So my 1993 Ford F-250 idi 7.3 diesel turbo is leaking motor oil around my headers and its dripping down and collecting on my oil pan, I want to replace the headers along with new gaskets. I think that would fix the problem.Secondly, there is a ticking noise before i start the truck when im waiting to start it, is that an electrical problem or something else? It goes away after 20 seconds. Thirdly my exhaust is so dirty the black soot is collecting more so than I think should be normal, should I cut the exhaust back to just before the muffler so that its not as a curvy mess? I am sorry if this is a jumbled mess Im new to this site and im so frustrated right now, the truck only has 119xxx on it.. I uploaded two pictures of the leaking headers. Thanks!!!
https://www.dieselbombers.com/images/smilies/kez_12.gif

 

Good news kiddo ... the leak is just your valve cover gaskets ( easy to do ) .. and then take the truck to a car wash or get some foamy engine bright ( warm but not hot engine) , apply and pressure wash off the oil ... DONE

The ticking means you are waiting too long to start after the " Wait to start" (WTS) has gone out , or its cycling due to the engine not running but up to temp and the ingnition is in the ON position but not started .. all of this is normal ...

And with 119K ... you have manny miles to go my friend ..

As for the exhaust, @ the manifolds ( not headers, those are tubes, the ones you have are cast iron ..) about 4" from the flange cut it off if you want, put a adapter from stock size and go to 3" bent to the Y where the two pipes come together, then 2, 3" pipes into a 4" pipe and get a good Diesel Muffler thats straight through and go to the back of the truck ... also .. yank off that stupid air cleaner and get a 14" X 6" K&N filter and adapter ( a carb spacer from MR.Gasket will work ) and get a longer bolt or use a long piece of all thread for the aor cleaner hold down ....

I regurarly was getting 18-20 Mpg with mine - same set up ... sounds awesome too

 

4x4manonbroke thank you so much!!!! I was about to explode with frustration, I've put so much work into this truck but i am enjoying working on it thoroughly, I just wish I knew more so I didnt feel like such an idiot sometimes, thank you for the correction of my wrong part description as well! out of curiosity do you have any sites you would recommend for those new exhaust parts and gaskets? or would a napa or carquest have the gasket id need. Also I was curious if I were to get new manifolds and paint them high heat black would that prevent rust very well or should I just keep the stocks on there and replace the gaskets. Thanks so much again!!

 

Any parts store will have the valve cover gasket, get the rubber ones and make sure you clean all traces of oil off the head (where the gasket seals against head ) ... I will be leak free for a long time ...no valve adjustments needed they don't adjust...

as for the Exhaust and such ... Make sure you use mandrel bent, not with all the crinkle bends and such ...much better flow and sound..

 

Thanks so much 4x4manonbroke, sorry i didnt reply earlier my computer took a dive. Shes running a whole lot better now and im ordering the new exhaust next week from Banks, all stainless steel.

 

kewl, I had a local shop and my self welded up my exhaust .. and it was a hell of a lot cheeper