Detroit Series 60 - 1999 oil leak

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by jhedmonton, Jan 29, 2012.

  1. jhedmonton

    jhedmonton Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2012
    Edmonton, ALberta
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    Have a 1999 detroit diesel which looses oil on the right hand side. I am not a mechanic, so... I cleaned everything and it appears as if the oil comes from some piping, just in front of the 2 oil filters. There is a small filter with some shutoffs, however I have to admit I am not quite sure what it is. It sits a little lower than the oil filters, however it is so hard to see as the turbo and the frame block the view.
    The oil runs down this small filter after only a short engine run.
    Thinking to remove air filter and turbo assembly to actually see more, but that means I can't run the engine (correct?).
    Any ideas on what the problem might be?
    THANKS!
     
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  3. stranger

    stranger Road Train Member

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    A picture would help. Have you checked the turbo return line? That's the only thing I can think of on that side. The filter with the shutoffs is probably your coolant water filter.
     
  4. dude6710

    dude6710 Road Train Member

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    Oil return like he said ^^^^^^
     
  5. dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    The metal oil supply line to your turbo is bad about chafing and cracking. It's always hard to find the source because it's tucked in behind the turbo. The line will chafe where it's held steady with a clamp or it'll crack from vibration. It's a bear to replace on some trucks if you've never done it before, probably time to get it to a shop before it starts leaking lots of oil.
     
  6. Smellfunny

    Smellfunny Road Train Member

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    Don't crank the truck with turbo off due to oil line from turbo unhooked. There is a oil feed tube at the top and the line coming off the bottom of the turbo is the return line. It can leak from there or the line itself can crack. The two bolts that hold the return line onto the turbo has a gasket there and it is easy to damage if a new turbo is installed and you are not careful.

    If the oil leak is not coming from that return tube it could be the oil cooler or the fill tube assembly. Another thing is your oil filters being too loose or too tight.

    The smaller filter beside the two oil filters with cut off valves should be your water filter. Make sure you get it changed when you service the truck. Alot of trucks that come into our shop with water filters that are mounted near the oil filters have been on them a long time because they are hard to get to or don't have cut off valves. I had one guy that had one on there for 5 years. It was NASTY.
     
  7. Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    Yah, the small filter will be the water filter. They are usually mounted far enough away from the turbo feed and oil cooler area. The turbo drain line is in the area and so is the breather tube. Other things to look at is the back of the water pump where it mounts in the front cover and oil pan gasket area.
     
  8. jhedmonton

    jhedmonton Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2012
    Edmonton, ALberta
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    So the oil is coming from the line to the turbo. Currently trying to get to this line and take it off... not easy :-(.

    There is also a oil line coming to the turbo from the top then going down and into the oil filters. It is good, but trying to take it off and it's done (twisted the metal line). The turbo has a clamp in the middle, it is loose but the utrbo is not coming apart yet. The oil line coming in from the bottom is the one which leaks (badly) but I can't seem to see how it is connected to the turbo.
    Any hints/tips?
    Thanks!
    Johannes
     
  9. jhedmonton

    jhedmonton Bobtail Member

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    Jan 29, 2012
    Edmonton, ALberta
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    So finally got it all apart. It was the oil line from the bottom of the turbo. Small hole from rubbing against another line.
    Thanks to all for your tips!
     
    dave26027 Thanks this.
  10. Smellfunny

    Smellfunny Road Train Member

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    The bottom (return) line is held on by two bolts. They are 13 mm. It is ver very important to clean off the old gasket before you install a new hose and new gasket.

    The top (supply) hose has a fitting (5/8) I think and then the line is a (3/4) I think. If you have twisted the line already you will need to replace this line. If not sometimes you have to heat it a little to break it loose or try some PB Blaster.

    If the clamp on the turbo it loose you need to install a new clamp. If there is play in the turbo at these connections you need to check the turbine blades for damage. Also put some fresh motor oil into the supply side and spend the blades (several times) after you have reinstalled the return line.
     
  11. cableclown

    cableclown Light Load Member

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    Apr 16, 2012
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    I realize the post is a bit stale, but when i did one on a truck i drove for a company I used a hydraulic line instead of buying the OEM, and i was able to rout the way i wanted to away from other part that would rub on it,it is very difficult to get this job done, but can be done if you can fix stuff
     
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