1989 Toyota Camry Oil Leak

[RSNYCT]

I have an oil leak on my 1989 Camry. The leak is on the backside of the engine, passenger side. I already changed valve cover gasket. The oil only leaks when engine is running and it appears to be above the intake manifold, but below the valve cover. Does anyone know what is on the backside of the engine in this area that could leak oil?

rsnyct

[scarney1988]

Distributor o-ring?

[Dehabur]

I got the same problem and I am changing the Camshaft cover gasket. I hope I have better luck. The 4 spark plug tube nuts were not very tight. Does anyone know if there is a torque value for these 4 cover holddown nuts?

[WhippinCamry]

Mine seems to be leaking oil back there also by the passanger side of the injectors and rail. let us know what it was. and i just tightened mine down good and snug, and re tightened a month later. thats what i heard you do.

[RSNYCT]

Originally Posted by Dehabur

I got the same problem and I am changing the Camshaft cover gasket. I hope I have better luck. The 4 spark plug tube nuts were not very tight. Does anyone know if there is a torque value for these 4 cover holddown nuts?

I hope the gasket solves your leak. I couldn't find the torque for the 4 nuts anywhere. So since they came off so easy I tightened them to 15 ft lbs.

Thanks

[RSNYCT]

Originally Posted by WhippinCamry

Mine seems to be leaking oil back there also by the passanger side of the injectors and rail. let us know what it was. and i just tightened mine down good and snug, and re tightened a month later. thats what i heard you do.

That is exactly where my leak is. I used mirrors to look but still couldn't find the leak. I was able to see where the valve cover mates with the head and there was no sign of oil leaking. I am determined to find this leak.

Thanks

[clkinaz]

The power steering pump is over there, too. Mine was throwing fluid all over the place. It kinda looks like oil by the time it hits the driveway.

[howlinwolf]

i am having the same problem, but i am blowing 2 quarts a day it seems. i pulled the valve cover and it is COVERED in RTV. Other than a dab in the corners, (and if done right is that even neccesary) yea. it was leaking from the back, down the back of the engine, and under the car. ill take pics of the mess. are there any other well known seals on the front of the engine that leak? at least at this kind of rate? 89 camry 3s-fe with auto trans

[scoathy]

Glad to see I'm not the only one with this elusive leak. After replacing my valve cover and oil pan gasket I still had a leak... noticed it was puddling on top the tran too. Replaced the distributor along with the gasket and voila! no more puddling on the tran but this elusive leak on the back side is still there. It is most definitely oil and not from the p/s pump. I took a can of Gunk gel to the back side of the motor to get rid of all the mess that had accumulated from the PO running with a bad valve cover gasket for a loooong time and plan to get back under there on Wednesday or Thursday to see what I can find. It is a PITA to see anything from top or bottom back there, even with a mirror. I'll post any worthy findings and will keep watching this thread for others that may do the same.

[66conv6]

How much was the distributor and what did it include/exclude?

[scoathy]

it was less than $200 for the distributor, seal, and rotor too I believe.