Oil Leak...? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

badcompany87 · 03-11-2010, 04:25 PM

So about a month ago, a few weeks after I got an oil change the check engine light came on in my car. When I got home I checked the fluids and saw that the oil was low and added some, I assumed they hadn't added enough when they changed the oil. The next day the light turned off. Well today on my way home from the gym the light came on again...I checked the oil, it was a little low so I added some and have been driving around but it hasn't turned off. I looked around under the hood and it seems to be leaking around the block below the valve cover, it still runs smooth and no other problems. I plan on replacing the valve cover gasket, unfortunately autozone doesn't read codes any more so I can't pinpoint if this is exactly it, if you think there's anything else causing the leak let me know, or if you've had a similar problem what you did for a fix, thanks.

corolla615 · 03-11-2010, 05:20 PM

I had a similar problem, no codes , but the oil leak I had was'nt coming from the valve cover. It was coming from the distributer body. This is common on the 1.6 and 1.8 L engines. It is very easy to replace. Cost about 5 bucks if you do it yourself. As far as the code it might just be nothing more than a glitch. Also the oil capacity on the 1.6 is 3.5 quarts. Some service lube places over-fill the oil pan by adding as much as 5 quarts. Said but true. Its best to refer to your owners manual for the proper levels. Dan

Rip The E Brake · 03-11-2010, 05:28 PM

Why don't they read codes anymore? The one near me does!!!!

Sine Deviance · 03-11-2010, 08:28 PM

The 1.8L takes 3.9 qts iirc, in case you have one. Also, codes wont tell you where the leak is. There are no sensors for that kind of thing. However, there is a sensor for oil pressure, and if the pressure drops below a certain psi at a certain RPM it will throw the CEL.

The best way to find a leak is to take your car to one of those DIY carwashes with the pressure wand. Pop the hood and let the engine cool down for ten or fifteen minutes. Then pop some quarters in the machine, and set it to degreaser. Spray the engine with degreaser and let it sit for about ten minutes. Then pop some more quarters into the machine and rinse thoroughly. Be careful to not spray the distributor, coil, or any other part of the ignition system. A little splash-back mist is acceptable.

Once the engine is clean, drive the car for about 30 minutes then head home. Check the engine. The location of the leak should be clearly visible at this point.

badcompany87 · 03-12-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corolla615

I had a similar problem, no codes , but the oil leak I had was'nt coming from the valve cover. It was coming from the distributer body. This is common on the 1.6 and 1.8 L engines. It is very easy to replace. Cost about 5 bucks if you do it yourself. As far as the code it might just be nothing more than a glitch. Also the oil capacity on the 1.6 is 3.5 quarts. Some service lube places over-fill the oil pan by adding as much as 5 quarts. Said but true. Its best to refer to your owners manual for the proper levels. Dan

Hey Dan thanks for the reply...I have a few questions, what did you have to do to the distributor body to fix it...and where exactly is the distributor body lol?

badcompany87 · 03-12-2010, 04:29 PM

Thanks for all your help everybody

corolla615 · 03-12-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badcompany87

Hey Dan thanks for the reply...I have a few questions, what did you have to do to the distributor body to fix it...and where exactly is the distributor body lol?

First I removed the air intake box for better acsess. Then I removed the spark plug wires from the spark plugs. Next I removed the distributer cap leaving the spark plug wires connected to the cap. Then I removed the distibuter bolt from the side of the distributer and slid the distributer out of the engine. After that I removed the old "O" ring from the distributer base . I put light oil on the new "O" ring and put it in place. Then just reinstall the dist.being careful not to disturb its rotor position. Its best if you put an alinement mark on the dist.body so you can install it in its exact position. I hope this is clear enough, if not let me know. Good luck Dan.