So for about a year now I've had an oil leak that was getting worse. It seemed to show itself more if I didn't let the engine warm up a few minutes before I drove off and of course during the colder months it was very pronounced. I figured it was the dreaded bedplate leak (6.0).
Found a great mechanic in my area who specializes in diesels and with in a couple of hours found the problem. They found that my oil housing canister was cracked. I seen this for myself and right on the seam of the casting where the canister screws on, it was splitting. This wasn't caused by me, I followed the proper torque settings that it called for right on the canister itself when changing my oil.
I noticed the leak when I bought my van from the PO and actually talked down the price based on the assumption I was going to have to deal with it sooner or later. So now after the repair my engine is at least 99% dryer.
I'm still not convinced that my bedplate isn't leaking, but if it is its a very very slow weep or just the nature of a diesel? I do have plans on going through the entire engine and fixing all 6.0 issues just as preventative, but for now I'm going to finish out the summer and look into the big pull this winter.
I know the older diesels were known for being dirty greasy engines but what is normal for the newer ones? Do they all have some sort/amount of oily residue or are they supposed to be bone dry?
Just wanted to share, maybe someone else can use this. Don't over torque your oil canister.
Also if anyone is interested the shops name is H and H diesel in Dewy Arizona. His web site isn't much to look at but they seem very competent and have had other SMB owners bring out there vans for them to work on.
http://WWW.HUGHESPOWER.COM
TraceyAZ