipsticks used on the Model A
Correct me if'n I'm wrong.

Yes. My 29 motor has the dipstick with the elongated "handle" I have never checked it against the newer round "handle" one but may be different.

chrs1961815 · 09-06-2021, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fundytides

Yes. My 29 motor has the dipstick with the elongated "handle" I have never checked it against the newer round "handle" one but may be different.

It should be the same.

nkaminar · 09-06-2021, 08:19 AM

The Ford instruction manual says to use the full 5 quarts because the oil contributes to the engine cooling. In regards to Cat Man comment, sludge can insulate the oil pan and reduce the cooling effect of the oil.

08-10-2021, 07:49 AM	#1
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 336	Lower Level = Leak Less? On my '28 it has what I think is a rear main leak. I've discussed it before. The last owner said he would always keep it around 3 quarts and it wouldn't leak on him. I have noticed that as the level is now around 'L' it does leak less. Why would that be? How could the level make a difference?

08-10-2021, 11:55 AM	#2
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? deleted

08-10-2021, 01:45 PM	#3
CatMan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Pella, IA Posts: 336	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? I also noticed that a brief, 2 minute drive home on my lunch break didn't cause it to leak. I also had it parked 'nose-up' in the driveway. It might seem like heat and crankcase pressure make a difference?

08-10-2021, 08:27 PM	#4
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? Number one, yes that is common with an A. Verify you have the correct length dipstick too. Number two, synthetic oil leaks more, use nonsynthetic, I like 15W40. Number three, make sure your oil cap is vented WELL. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

08-11-2021, 09:06 AM	#7
Greg Jones Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Aiken, South Carolina Posts: 695	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? Bob, that is an EXCELLENT illustration!! Mind if I share it with others?

08-11-2021, 09:38 AM	#8
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,043	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? IIRC there was 2 different dipsticks used on the Model A Correct me if'n I'm wrong. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

08-11-2021, 09:45 AM	#9
Tacoma Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,025	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? MMM. Is it prudent to be driving the car at say, 40-45 MPH while touring and running with less than engineered oil volume. At some point will there be not enough oil for the pump to pick up and distribute. Sounds risky to me. Running with less oil seems like a band aide approach. If there is a problem it should be fixed I would think.

09-06-2021, 07:00 AM	#10
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,463	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? Greg, Yes, share it as you like, but not for $$. __________________ Bob Bidonde

09-06-2021, 08:19 AM	#13
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,897	Re: Lower Level = Leak Less? The Ford instruction manual says to use the full 5 quarts because the oil contributes to the engine cooling. In regards to Cat Man comment, sludge can insulate the oil pan and reduce the cooling effect of the oil. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.