Intermittent oil leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CamryWilly · 03-20-2008, 11:34 PM

Yeah I was just wondering if someone could help me with a problem...

I have observed this with my mechanic and even he isn't to sure about the problem so here it is.

My Cam like any good car drinks a bit of oil nothing serious and she dosen't leak at all. So my driveway is very clean. But last summer I drove her pretty hard one afternoon and she leaked the night after. After that no leak. Drove her hard a other afternoon(I was running late) and she leaked in the parking lot. But when I drive her soft(what I do always now) she has no problem whatsoever.

Now for the technical part. When the Cam leaks it comes from the accessory belt side of the engine. When I put her on the lift a month ago you could still follow the oil stains and it seemed to be coming from behind the block pretty close from the timing belt casing and it went up on the block almost on top. But when I look from the top I don't see no leak.

For now it's not a serious problem apart from the fact that all mods are now useless considering she hates getting a beating...and she does have 231k miles on the original engine.

Thanks for your help... if any DIYs can solve the problem please direct me to them.

Unco · 03-21-2008, 01:18 AM

there's a good chance that it could be your camshaft seals. only way to find out for sure is to pull the timing cover off. have you done that already?

RichieRichJP · 03-21-2008, 10:35 AM

I bet it is the camshaft seal. I just fixed mine. Apparently the camshaft, oil pump, and crankshaft seals are very prone to leaking on the 5sfe. I've been told that by several mechanics

Kep · 03-21-2008, 11:04 AM

Just a thought, check your PCV valve. Maybe it is gummed up (you can often clean it with throttle body cleaner) and causing increased pressure when you are stressing the engine.

Kep

eurohazard · 03-21-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kep

Just a thought, check your PCV valve. Maybe it is gummed up (you can often clean it with throttle body cleaner) and causing increased pressure when you are stressing the engine.

Kep

^ This is what I'd do too!

It's virtually free, and no mechanic required.

rholzboog · 03-21-2008, 06:34 PM

try looking at your valve cover gasket mine was leakeing ther sounds like the same thing and it's cheep

CamryWilly · 03-22-2008, 12:34 PM

Wow thanks guys!! As soon as weather permits I will take off that valve cover check those cam seals and clean the PCV valve!!

I'll seafoam the engine so I can trace the oil if she leaks again

CamryWilly · 03-22-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unco

only way to find out for sure is to pull the timing cover off. have you done that already?

No but the mechanic was telling me that the best bet was the camshaft seals. Is this a possible D.I.Y. ?

Unco · 03-23-2008, 03:45 AM

it is a possible DIY, but it can be a pain in the back if you've never done them before. try doing a search and see if anything comes up.

CamryWilly · 03-23-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kep

Just a thought, check your PCV valve. Maybe it is gummed up (you can often clean it with throttle body cleaner) and causing increased pressure when you are stressing the engine.

Kep

I've been reading my Haynes and I just can't see how a gummed pcv valve can add pressure to any seal...

Nevertheless i'm going to clean it ASAP but I was just wondering how just this small thing could add pressure on a gasket.

Unco · 03-23-2008, 04:21 PM

increased rpm = increased blow-by which will have a direct effect on the PCV system. the PCV valve allows excess blow-by to exit. if it's blocked, then pressure builds up and it can try to escape via seals and gaskets.