what might be doing this

[celica2004]

I see some oil around the engine area. I am wondering what might have created this problem. Please check the picture (link provided). If possible please let me know the solution to this problem.

http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?i...olla18l2qv.jpg


Thanks.

[ST185]

Look like a bad valve cover gasket.
Check if you can see oil in spark plug holes.
Fixing is not too difficult. It can be done with engine in the car.

[ShawnM]

I agree, looks like valve cover. Its a good place to start anyway. Then clean the engine off and see if theres any oil leaking around the distributor.

[celica2004]

I believe changing valve cover gasket should not be a hard job. But it will be of great help if someone write or show (pics) the procedure.

And also the tools necessary for this job.

thanks.

[Flashmn]

Valvecover gasket and the gaskets under the bolts. replace them

[Drive_a_toy]

tools required..

well......some sockets to take off the bolts holding the valve cover on.......posibly a flexible spackle blade (preferably not metal, as not scratch the mating surface)......some varsol or gasoline......


take off the cover bolts and washers/seal rings......
pull off the cover......may have to pry off..depending on how old.....a plastic spackle blade might do the trick...also use to clean the old gasket off both surfaces......make sure all gasket is off and OUTSIDE the valve area......gasoline is to clean the cover and bolts of oil and dirt....

IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO CLEAN THE BLOCK WITH THE GASOLINE....BUT I DONT RECCOMEND IT.....

re install gasket on engine...... you may decide to use a "form-a-gasket" to help with gasket seal.......

bolt cover back on......tourqe specs are in any haynes manual.........ive never followed them i just make it tight,......depends i guess on wether you trust your self not to strip any bolts......


if you have any more q's feel free to post...........i hope i helped........

[celica2004]

Thanks Drive_a_toy vbmenu_register("postmenu_901264", true); ...


I have couple of questions..

1) How do you take precautions while removing the old gasket? I mean before scaping it with blade do you cover the engine area with some kind of material so that it wont fall inside.

2) Can you mention the torque specs for 1993 corolla if possible? Just for reference..


I am lookin for some pics on internet .. if i find some i will post it ..


thanks.

[Flashmn]

IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO CLEAN THE BLOCK WITH THE GASOLINE....BUT I DONT RECCOMEND IT.....

Brake cleaner is a better option.

[tashirosgt]

First check that the nuts on your valve cover are tight. It might be that they are loose.
Simple Green and water and a brush are the best thing for cleaning engines. Don't use a high pressure stream of water to rinse. Just sprinkle gently, a plant watering can would do.
It may take several washings.

If your car has the OEM valve cover gasket, you will find it is a single solid piece of plastic that sits in a trough around the edge of the valve cover. It is not difficult to pull it out and press in a new one. In fact your old one may not need replacing. There are some dabs of gasket compound (the kind that comes in a tube) on the top of the edge of the head around the ends of the camshafts. These small dabs should be scraped off, the area cleaned and new dabs of gasket material should be put in. The nooks and crannies in the head are relatively shallow, so you can fish out anything that falls into the head.

While you have your valve cover off, you can check your valve clearances - I mention this because you seem to be getting deeper and deeper into auto mechanics. You can also inspect the timing belt. If you don't have a Toyota Service Manual for this car you should get one. Or get the GM Prizm manual for the same year. These manuals show the proper torque for the nuts that hold the valve cover, the location of the dabs of gasket compound etc.

[tashirosgt]

...and check your PCV valve. If it's clogged, that might explain the leak.