need help with a leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

roxyrolla · 06-04-2008, 12:37 PM

My 89 Camry is leaking something but i can't figure out what. Every time I park it for several hours it develops the leak underneath the car on the passenger side, almost right below the oil dipstick. I check oil level everyday and it is normal. Everything else is also ok. My question is what is it leaking? I have no tools or place to raise the car and check it out from the bottom, but if you can suggest what that can be, it'll be greatly appreciated!

white90dx · 06-04-2008, 01:10 PM

What color is it? Is it oily or watery?

Its either coolant or oil, there isn't much else in that area.

-Charlie

roxyrolla · 06-04-2008, 01:16 PM

I think it's more oily... Then if it's oil why is my oil level still normal. The spot that I get every day is about 9 inch/22.5cm in diameter and it's been doing it for 600 mi already.

Quote:

Originally Posted by white90dx

What color is it? Is it oily or watery?

Its either coolant or oil, there isn't much else in that area.

-Charlie

aych · 06-04-2008, 01:20 PM

I've been getting an oil leak there and everywhere for the past 5 years. i think its an internal seal/gasket somewhere that will cost more than the car to replace

roxyrolla · 06-04-2008, 01:28 PM

Thanks! I'll just keep an eye on the oil level then...

Quote:

Originally Posted by aych

I've been getting an oil leak there and everywhere for the past 5 years. i think its an internal seal/gasket somewhere that will cost more than the car to replace

zppeacock · 06-04-2008, 03:39 PM

It could also be from the tranny.

marc780 · 06-05-2008, 11:22 AM

I'd find out what it is before ignoring it. Except for power steering and brake fluid, minor leaks are usually no big deal as long as you keep it topped up. But you have to know whats leaking first! I would put a clean container of some kind underneath to catch the leaky fluid and figure out what it is.

roxyrolla · 06-05-2008, 11:50 AM

Yeah, I need to do that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc780

I would put a clean container of some kind underneath to catch the leaky fluid and figure out what it is.

aych · 06-05-2008, 01:13 PM

actually, i've had oil tranny and coolant leaks. just take a large piece of white paper. is it brown red or green? the tranny leaks is easily fixed by tightening the pan. all my bolts needed a good 3-4 rounds after 20 years of vibrations. the oil i couldn't fix. the coolant,: a bottle of stop leak fixed that.

malayan · 06-05-2008, 10:42 PM

My Gosh...
After a 9 inch "A Day" leak you would think something would be getting low

roxyrolla · 06-05-2008, 10:45 PM

I know, seriously.... Coolant and oil levels are full. It's raining here right now so as soon as it stops I will perform the white paper test.

Quote:

Originally Posted by malayan

My Gosh...
After a 9 inch "A Day" leakyou would think something would be getting low

roxyrolla · 06-09-2008, 04:26 PM

I put the paper under where it's leaking and the color is yellowish-greenish... So what can it be ?

There is also a wet -looking spot on the left side(looking at it) of the motor, right behind the belt...

Quote:

Originally Posted by aych

actually, i've had oil tranny and coolant leaks. just take a large piece of white paper. is it brown red or green? the tranny leaks is easily fixed by tightening the pan. all my bolts needed a good 3-4 rounds after 20 years of vibrations. the oil i couldn't fix. the coolant,: a bottle of stop leak fixed that.

***toyomoho*** · 06-09-2008, 05:02 PM

Feel the fluid and smell, coolant is like water but slippery and smells sweet.

Behind the belt might be water pump area. Follow the lower radiator hose, is this area near where hose come into the block?

Kep · 06-10-2008, 10:01 AM

I'm with toymoho, the color is that of antifreeze. The water pump is designed to begin leaking when it wears out. There is a small hole at the bottom of the timing belt cover. See if you can determine if that is where the fluid is leaking from. After a while it will start coming out faster and faster. In the meantime, keep an eye on the coolant level and the temp gauge. Carry at least one gallon of water with you in case you need it real quick...

If it does turn out to be the water pump, consider replacing the timing belt and maybe some seals during the same repair.

Kep

roxyrolla · 06-10-2008, 11:27 AM

Coolant level is a little lower than full, so you guys might be right. I will try look into timing belt cover... But for now, is there a stop leak additive I could use for that?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kep

I'm with toymoho, the color is that of antifreeze. The water pump is designed to begin leaking when it wears out. There is a small hole at the bottom of the timing belt cover. See if you can determine if that is where the fluid is leaking from. After a while it will start coming out faster and faster. In the meantime, keep an eye on the coolant level and the temp gauge. Carry at least one gallon of water with you in case you need it real quick...

If it does turn out to be the water pump, consider replacing the timing belt and maybe some seals during the same repair.

Kep