3sfe Oil Leak (another thread...)

[jefe]

The leak is on the passenger side. The highest point I can see leakage is just above the #1 & #2 intake.

I just did the timing belt and replaced the front main. Camshaft seal looked OK, so did oil pump. Didn't appear to be any leakage in thise areas so I left them alone.

Also, I replaced the gasket on the cylinder head cover, but I didn't use any silicon. (One thread said to put it on the semicircular areas?) Torqued the cover to spec when I replaced it.

Rear main leak would be more toward the driver side and lower down wouldn't it?

Any suggestions here?

I searched and read through a bunch of threads with the same problem, but couldn't find a definite answer.

91 Camry 3sfe/auto 247K miles.

Thanks,
Jefe

[Boston Redneck]

Always use slicone on the area's where the half moon keys (take them out and clean them off before re-sealing) are and on the corners of the camshaft holddown's. It sounds as if it's coming from higher then the oil pump area, but anytime you are going to go that far into the front of the engine, it's a good idea to replace the Cam, crank, oil pump and oil pump "spaghetti" seal.

[jefe]

Originally Posted by Boston Redneck

Always use slicone on the area's where the half moon keys (take them out and clean them off before re-sealing) are and on the corners of the camshaft holddown's. It sounds as if it's coming from higher then the oil pump area, but anytime you are going to go that far into the front of the engine, it's a good idea to replace the Cam, crank, oil pump and oil pump "spaghetti" seal.

Is there a specific name for the silicone?



Also, I forgot to say that I did do the spaghetti seal (assume you're talking about the thin black one behind the plate the oil pump is attached to).

I did a post asking about the cam seal and consensus was to leave the old one since it didn't seem like it was leaking and it was an unlikely source. Honestly the only reason I didn't do that one and the oil pump seal is because I didn't have the right size pipe to use to press the seal into place. I used a piece of 2" PVC pipe for the front seal. I sanded the edge of the pipe a little so it would fit in the recess a little easier. Didn't know how else to do it.

[Boston Redneck]

I use the Toyota product called FIPG. If you re-seal properly with it, you should be able to go another 100k without it leaking again.