3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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Hello everyone, new to the forum (or at least to posting),
I had my timing belt, water pump, and thermostat done by a local shop last week. I bought all the parts with the exception of the water pump from Toyota. I drove the car for the last 2 days, and I noticed this morning a large amount of oil on the drive, I backed it out and parked it in the lot next door and there was a good puddle of oil under it again. I checked the oil and it was about a quart low, I added it and parked it back in the mechanic's lot. My friend owns the shop (it is a reputable shop), and like a typical mechanic he is telling me it is probably no big deal, easy to say when its not going to be at his cost (assuming they did not screw up). I am not all that familiar with the timing belt set up along with all the seals, is it possible that one of the seals was improperly installed and it has resulted in a major oil leak? It is definitely coming from the timing belt lower cover area, or at least it looked like it from above. It is pretty cold here and I didn't want to get under it, the power steering rack is covered in oil, especially the boot area. It is a 99 CE with a 2.2L. 140,000, 2nd timing belt change. Have never had any other issues and I keep up with the general maintenance myself.
Thanks,
Benny
Last edited by BennyO2367; 02-14-2010 at 05:10 PM.
It's probably a seal that was not installed/tightened correctly. I hope you were able to "mop" up the spilled oil before it is washed into the storm sewers
I don't know how any shop couldn't do an oil seal right. An improperly installed oil seal can do that. But PS rack is relatively far back, so I wonder if the valve cover gasket is leaking too (down the back of the engine, so use a flash light/mirror).
That's easy. They want to get the work done fast, so they can go on to the next vehicle, In other words, try to work on as many cars as they're open, which translates into more money.
It's probably a seal that was not installed/tightened correctly. I hope you were able to "mop" up the spilled oil before it is washed into the storm sewers
What are you, some kinda tree hugger?.......Geez!.....
Nothing, however, oil is nonpolar and water is polar so they are immiscible. So as long as the water is treated, there is nothing wrong with it. There is a problem though with oil spills being on wildlife because oils can enter their body much like DDT does.
Generally, when you change out the timing belt & water pump, you should change out the camshaft, crankshaft, and oil pump seals at the same time.
Sounds like when they were in changing the timing belt, they knocked one of the seals askew.
There are actually 4 seals behind the timing cover that need to be changed. The crank, cam and oil pump seals but there is an inner oil pump seal (we call it the spaghetti seal) that gets very dry and cracks.
I agree with most everybody else here that who ever did the job probably installed it wrong and the lip is folder over or it is askew.
No concern about this being off topic, it is relevant. This member has a big oil leak that not only left a puddle on his garage floor, but also on the ground of the lot next door. The rain, snow, etc can come and wash this oil into the sewer if it is not cleaned up, hence the concern for it being cleaned up. Leaking oil from vehicles can be a big problem in more ways than one, regardess of make or model. Besides, he's "wasting" money having to refill because his oil level is low
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(assuming they did not screw up). I am not all that familiar with the timing belt set up along with all the seals, is it possible that one of the seals was improperly installed and it has resulted in a major oil leak? It is definitely coming from the timing belt lower cover area, or at least it looked like it from above. It is pretty cold here and I didn't want to get under it, the power steering rack is covered in oil, especially the boot area. It is a 99 CE with a 2.2L. 140,000, 2nd timing belt change. Have never had any other issues and I keep up with the general maintenance myself.
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