oil leak drivers side

[rebeljeep]

I have an oil leak{maybe head casket}on my 1998 4cylinder camry that has 190,000 miles on it.. I searched the forum, and discovered that this is a common issue on camrys with high miles. ,,,standing in front of the engine, the leak is on the right{drivers}sidebe coming out where the cast iron meets aluminum{I guess that's the head casket area} I have to replace about 3 quarts of oil a week....The valve cover casket is clean all the way around.The oil is clean and clear. This Camry has never overheated, and I drive like an old lady. I had the timing belt changed at 120,000 miles. never had a problem with this car. The dealership didn't look at it, but gave me a estimate of 950.00$ plus 200.00$ for parts if it is a head casket. Is there a tutorial somewhere that will help me do this myself?

[Mike Gerber]

You can go over to the Camry forum at AutomotiveForums.com and download a generation 4 Toyota factory service manual. The manuals are stickied there at the top of the forum. The procedure will be in the engine section for the 5SFE engine. Take a look at the procedure and determine if it's something you feel comfortable doing yourself.

Incidently, it's a head gasket, not a head casket.

Good luck.

Mike

[rebeljeep]

I got out my tools and started messing around under the hood,and discovered that an oil sensor switch that is screwed into the engine was leaking.The part was 15$ ,and is part plastic and past metal and has a place to plug in and electrical fitting. I changed the part, added oil,and shampooed the engine. Now the car is running like her old self.,,,, mercy me,,, I thought I was going to have to go car shopping. I hate car shopping. The whole car buying system is a bloodbath.

[Mike Gerber]

Congrats. I'm glad it was something that simple.

Mike