Ford 7.3L Powerstroke Oil Leak: Turbo Pedestal Seal Replacement

[@chaplainand1]

Greetings, Thank you for the video. I followed it to repair my 2000 F-250 7.3L (hard start, cold). The only part of the repair that was especially difficult was the exhaust connection at the very back - really hard to break loose. Unfortunately for me, I failed to torque the bolts to the in-pounds you indicated in the video when I put it back together. So, I made the repair a second time the next weekend. The first repair lasted three days before the hard start problem returned. I turned 67 as I was doing the repair the first time. I changed the engine oil and filter at that time as well. In between repairs, I changed the transmission oil and filter, including the oil in the Tq-converter. I am so thankful for you and other mechanics who publish videos for those of us with limited knowledge of the 7.3L system. Blessings, Neil

[@Dsparks33]

Neil Hendricks how in the world do you get that back exhaust connection loose I've got 2 of the three connection points loose and the one on the opposite side of the bolt is stuck frozen. i got a half of mind to burn the truck where it stands haha

[@chaplainand1]

Dylan Parker Sorry to be so late in responding Dylan. By now, you know what worked for you. For me, two things. I asked God for help, again, and I shot it with some penetrating fluid. I did a similar thing when removing the fill plug on the rear differential. I had removed, cleaned, and replaced the cover and was ready to add the new, very expensive oil. The plug accommodated a 3/8" drive and I had exhausted my own efforts. The 3/8" hole was pretty much worn out. Finally, I just asked the Creator for some help, said thank you, put the breaker bar back in the hole, held it in the best I could, applied pressure to the handle, and it began to turn. Sweet. Getting the oil in? Whole different story... Hope you elected not to burn your truck. Neil

[@shagans6701]

Piggy

[@ATVKRAZYDUNATIC]

I just recently purchased a 99 F250 and had an oil stain begin in the driveway since I brought it home. My first thought was the rear main seal especially after cleaning the underside and seeing it coming from the bell-housing area. After asking a few questions and doing some serious topside looking, I saw the oil accumulation under the intake plenum. Thanks to your video and excellent step by step instructions, this repair was a breeze! Keep up the good work!

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

Yes bthank you for making this tape as if i were there watching you. No fricking loud music or crappy video graphic crap. Just a real good explanation .

[@MoBill122]

Thank you so much for the video. I blew out the passenger side fuel return line, so I decided to tackle the pedestal oil leak at the same time. Had bought the o-rings months ago, just never got around to doing the repair. Your video was great help ! I do have to say, I was screaming at the down pipe clamp behind the turbo, took me forever to get to finally pop loose ! 2001, F250, Lariat, 7.3 with 424,000 miles

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+MoBill122 too funny glad you got it done.

[@CineresCineribus]

Just wanted you to know I found this video this morning. My 7.3 was leaking something fierce. With the help from this video as a guide on how to do everything including torque specs and socket sizes I got my 7.3 fixed and not leaking anymore. Thanks again for such a great video!

[@zachscott4867]

Me too, I’m investigating this in a few minutes after the video is done. He does do great work.👍🏼

[@stuartcunningham8672]

So it's easy to make a vid of how to do something, but what's much harder is making it a pleasure to watch, and more importantly, to listen to! Your cadence and voice is soothing, your points are clear, and you don't waste time telling us your life story. Excellent vid! TY!

[@rogerbraten8610]

I have five 7.3 trucks 99-03. this is probably the best video/ mechanic I've watched.

[@gsawnv]

I’ve watched a dozen videos on the topic. Yours is by far the best yet. I like how you actually show and talk about the disassembly steps instead how others state “remove turbo.” Great job.

[@stangfyfzx]

Bro. I should of pay you the $30,000 I pay UTI. You teach way better than any of the instructors. That school is a joke. Thanks for the videos. I worked at a famous ford dealership and every one is out for them selves. Back stabbing and doing dirty tricks to other techs.you are the only tech I know that shows your tricks and are very helpful. Now I work on big rigs for a union company. Way better life than working at the dealer.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

stang/f350/yfz/4x4 Interesting I liked UTI mainly because of the Ford school attached to it though.

[@max-andrewmcmillan4235]

where are you??? I need your kind of help

[@franciscochacon1197]

@@FordTechMakuloco hey man is you see this, I have a 1997 7.3 and I don't know if I have a rear main seal leak or if it's my turbo how will I know?

[@Golgi-Gyges]

@@franciscochacon1197 I'll just chime in and you can take heed or ignore. I think the only way to know is to start chasing down the leak by removing parts. Of course, if you have some sort of crevice camera it may help to ID the leak. From what I understand, it's commonly things at the top end (in the valley) that leak and the rear seal rarely leaks.

[@the1truegamer]

Great video! I've never done anything more than a tire change before and watching this allowed me to replace my seals with little trouble. Thanks a ton for making this. The only thing i'll add is that the clamp on the back of the turbo is a pain in the #$% to get off and on. To get off i got some PB spray from the parts store and sprayed it down. To get on i had to have a friend help me clamp it down with some channel locks so i could get it tight enough to put the nut on. I just got my first big truck and the guy that i bought it from told me his mechanic would charge 3k to fix this leak. I did it myself and it cost me about 15 bucks plus a few hours. Thanks again!

[@davidhoover8877]

I have had 3 Power Strokes and had no clue where the leak was coming from. Thanks for posting.

[@TheUnderwoodFam]

Is it wrong that I just watch these videos to hear your air tools and what not (even the click of a torque wrench gets me happy). I joined the US Navy sep 2013 and haven't heard of felt the feel of a real tool in over a year and a few months...? Miss being an automotive technician. You make great videos and are making me want to get back to working on cars and trucks. You're awesome!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Brian Underwood Oh that is good stuff, yeah I know how it feels being away from home and all the small stuff you took for grant it you pine for while away, been there back in the Marine days.

[@walterhoo6689]

U-R..A Ace Mechanic..your Out and In procedures are..Very clear and instructions and explanations are "Straightforward " I am grateful ! Thank you so Much and keep on Powerstroking, Mr Makulco...I hope to become..almost as good, with your teachings and my lessons. Cheers

[@johngoodbred1945]

The level of detail you've included in this video is terrific. The tricks of the trade and sublties you include are awesome. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@danielmcqueen1024]

Love watching a Master Mechanic make it look so easy doing repairs on old 7.3s! I had a heck of a time getting the back clap back on the turbo, my arms too big, so my skinny Nephew was able to get it back on:) Love my 2000 F-250 7.3 with EGR Crap to deal with :)

[@danjacks6782]

Great how to video. One of the best I've seen! Very good mechanic skills. Thanks for taking the time to produce it.

[@davidstockard1069]

Great video. I wish all mechanical videos were this clear/concise.

[@keyworksales6241]

Decided to pull my turbo and pedestal, resealing the truck at 350k miles. Had some real problems pulling the up-pipe clamp but a little penetrating oil really helped out. Nice video, I'll be rebuilding the turbo this weekend =]

[@rxprinter11]

Thanks!

[@johnm3816]

Thanks for a great and very helpful video. The camera is so good it makes the job look easier than it is. Keep in mind as you watch that the camera can see clearly what you sometimes can only feel with your hands. The only thing I will add is on the re install of the turbo, ( you will earn your money on that royal pain in the ***) what I found helpful was to change the order of reinstallation that the FordTechMakuloco followed. I did not install the two turbo to pedestal bolts before the rear turbo to up pipe clamp as shown. Instead I left the turbo unbolted thereby allowing it free enough to lift, pull, push, tug, curse, swear and finally position the turbo correctly with the up pipes. Do what you have to do to get the flanges lined up, get the clamp over both flanges and get them snug enough to hold in place. Go back to the turbo and lift pull tug curse your way to getting the bolts down and seated. Torque everything down once it all is correctly positioned. I know the risk of disturbing the all important O rings on the pedestal but it was the only way I could get the turbo and up pipes lined up. Also helpful in this project was a inspection camera from Costco for $50. It came in handy to see the turbo to up pipe flanges and to check that to pedestal to turbo O rings were in still in place before torqueing the bolts. Of course prayers never hurt. Thanks

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+John M I follow that same procedure of lining up the up pipes on the 6.0l but on these they seem to just fall back into place.

[@thestraderfamily]

I don't comment much on videos but this one is top notch. This coming from an automotive instructor.

[@ARRONBRAMSEY]

I just finished this repair. This video is awesome, I couldn’t have done it without it. Thank you!

[@darrinpagano7665]

yes. I'm upgrading for performance. I figured sense I have to remove it I might as well upgrade it. I bought the cordless impact so I will start on the truck soon. thank you so much for the video and replies.

[@brandonfritts3297]

You are by far the best step-by-step instructional mechanic here on KZbin do you have any videos on replacing the injectors in a 7.3?

[@rer509]

Great video..Thank you..wish me luck im doing the turbo stand and the front crank seal. I was happy to see that im not the only person that makes the air wratchet bark a couple times before using it.

[@thecommoncarpenter6544]

Thank you for sharing this video. You are a great teacher, and the video was put together well. I just saved a huge headache by not renting a vehicle, and paying a mechanic. This is what KZbin has done created an amazing community. FordTechMakuloco thank you!

[@brandonjesse9668]

Man, that was a real instructional video. I appreciate all the attention to detail and excellent footage! I feel like I have already done it now, so when the time comes should make it real easy.

[@danlarkey2799]

I’m very anal about cleaning parts when I fix something on my trucks and I see so many guys on KZbin that pull a grease pit apart and put it back together the same way it made me so happy to see you cleaning everything great video I subscribed because of it attention to detail

[@Mattie_Ice]

I'm the same way. My engine bay looked almost new when I was finished.

[@christhomson5669]

Thanks a lot brother. Great camera work and your instruction was excellent. I cruised right through mine and referenced your video anytime I needed to. Just excellent thank you!

[@tommy-ij9nd]

Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to make this excellent video!! Very helpful and very professionally well done!

[@joesnow1180]

one of the better videos I have seen for instructional purposes . Thank you

[@jackzayon8983]

I have been wondering where my oil leak is coming from all the way down the back side down to the oil pan. I initially worked on the fuel bowl, but the oil leak has been progressively getting worse. I will definitely be looking into this, am bummed as it only has 159,000 miles on the truck. Thank you for the great well explained video, I feel like I could do this job because of it...bless you for this great service you have provided.

[@jsmith6810]

Helpful note, soak turbo down pipe clamp with pb blaster before you start the job. Did this job on a 7.3 with 348000 miles and this tip would've saved me an hour.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

J Smith I have never seen these that bad unlike the 6.0L

[@cbmech2563]

Nicely done video. No wasted time and words. Unlike a lot of them that just have to tell you what they had for lunch.

[@damonlandschoot5596]

This video made my work so much easier. Could not have done without. Thank you and great job.

[@scottsteel4400]

Fantastic Vid!!! Great video quality and sound! Torque specs, hints and tip. Very well done, will allways look for your help when tackling unknown projects on my 7.3 Ford.

[@exstox]

What a fantastic job you did on this video! Most work I do is prefaced with trying to view the job on youtube prior to attempting it myself. You video is heads and shoulders above anything else I've ever seen. The camera work (steady:-), your explanations, your even tone of voice, your use of tools, your command of the underlying tech/knowledge and your skill and ease in doing the work are just top notch. --You've got a career doing videos like these. Keep up the good work.

[@barry8462]

What should I cover before degreasing my 7.3 ? Thanks for your videos!

[@TowMan127]

Good question

[@petemoss9693]

Hi Brian - As always you show very good video - showing step by step how to dismantle a engine then putting it back together - keep the videos coming .

[@kirkblee5853]

Very helpful video! Pulled my turbo today, I'm looking forward to having a leak free truck.

[@15tango15]

Great video. I wasn't able to get the turbo all the way off because the clamp on the back side is stuck in the firewall insulation. Will be taking it to a pro but for disassembling what I did this video was super helpful.

[@scottchambers7185]

Excellent video, and the best camera shots one the hard to reach and see areas I’ve seen!

[@theweldspecial5164]

Excellent video! I watched this video twice, memorized it. Got to the turbo bolts an snapped one.

[@TowMan127]

That sucks!

[@timmytool1231]

My job, tomorrow, have pulled old fuel line out, the one from filter housing to rear of engine, it has a small crack in it. Since I'm this far I'm going to do the O rings, I don't see any leaks, but might as well replace them. Great video!

[@Matt93se]

Many thanks for the clear and concise instructions, torque specs, and the links to the parts! BAM! All in one place! I'm a Nissan guy and use my 7.3 to haul the trailer to the race track, so I'm not familiar with the parts or terminology, but dammit I can fix anything if I can figure out the language! Glad I stumbled upon this one.

[@ANDREASRIAL]

Very easy to follow, and best of all: with all the know how to get it done right the first time. Thanks.

[@ANDREASRIAL]

My 7.3 is a litle different, I do not have this nice bolts holding the turbo to the pedastal, nice video and going back for more learning videos.

[@swiftbrotherspaint]

Thank you for the video. I'm going to be replacing my pedestal with a non ebpv pedestal and doing uppipes so I needed to see this. Very well explained.

[@TheMikestastny]

"How about NO debris, how about that?" Love it. Amen, man. Great video all around!

[@jamescanada5079]

I have a 99' F-350 Super Duty 7.3, Thank You for showing how to take care of a fuel smell and R&R of the Return fuel line on the Passengers side.. Saved Me several Hundreds of Dollars.. My Mech. said it would be $350. plus the Parts... Yeah right.. I don't mind getting Oily and dirty. Heck if You own a Old Diesel Your going to get dirty one way or another.. Thank You again.. I will view more of your KZbin. to see what else You can help with.. Sincerely: James Canada, Alvarado,TX.

[@cwephoto]

Awesome ya I have to do it to my truck anything I need to watch out for ? Or anything I should replace while I'm in there ??

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Nope I go through the process pretty well in the video. Only thing I would check is the ebp to make sure it is not leaking.

[@TowMan127]

23:14 I installed a new pedestal but for this part I didn’t pull out the shaft. I unscrewed it till it fit. Could that be a problem?

[@MrMajikman1]

Highly impressed with this video! Great camera work and thorough explanations of EVERY step!

[@darrinpagano7665]

thank you for the video. I'm going to do this on my 02 7.3. also changing the compressor wheel to a wicked wheel 2

[@qkohler]

Duuuuuude. Great video. That up pipe clamp sucks. Wish it would t have popped right off for you so I could have seen how you would have done it. I ended up breaking my wastegate where the tube goes in. 30$ on Amazon. Thanks again for the high quality and professionalism.

[@rodrigoflores7196]

Bro u deserve Avery bit of credit u get u the man..just bought 99 7.3 and was freaked out when I saw the leak ,I'm only 22 so I did not want to take a loss like that

[@FranciscoRodriguez-kk3ug]

Thank for your video. I have a question: what use for degreaser all night before to work on it? Thank you

[@doodooheadguy]

Very thorough explanation, thank you for taking the time to film your craft. I can clearly see you take pride in your work and the finished product. Makes me cringe to see the soot stains on the up pipes and not see you change them when you are that far in. :)

[@crashandburnbirner]

Did this about 3 times, turned out my pedestal was warped, I can yank the turbo in less than 30 minutes now...

[@larryeaton7384]

Sheeee-it!

[@julleonfischer4877]

Was it a new pedestal? Or aftermarket one

[@eprn1n2]

How do you get the back clamp off. Mine is on tight.

[@sv8313]

@@julleonfischer4877 probably stock pedestal.

[@peterdragon6367]

@@eprn1n2 air hammer lightly on the edge. Ask me how I know…. Lol. I was having a hell of a time and called a guy I know that does diesels and he told me to air hammer it

[@719matt3796]

Awesome video just did this job on mine. If anyone is having trouble getting that clamp back on the down pipe like I was make sure to get the pins lined up on down pipe where it connects to turbo or else you will battle trying to get that clamp on for hours like myself .

[@stevetrezise7182]

Great job. Man has some major knowledge. To big a job for me.

[@rauldemoura2417]

Thanks Ford Tech ... I am doing this very thing on my 01 F-350. Been fighting it most of the afternoon. I have everything removed, except the turbo! It doesn’t seep to want to let go! Thought I would take the 4- 10mm base bolts out, then take it all out.... I was WRONG! Can’t get to the one in back, under the EBP rod.

[@davidevans1128]

Very nice video second day I brought my 7.3 home it started leaking oil everywhere I don't know where I would be able to trace it thanks for your time I'm doing this very good video I will let you know if it helps me

[@FXST23]

Thanks for the video. It helped me change the seals and saved me money. You definitely made it look easy though.

[@asandiban]

I had my tow truck parked couple years... Now iam going after this fix thanks for the awesome video...

[@TowMan127]

Thanks for the video. I have a 2000 F550 with a 7.3 that has an oil leak. I cleaned everything up and I notice the base of the pedestal was wet I cleaned it and it was wet again. Bought the 4 O rings from a local Ford dealer and have to tackle this job. Should I have bought new bolts for the turbo?

[@chadharmon5716]

watching all these powerstroke videos on here makes me glad I work on gas trucks and cars holly crap it gives me nightmares

[@JM-sy5qv]

lol im glad you put torque spec in description because you said 220 and i was thinking there's no chance lol

[@emilypriest7236]

Great informative video. Keep up the great work. You know your stuff! Look forward to seeing more!

[@mikesibley6891]

Best video on the web for this problem!!! Thanks!!

[@lukejones7366]

Really well done video. Looks like your up pipes may be leaking where they go into the collector this would be a great time for the donut gaskets and or tubes replaced. Good job!

[@bobbyshaftoe]

**FANTASTIC** How To Video!! Thanks!!

[@22howards]

Thanks for this information. Your videos are well done.You will be doing those seals again on the 7.3, very good engine!

[@paulpedersen7820]

Really good videography and knowledge. Thank you.

[@gregchamberlain8519]

Watched this video on April 5 2019 really enjoyed the work and how you took time and explained everything. You should be an Instructor.

[@charlesprouty213]

Great video and great explanations. Keep them coming. You do a great job of showing pictures and explaining what you are doing. Thanks, Charles

[@jeffreymarroquin5470]

Great video, I’m thinking about buying a f250 powerstroke my self and this is one of the issues. Thinking about doing it my self.

[@tuber5129]

Thanks for making this video. You saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@troynichols9788]

Best vids of the 7.3 on YT by far. New sub. Nice work. You must have been a Marine. So, I have a '01 7.3 with 175K miles which just started a leak out the top back of the motor. Gotta be this turbo pedastool. Now ... just need to man up to give it a go ... and buy an air ratchet. Only weird thing for me is based on the vid I should expect more oil down the back on the passenger side but it seems like it's coming down the drivers. Hmmm.

[@Twidegren]

Great video! Very thorough and great explanations. Thanks. I'm about to remove my turbo to install the wicked wheel 2 and replace the pedestal o-rings.

[@howetyr]

You do a very good job of instructing! Great job. Very thankful for having watched this

[@seabee277]

I'm a lil late but very good video with good instruction!! Thank you very much!

[@ericerto8250]

Thanks for the help I'm working on my 550 with the same issues . Your video was a huge help

[@danekeeper1]

found the Garrett instructions.....Note Garrett has a 35-38 ft lbs Torque for the turbo to pedestal bolts....fixed my leak with new o-rings

[@river911M]

Thanks for making this video! Saved me from spending more money on a misdiagnosed main engine seal! That same mechanic that misdiagnosed this leak did my injectors, and since my truck has had check engine light flickering in and off all the time. Is there something common to that job I should look for? Only other symptoms are slightly rough idle, and he said he burned through 3 #1 injectors on the swap

[@ralphanderson5621]

Such a great explanation of this repair.

[@robertstonebreaker8394]

Thanks for taking time to share this info.

[@toddscales7653]

This is a very good explanation of how tooo ! Not boring nor forever..

[@davidjohnson6013]

Thanks for a great video. I'll be using this with my high school shop class tomorrow.

[@daveosterhout1807]

Great video, thank you for taking the time to do it and putting on KZbin..

[@bryandorie5614]

Hi FordTech, I found you turbo seal replacement vid to be awesome. I had a bad large seal between pedestal and block. Folowed your direction. Leak is fixed. Now for advice on a problem I created. I have no boost pressure. No engine codes. Slow acceleration, engine bogs at 2500rpm. I measured pressure at a T to map sensor. Waste gate and exhaust valve are not moving when going from idle to wot. Both move mechanically, waste gate with light psi from pry bar, exhaust valve moves with light psi from an air line on red psi line. Up pipe and turbo exhaust pipe are seated. All pipes from Y pipe leak checked with soap/water sprayed on boots and at intercooler - no leaks. Tough getting to work in right lane, takes 1/4 mile to get to 50mph. Advice???

[@bryandorie5614]

I found the issue. Drivers side intercooler connection leaks. Clamp was tight but damaged - preventing it from closing tightly on the boot.

[@shanemartinson5006]

great video, explained very well, now I know what to look for when I replace my turbo

[@sgrunt2144]

I have an oil pan that is rusted bad on my 7.3 truck ! I purchased a Moroso pan to replace the OEM one. They clam they are heavier and coated better !!! They use a gasket with stud inserts instead of bolts to hold on the pan. ANY IDEA'S on that method of sealing the pan. Instead of the factory adhesive only method ? I've been studying the different ways of replacing the pan as well. Doesn't look like fun to me ! Thanks for posting this video it was very informative and helpful.

[@wiserbud3404]

Wish I could get you to work on my 2000 7.3. Can't find a good diesel guy here in VA.

[@VicsYard]

Nice job with this video. Got a leaking 1999.5 7.3L 240k thanks LIKED AND Subscribed.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Awesome to have you here!

[@tedm.674]

Thank you for this video, I was able to fix my truck!!

[@mattywho8485]

And THIS is why I love my I6 Cummins !!! (Although I just bought a 7.3, we'll see how it goes)

[@larryeaton7384]

What are you laying on when you have your hands all up and under the turbo EBP rod etc.. I'm in the middle of a rebuild on my Turbo charger, Fuel bowl, HPOP and wiring harness. I am changing out the glow plugs and valve cover gaskets. I replaced the fuel tank sending unit , my fuel pump and added a secondary oil filter system. At seventy years of age I aint as limber as I once was. I have a 2002 7.3 F-350 crew cab and that is why I watch you closely!

[@tldrafaik6144]

Aw, wanted to see you fight that clamp on the turbo to collector. Seems like it gives people a lot of headache trying to pop it off.

[@Beermug64]

Thanks for sharing you expertise. Yes, I think that is the exact leak on my 7.3 in my '03 Excursion.