1st & 2nd Generation (1983–1986 & 1987-1991)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1983-1986 & 1987-1991.
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Ok, I don't know if this is correct. I tried to post photos of my oil leak. It looks like it's coming from above the exhaust manifold but below the valve cover gasket, although I cant really tell. Is it the head gasket?! Auuugh. I hope not. Can anyone here tell me if this has happened to them? It's the V6, 2vzfe. Sorry if I screwed the pics up!!
Jeff
edit: didn't come out. Just the file names. How can I put up nice pretty pictures!!
Last edited by 1883atlantics; 08-12-2007 at 04:58 PM.
^ yeah i was fearing people would say that. i thought it too. it's below the metal lip of the valve cover so i dunno. can i fix this? or is it something a shop should do? is it expensive? I'm not sure if the back half leaks too. I know the infamous valve stems leak, that's obvious in the photos (all of em leak, always have). the car runs smooth, and i've done the cleaning thing and you can see the oil spurt out. then as it bakes it forms that sludge-seal that keeps more from coming out. what about some RTF sealant? I know it's ghetto, but if this is a $$$ fix then I'd rather just band-aid it.
Jeff
My engine [2vz-fe] is doin the same thing. it's not leaking oil like it was when the rear main seal had deteriorated, but it is consuming oil. I'm willing to bet that a good portion of the oil consumption is what's seeping out the cracks in the head gaskets.
What i'm doin for the time being, is adding Lucas Oil additive every oil change.
what does the Lucas oil additive do for you?
Do you think I could do a bead of red hi-temp sealant (rtv type) to block the oil seepage? would that even work?
Jeff
2vzfe
Doesn't look like a headgasket leak to me. The oil buildup is around the valve cover and above the exhaust manifold. Headgasket is below the exhaust manifold, actually between the head and block.
From looking at the pics, I'm going to say leaky valve cover(s).
It is common problem on V-6. if the leak bothers you, change the valve cover gaskets., The most challenging part is the cleaning up the old gasket between the intake plenum and manifold.
Also it is good idea to change spark plugs and distributor cap/rotor at the same time.
i wish i could get a better photo for you guys. Thanks for all the help. I am planning on taking off the air intake and doing all the plugs (I got them done at the dealer, buuuut I'm erring on the cautious side since I'm in there anyway), and the distributor and the valve cover gaskets. Basically anything that "needs" or "should" be done to the back half of the engine I'm gonna do at once so I don't have to mess with taking the air intake and assorted hoses etc off afterward.
If it was a head gasket leak, wouldn't I have coolant in my oil? I've never noticed that, and I do regular 3500-4000 mile oil changes.
Jeff
Ok, so what's the case for/against Lucas oil additive? Why use it? Why stay away?
Thanks for all your input guys. I am going to be ordering the parts for the maintenance soon. I'm thinking of doing the oxygen sensor and cat. while I'm at it -- the bolt in cat is only 119. Here in AZ they do a visual for a cat with a mirror and they do a tailpipe sniffer for my car, along with under-hood inspection (every year). My car passes with flying colors but I want it to LAST so are these 2 upgrades worthwhile now? Original cat, probably original oxy. sensor (no receipts to indicate it was done, and these old folks I bought it from really babied the car).
Jeff
this is actually the first time i've heard a negative for Lucas Oil. Everyone i've talked to had nothing but good things to say about Lucas Oil. Bar Leaks on the other hand i've heard mixed reviews. but the majority say not to use Bar Leaks/stop leak products.
Perhaps boi_si or anybody in the know can elaborate?
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