Yet Another Oil Leak Thread - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

NC_Camry · 01-20-2008, 04:21 PM

Hello all, this is my second post in TN'dom. I have spent several days reading over some of the material in the different threads. With that, I've done searches of threads pertaining to oil leaks and so forth. I don't want to clog the board with subjects already discussed, but I've yet to find a thread that satisfied or spoke to my situation.

I had my car for a few months now (1994 I4). I feel bad for neglecting her, but have dedicated 2008 to changing that. She has been leaking oil almost since I got her. Typically leaving pools of oil as evidence i parked in a specific spot.

I think it's coming from the oil filter area (?). I have noticed a few things besides the oil puddles. It some times smokes. (I think oil running and contact a surface causing it to burn?). In addition, she loses oil at a rapid pace. Maybe a quart every 3-4 weeks. (I am just now monitoring this so I should have a more accurate guestimate shortly). I also noticed that the oil leak area, is more noticeable or "fresh" right after driving?

Here are some pics, I would appreciate any input into this matter. From previous post, I think it could be some kind of gasket or seal. I hope? My fear is that my engine is cracked. (I know compression test would rule that out right?) I don't believe it's the large nuts that hold the spark plugs. In fact I am pretty sure it isn't coming from Above the head? Well here are the pics, any thoughts or things I should check would be appreciated.

Oil Spots (Big circle=over time/ 3 smaller circles= last nights deposit)

Leak area prior to cranking up for the day?

underbody?

After driving to the store?

another

I REALLY want to take more pride in my ride, and bring her back to a respectable car, but this oil leak is discouraging. Especially for someone who has always bought used cars. Drive them for a ayear or two, then major issue. Get screwed by mechanic. then loose confidence in the car. Please help me break the cycle.

95PimpingCamry · 01-20-2008, 06:07 PM

These engines are known to leak from the valve cover gasket and distributer o-ring. Check those and definitely check your oil filter.

bcsbadboys · 01-20-2008, 11:13 PM

I agree with the above advice. It's hard to tell, but is the oil filter sealing properly? Otherwise, look above the oil filter area and see if there are any leaks coming down from the valve cover gasket area.

bigdaddymak20 · 01-20-2008, 11:23 PM

That leak is the oil cooler o-ring leaking. You take off the oil filter and there is a big nut around the spin on filter bolt. They have a specific part for that oring but it is the same as the toyota oem oil filter oring. You can just take one off a new toyota oil filter and I think its cheaper. That will fix it. Other common leaks are distributor oring, valve cover gasket, and front crankshaft seal and oil pump seal.

NC_Camry · 01-21-2008, 08:55 AM

Thanks for all your input and help.

95pimpingcamry, bcsbadboys, bigdaddymak20

I appreciate yor input. Now I at least have somewhere to start. I think it's either the Oil COoler O-Ring, or Front Crank Shaft Seal. I doubt if it's valve cover gasket, as I never see oil leaking there. Here are some pics of that area.

Dr Thunder · 01-21-2008, 09:12 AM

VCG (valve cover gasket) looks fine.

Like the others said..start with the oil filter. Sometimes if the filter doesn't seat properly (like there is dirt on the o-ring) the obvious will happen.

EDIT// the oil pan gasket could be leaking a bit so check there as well

NC_Camry · 01-21-2008, 09:28 AM

Thanks Dr. Thunder for your input. I actually feel like I know a little something, since you confirmed VCG looks fine. I plan on starting with the oil filter. I thought about the oil pan gasket, but it appears to me that the leak is starting above the pan line, and running down. I plan on changing the oil pan gasket anyway though.

IvanHoe · 01-21-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC_Camry

Thanks for all your input and help.

95pimpingcamry, bcsbadboys, bigdaddymak20

I appreciate yor input. Now I at least have somewhere to start. I think it's either the Oil COoler O-Ring, or Front Crank Shaft Seal. I doubt if it's valve cover gasket, as I never see oil leaking there.

I cant say whether your valve cover is leaking or not......but if it is leaking, most of the oil tends to leak from the rear of the valve cover.....so, it can look clean on the front side, but still be leaking on the rear side.

cfiggs · 01-21-2008, 12:36 PM

yea make sure the valve cover is tightened all the way mine was leaking from the back onto the exaust

95PimpingCamry · 01-21-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfiggs

yea make sure the valve cover is tightened all the way mine was leaking from the back onto the exaust

X2

Same thing happened to me.

NC_Camry · 01-22-2008, 02:33 PM

Thanks again for everyone's input. IvanHoe appreciate your input.

IvanHoe · 01-22-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC_Camry

Thanks again for everyone's input. IvanHoe appreciate your input.

bcsbadboys · 01-23-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC_Camry

Thanks for all your input and help.

95pimpingcamry, bcsbadboys, bigdaddymak20

I appreciate yor input. Now I at least have somewhere to start. I think it's either the Oil COoler O-Ring, or Front Crank Shaft Seal. I doubt if it's valve cover gasket, as I never see oil leaking there. Here are some pics of that area.

Oil cooler o-ring or a bad gasket with your current oil filter are very possible. If you really want to, take the oil filter off (with plenty of rags surrounding, of course) and make sure there's no sand, etc. on the mating surfaces. And make sure to put a film of oil on the filter's gasket before install. Top off any oil that was lost by filter removal.

The crankshaft seal would likely leak on the side of the block, near the timing belt and the valve cover looks good in front. Even if it were leaking from the back as others have mentioned, it wouldn't produce oil around the filter area. Good luck.

NC_Camry · 01-23-2008, 12:02 PM

bcsbadboys thanks again.

question, I have read in several forums that a layer of oil should be applied to prevent cracking or overall wear and tear. would that layer of oil be applied to both sides of the gasket? Also, is the gasket idiot proof? by that I mean can it only go on one way, or can someone like me screw up and put it on upside down?

THinking about taking her to the mechanic for this job. I am just not an under the hood guy, but I am trying to get there. THis would be a little confidence boost if I can do it myself succesfully.