Engine oil leak

[eljoekickass]

Hey guys. I have a little problem here. I have a small engine oil leak and i have no clue where its coming from. It's not leaking from the pan because the oil is burning and smoke is visible when my engine is warmed up to normal operating temps. I first checked the valve cover head because i did replace the gaskets for it about 6 months ago. I took it off, cleaned the surfaces, and then I tightened it back up and drove. I did this 3 times and the oil continues to leak, so I'm pretty sure its not that. Is there any other places that the oil could leak from? I also know its not leaking at the oil filter either. I have a 4 cyl.

[uibalnme]

Try changing the distributor seal. You'll have to remove the distributor form the cylinder head. The seal or "o-ring" hardens and cracks over time. I had the same mystery oil leak. After I chaged the distributor seal, the leak stopped.

[eurohazard]

If you see smoke, then the leaking oil is hitting the exhaust. The first thing that comes to mind is the oil pressure sending unit. I had one go bad on me.....but mine was leaking profusely, so I knew what the problem was right away. It's like an $8 part from Toyota, and easy to change. It's worth glancing at, otherwise, uibalnme is probably correct.

[eljoekickass]

thanks for the help. I think it might be the distributor seal because the big hose right under the distributor seal has some wet oil on it and it seems to be dripping down. I'm gonna start the engine again and check out that part.

[eurohazard]

Originally Posted by eljoekickass

thanks for the help. I think it might be the distributor seal because the big hose right under the distributor seal has some wet oil on it and it seems to be dripping down. I'm gonna start the engine again and check out that part.

Remember to set your timing correctly BEFORE removing the distributor. Use the manual, if you don't have one, get one!

[1996camry]

best way to changed O-ring distrubutor...take a pencil mark on shaft of distrubutor before disessembly the distrubutor...then put back the same to the shaft distrubutor mark...

that is the best for sure the timiming is not the problem

[marc780]

If i have to take the distributor out i make two punch marks first. Theres no way they can get obliterated or washed away like paint or tape or something.

When diagnosing an oil leak, the very first step, to me, is to clean the engine like new before looking for the leak. Simple green and a toothbrush works the best for me. Cover the alternator with plastic bag and stuff another plastic bag in the air intake, use low pressure water only. Also its a great idea to remove the plastic cover under the engine and clean under the engine too.

[prnc_chrmng]

i saw some oil leak detectors stuff at autozone the other day. or more of a dye so you can trace it back the the leak.