3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I have a Gen 3 1MZ and I just rubbed my hand behind the timing belt cover and got this sort of grease like, black thick substance on my hands. Could this be oil or is this just grease that is normally behind the cover? I haven't seen a drop in my oil levels. Also does anyone know if their is supposed to be a sort of "groove" or crack on the bottom of the valve cover (bottom portion of the valve cover) behind the alternator and the timing cover? Thanks!
This is not normal to have grease behind the timing belt cover. The main purpose of the cover is to protect timing belt area from dirt, oil, etc. Actually that is why it is important to check timing belt cover gasket and replace it if it is bad.
The oily grease like that may easily destroy the timing belt.
Where exactly did you rub your hand - into the lower timing belt cover where the crankshaft sprocket is located? Maybe your crankshaft seal is bad and leaking oil just mixed with dust and created that kind of substance?
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Camry Sedan 1996 LE V6 1MZ - 170 Kmiles
-------------------------------------------------- FOR SALE, Sedan/Wagon parts
its actually behind the whole timing belt assembly between the back panel of the timing belt assembly and the valve. its almost like a mud substance but pitch black in color
What kind of help you need? Like I said - there should be NO stuff like that. The only way to determine what is going on is to take off the cover and check the seals (crankshaft and camshafts seals).
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Camry Sedan 1996 LE V6 1MZ - 170 Kmiles
-------------------------------------------------- FOR SALE, Sedan/Wagon parts
its actually behind the whole timing belt assembly between the back panel of the timing belt assembly and the valve. its almost like a mud substance but pitch black in color
First off , there shouldn't be anything there. If it were the cam seals the leak would be inside the timing belt covers, although a little could seep out. About the only place oil could come from would be the valve cover gasket. You didn't say if it was towards the front of the engine, towards the radiator, or towards the rear near the firewall. If it's more to the rear, the I'd lean heavily towards the valve cover gasket. Toyota did a crappy job of engineering the gasket and bolts to seal the leaks, to say nothing of tilting the engine, so you are about guaranteed to have the valve covers leak at some point in time.
You can search the forums for discussions on the valve covers. There are many threads.
What I would do, is to visit your local do it yourself car wash and get yourself a couple spray cans of engine cleaner, and give your engine compartment a good cleaning. Then you will be in a better position to see where the leak is coming from, and then you can attack the problem directly.
It's most likely my valve cover gasket. I remember a mechanic telling me i needed to change it. When changing the valve cover gasket, is their any sort of sealant/bonding "glue" that I need to hold the gasket in place?
It's most likely my valve cover gasket. I remember a mechanic telling me i needed to change it. When changing the valve cover gasket, is their any sort of sealant/bonding "glue" that I need to hold the gasket in place?
If you use the stock setup there is nothing you can do to prevent it from leaking again. The design is flawed, and it's in the bolts that hold the valve cover down to the head. If you are going to do it yourself be prepared for a lot of work, and frustration. If you're paying somebody else to do it, be prepared for a $300-$450 repair bill. More if you take it to the dealer. And I can guarantee you that it will leak again sometime in the future if you keep the car long enough.
Here are some threads on what's involved to change the gaskets......
The problem isn't the valve cover gasket itself, or the sealant, it's the design of the bolts that hold the valve cover down. Here's info on how to overcome the problem. Scroll down to #5.
Whatever you do, don't use the stock bolt setup, it will leak again. Just add a couple of washers under each of the over engineered bolts, and you will be leak free for as long as you own your car.
When it comes to gasket sealer, some say to use it in the corners. Me I like to coat the valve cover gasket, the gasket, and the head all with a thing coat of sealer. I like to use the Permatex silver hi-temp gasket sealer, it matches the heads nicely when it dries.
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Strange substance behind Timing cover
Like I said - there should be NO stuff like that. The only way to determine what is going on is to take off the cover and check the seals (crankshaft and camshafts seals).
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