2nd hand mondeo. Oil leak?

2nd hand mondeo. Oil leak?

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Discussion

willspring

Original Poster:

3 posts

129 months

Monday 3rd February 2014
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Hi all,
Am trying (unsuccessfully) to find a car, and have just looked at what seems to be a very tidy 2003 Mondeo Ghia. 93000 on the clock, a years MOT and everything looks to be very good. However, on looking underneath, what appears to be the whole of the underside of the engine is covered in a thin film of dirty oil. Its not dropping from what i can see, but it does make a few alarm bells go off.
The garage did say they would check it out. Jet wash it and then see.
Really like the car, but I don't know if this is an issue or not. Don't have a vast amount of knowledge with it.
All help appreciated.
Just for the record, its selling for 1800.
Cheers.

DJP

1,199 posts

186 months

Saturday 8th February 2014
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How “Wet” is it?

If it's just oily dust deposits then I wouldn't worry. Any engine could have some seepage after that age/mileage – even the aluminium can be slightly porous and the oil can literally soak through the metal. That's normal.

OTOH, if it's noticeably wet then it's a leak from somewhere, which needs looking at.

willspring

Original Poster:

3 posts

129 months

Saturday 8th February 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for the reply, and good to know. Basically, I've bought the car, and have been keeping an eye on things and although it looks a bit damp, it certainly isn't dropping any at all. The car is running just fine, so I will keep an eye n it and see if it spreads or drops. I had no idea that the metal could actually become porous like that. Good to know.
Thanks.

Upatdawn

2,187 posts

155 months

Monday 10th February 2014
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mondeo sumps (Mk3/Duratorqs) were known for sumps going porous

willspring

Original Poster:

3 posts

129 months

Monday 10th February 2014
quotequote all
Thats interesting to know. On inspection I suspect thats whats happening. Will keep an eye on it. Thanks chaps.