3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Oil is leaking from a part of the engine that Im not familiar with AT ALL!
OK... its on the drivers side. It is directly under the radiator hose. It is very close and to the right (standing infront of the car) of the exhaust manifold. It SEEMS to be attached to the Starter. There is a thin metal plate that is attached at the end of this thing and again, its very close to the exhaust manifold. The oil is pouring out of that area!
Its coming out between that thin metal plate and dumping oil around that whole engine area!!!
Oil is leaking from a part of the engine that Im not familiar with AT ALL!
OK... its on the drivers side. It is directly under the radiator hose. It is very close and to the right (standing infront of the car) of the exhaust manifold. It SEEMS to be attached to the Starter. There is a thin metal plate that is attached at the end of this thing and again, its very close to the exhaust manifold. The oil is pouring out of that area!
Its coming out between that thin metal plate and dumping oil around that whole engine area!!!
HELLLLLP!
What is it!?
deadly that plate covers the componets that connect your trans to the engine - and beneath it are two seals - your main engine seal, and your transmission shaft seal
From what you are describing, it sounds like this leak is "higher up" on the engine? maybe your valve cover is leaking down, and dripping from the between the two?
I just bought it last week! It was owned by a family on welfare and it looks like they havent changed the oil in a loooooooong time.
I shall take a photo of it and then post it tomorrow. By oil seems to have been flying directly out of that cover and splattering (yes... splattering) all around the area... plus the oil poured down that area and left a nice puddle of oil on the pavement.
How does one FIX this main engine seal / trans shaft gasket thingy?
I just bought it last week! It was owned by a family on welfare and it looks like they havent changed the oil in a loooooooong time.
I shall take a photo of it and then post it tomorrow. By oil seems to have been flying directly out of that cover and splattering (yes... splattering) all around the area... plus the oil poured down that area and left a nice puddle of oil on the pavement.
How does one FIX this main engine seal / trans shaft gasket thingy?
The trans seal is easier...by a little. The main engine seal is a little more involved, you have to take the transmission off to get to both - not fun, but doable with the right tools. Once the trans is off, you have to take the ring gear off the flywheel, and then remove the flywheel - with the engine in the car, these are not easy things to do. If it's the trans seal, you just remove the trans, and remove the torque converter, and it's right there.
I don't believe these seal are very expensive - if you are going to do this job, you should do the main engine seal, the trans seal, and the axle seals all at once.
These seals, when old, when exposed to freezing temps, can just fail - most likely the previous family wasn't trying to hide anything (hopefully).
But don't get ahead of yourself - main seals seldom "pour out" more like a drip...take a picture and point to where you think it's coming out, and try and make sure it's oil, and not grease (from the axles), trans fluid, or something else. I'm hoping one of your trans lines got nicked and is leaking - could look like oil, and an easy fix.
The trans seal is easier...by a little. The main engine seal is a little more involved, you have to take the transmission off to get to both - not fun, but doable with the right tools. Once the trans is off, you have to take the ring gear off the flywheel, and then remove the flywheel - with the engine in the car, these are not easy things to do. If it's the trans seal, you just remove the trans, and remove the torque converter, and it's right there.
I don't believe these seal are very expensive - if you are going to do this job, you should do the main engine seal, the trans seal, and the axle seals all at once.
These seals, when old, when exposed to freezing temps, can just fail - most likely the previous family wasn't trying to hide anything (hopefully).
But don't get ahead of yourself - main seals seldom "pour out" more like a drip...take a picture and point to where you think it's coming out, and try and make sure it's oil, and not grease (from the axles), trans fluid, or something else. I'm hoping one of your trans lines got nicked and is leaking - could look like oil, and an easy fix.
Dear GOD!!!!
How much do these seals? How do I do this?? I dont think I COULD do it. I dont think I have the right tools to take a trans off. You need a lift right?
And if I pay for someone to do this I might as well just sell the thing. This is HORRIBLE!!!!! I shall take a photo tomorrow.
ANyone care to buy a 96 Camry? *sigh*
here is the photo as promised! You can see the fluid / oil came from the shield and then dripped down. I was Sea Foaming the engine and clearing out the carbon crap while reving the engine at 3500 RPMs. THEN I saw all the smoke from the engine area. It SEEMS like it tossed a LOT of fluid from that area and then dribbled down the engine area.
__________________
1992 Camry I-4 with 145K miles
Last edited by Deadly Sushi; 11-09-2010 at 06:21 PM.
. It SEEMS like it tossed a LOT of fluid from that area and then dribbled down the engine area.
when you say "tossing" the first thing that comes to mind is, the main engine seal is leaking, the oil is leaking onto the flywheel, and as the flywheel spins, the oil is sent in every direction.
I don't want to say main seal yet (because of the work required to fix it) - if you have time, and it's warm enough, buy some engine degreaser, spray that area, and clean off as much oil as you can...I'm hoping you have a leak right above that area, in your valve cover...
when you say "tossing" the first thing that comes to mind is, the main engine seal is leaking, the oil is leaking onto the flywheel, and as the flywheel spins, the oil is sent in every direction.
I don't want to say main seal yet (because of the work required to fix it) - if you have time, and it's warm enough, buy some engine degreaser, spray that area, and clean off as much oil as you can...I'm hoping you have a leak right above that area, in your valve cover...
I used engine degreaser the day before and that area had no oil..... unil I did what i did.
I used engine degreaser the day before and that area had no oil..... unil I did what i did.
Well, that leans me towards main seal...we have very smart, experienced guys here - I'm hoping someone else will tell me I'm wrong...
I just thought of something...
...if you remove the starter (I believe 2 14mm bolts, and two or three electrical connections, and remove the airbox) you'll have a very good look at your ring gear, and might be able to flash a light or mirror into the starter hole to see what's going on. Starters are very easy to remove and you'll have a good view of the area right where it's leaking.
Looks like a real seal to me as of now. do you have a picture of the Head / Transmission together? Could be something else
Reluctant has a great idea with removing the starter.
If you remove the starter and its covered in motor oil that will also be a direct indication its your rear main seal. Takes 2 minutes to remove it . just make sure you disconnect your battery before removing it
i'm not experienced but i would also say rear main seal...
you could maybe check to see if there is anybody from tn near you that could help you replacing it...
You can diy this...and I would suggest removing the engine to do it.
You'll need:
Lots of space
an engine hoist (119bucks, or borrow one)
Torque wrench (pep boys does free tool rentals)
basic metric sockets, and long sleeve metric sockets (10mm-19mm mostly)
an engine leveler (again, a rental from pep boys)
all the seals, and the timing belt while you're at it.
I think, all told, with all the seals, tools, belts, etc, you might spend 400 diy - there might be a local toyota speciality shop that can do this job much cheaper, because they have the tools, and have dozens and dozens of them (saving time and money).
You could do this with the engine in the car - without a lift, or a trans jack, this approach usually will cost you more time than if you just pulled the engine.
Taking the engine out isn't too bad - sounds hard, but easier than a head job (imho)
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
camry
My main engine seal??? 
1999 Toyota Avalon
95 Camry
AUTO to MANUAL Swap Guide (3rd Gen) - 
Linear Mode
