'94 Camry 6cyl Oil Leak - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

i_am_jim · 07-25-2011, 02:13 PM

My '94 Camry 6cyl has developed an oil leak. Does anyone know what's the most likely culprit? I don't think it's a valve cover, but I can't figure out where it's coming from. If you suspect what may be leaking, is there a chance that tightening any of the bolts visible in these pictures would stop the leak?

***BMR*** · 07-25-2011, 02:15 PM

Probably leaking from the valve cover gasket, and dripping down.

pmesfun · 07-25-2011, 02:32 PM

^+1
It could also be the cam seal behind the timing cover.

i_am_jim · 07-25-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmesfun

^+1
It could also be the cam seal behind the timing cover.

That seems more likely to me. I was able to see the valve cover gasket in this area and it'd didn't appear to me coming from there and wet area is directly behind the timing cover.

Anything I can tighten that might stop this?

pmesfun · 07-25-2011, 04:26 PM

You have to remove the timing cover, belt, cam sprocket and metal back plate to replace the seal. Also its recommended to replace the valve cover gasket and reseal the cam seal cap under the valve cover.

i_am_jim · 07-25-2011, 04:34 PM

Ouch. That sounds like a lot of work. I may just let it leak. Oil is cheap.

Fortified Souls · 07-25-2011, 04:44 PM

^ If it soaks the timing belt it'll be more work best to tackle it now while its easy.

hill8570 · 07-25-2011, 05:01 PM

Cam seal leak usually sends the oil down and to the rear (staying under the timing cover until it leaks out the bottom of the timing cover). This looks to be high and coming down the front and side. My money's on the front valve cover gasket.

Hit it with a can of engine degreaser, rinse, then take a look after a day or so -- should be easier to see the source.

mazdaverx7 · 07-26-2011, 03:08 AM

i agree that it could be a faulty valve cover gasket. easy to change the pair, just time consuming. a faulty cam seal(s) can cause an oil leak up front but not in the area in the pictures. i would replace the valve cover gaskets. remember when doing so to replace the upper intake manifold gasket and to properly apply sealer to the corners of the gasket. the worst part of the job is the removal of the hardened spark plug tube seals. they always put up a fight upon removal. i'm going to do a write up on the 3VZ-FE valve cover gasket replacement and i can post pics here of certain points of the write up if you'd like.