It has been leaking from this area for a while, a drop here a drop there. But it is getting progressively worse. What in this region could be leaking? Would it be a seal where the oil filter screws on to the block? A mechanic (a neighbor) said that the 302 engine has an adapter that routes the oil filter access to the front of the engine instead of the side and he suggested that it was leaking from there. Thanks for the help, just trying to know what I am talking about before I go for estimates.

Thanks,
Kebo

1996 Explorer XLT 5.0L

Did you make sure there wasn't an old oil filter gasket already on the mating surface when a new filter was installed? Two filter gaskets could cause your leak.

-Rod

Did you make sure there wasn't an old oil filter gasket already on the mating surface when a new filter was installed? Two filter gaskets could cause your leak.

-Rod


Yeah, actually I have made that mistake before..........wasn't pretty. Pumped out about 4 quarts of oil in the driveway in about 30 seconds. So I know what you are talking about, but no it isn't that. Although if memory serves me correctly, it was right after that when it started to leak. That has been almost 3 years ago.

check arround the valve cover, there may be a leek that is running down the block and running off the oil filter

If it could be coming from above, also check around the camshft position sensor. My recall is the CPS is installed where the distributor used to be installed on the block. The CPS may use an o-ring like the distributor which often leaked.

-Rod