Odd fluid on engine - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-15-2008, 06:47 PM

Hey guys. Well, I keep a close eye on my engine... It has had a small oil leak since I bought it. I could never tell where it was coming from, and it doesn't always leak. Anyways, I was giving my engine a one-over again today to check for the leak. (Mind you, I put some conditioner, don't remember the name, suppost to clean the injectors and whatnot, in the gas as directed, shouldn't be any issues from that) I noticed the valve cover was wet, and where the spark plugs go in, there were small pools of a yellowish liquid. That's the best description I can give you, it was on a paper towel, so who knows. =s
Anyways, I don't think it was oil, as oil is not yellow... didn't notice any gassy smells from it either. Added are some pictures:
Wowzor, big ones. O_o
Is this normal? I've never noticed this before. (1993 Camry LE, 4 cyl.)

bigbird · 12-15-2008, 06:59 PM

you should resize that one pic

.

looks like its commin out of your oil cap possibly, oil does have a gold color to it when its good. thats the only think i could see it being. is it kinda slick or like water? does it smell? what like?

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-15-2008, 07:07 PM

I know, that second pic is a nuisance. xD
I'll have to wait untill tomorrow to get a good whiff of it. I'll let you know more tomorrow after school if there is any more of it. I wiped a portion of it away using my paper towel.

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-15-2008, 07:18 PM

Bump.
Well, I went outside to check the oil cover to make sure it was tight, and seemed tight. So I also tried to get my finger into the liquid. What I could get felt somewhat watery, but it is hard to say because it was polluted with dirt and stuff. As for a smell... well, if it had one, I couldn't smell it. All i could smell was a metallic smell.
Hm. Felt almost like 'oily' but it's really hard to say. If more gets produced tomorrow, i'll test it more thoroughly.

***toyomoho*** · 12-15-2008, 07:25 PM

Compare your fluid findings with the engine coolant.

***ASG14*** · 12-15-2008, 07:37 PM

All it is is oil spilled when putting it in last.

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-16-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

All it is is oil spilled when putting it in last.

I was able to get a better look at it, and it looks to be oil. But it isn't from the last time I put oil in, because that mess wasn't there 3 days ago. I noticed there's a good bit of it between the block and the spark plug thing. I'm not sure if it might be leaking from there? I'm still pretty sure that isn't from the last refill, I should have noticed this last time. And i'm still looking for the primary leak. >_<

***ASG14*** · 12-16-2008, 02:02 PM

PCV valve then is clogged. Get a new one and replace it. thats the only other place on the top where the oil can come from.

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-16-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASG14

PCV valve then is clogged. Get a new one and replace it. thats the only other place on the top where the oil can come from.

Thanks, I'll have a look at it.

Hajoca · 12-16-2008, 02:48 PM

I would remove plastic oil cap and look at the rubber seal there too. Then remove spark plug wires and other rubber pieces and wipe it down with brake cleaner and see of you got the leak taken care of.

BTW did you look at the spark plug nut seals in valve cover (grommets) ?

Loganwiththe'93 · 12-16-2008, 04:25 PM

I haven't had the bravery to remove anything in any way. xD
When I take it to my mechanic for the main oil leak, I'll have him take a look at it.
But who knows how long that will be. <_<