2000 explorer oil leak...

I have a 2000 Explorer, 4.0 push rod with 55000 miles and now have a
small engine oil leak. Die indicates it's coming from the engine
front cover (timing belt cover) area . It is a minute leak that's
undetectable in the dipstick. Has anyone out there in Explorer land
done this type of job (replaced the gasket)? Is it difficult?

Hank from PA

Assuming it's a weep rather than an active drip,

1. See if your Positive Crankcase Ventilation circuit (not just the
valve) is clear and operating properly. A great cause of oil leakage
is pressure buildup down there.

2. Try one of those "High Mileage" motor oils in search of its tiny
leak-clogging bits of polymer.

3. Carefully and gently make sure the cover's bolts are snug.

4. Monitor the leak over time. Fix it if it gets bad.

5. If you need a hobby, trying to correct a very small oil weep
should be an enduring and expensive source of entertainment. Take it
from one who has been there, done and ambiguously succeeded in that,
and got the backache pills -- some things are better lived with than
corrected until they get too bad to ignore or it's time to tear into
that part of the engine for other reasons. But try the simple cheap
easy things, 1-2-3.

One man's opinion, worth what you paid if your ISP is cheap,
--Joe