[davj3368]

I replaced the valve cover gasket hoping that the oil was leaking out there. Nope...stiill losing oil. Cleaned engine with cleaner, pulled tire, fired up engine and watched. All I can see is a small, steady drain of oil from the area of the oil pump. Is this a common place to have something fail? Seals? Gasket? I don't want to go through the hassle of replacing the oil pump (pulling pulleys, belts, etc) if that isn't what's wrong.

Also, is it necessary to pull the oil pan when I replace the oil pump?

I'm pure shade tree mechanic, and don't mind attempting this, but I don't have unlimited selection of tools. Is it something best left for a certified mechanic?

Ideas?

Dave

 

[Stillrunning]

All I can see is a small, steady drain of oil from the area of the oil pump.

That's a clue. Will probably be the oil pump shaft seal and/or oil pump body o-ring. When was the last time you replaced the timing belt?

 

[davj3368]

I replaced the water pump and timing belt about a year and a half ago.

Why?

DJ

 

[bronzemaxell]

I replaced the water pump and timing belt about a year and a half ago.

Why?

DJ

if indeed oil pump shaft seal and/or oil pumo oring seal leaking, (only a $7 or $10 in part)you have to remove the timing belt in order to access the oil pump.


my 97 camry 4cyl was leaking at the oil pump o-ring, i did the timing belt 3 times within a month.

1st time just to change timing belt, oil pump seal, cam seal, crank shaft seal water pump

2nd time found oil pan area wet, and oil dripped on garage floor, then i used red gasket silicone from walmart patch the oil pump o-ring, the old rubber was dried up and in pieces

3rd time was when i finally bought the real oem new oil pump o ring.

 

[Stillrunning]

I replaced the water pump and timing belt about a year and a half ago.Why?

Because whomever did it should have replaced those low cost seals (as bronzemaxell points out) while they were in there. If a shop did the job you might want to review your bill to see if these seals are on the list of parts.

 

[davj3368]

Oh. Actually, my Camry broke down on me (water pump) while I was on a road trip a year or two ago. We had to leave it with a shop, rent a car, and come back a few days later to get it. I'm sure I still have the receipt, and I remember that they installed new belts while they were in it, but I doubt they pulled the oil pump.

Anyway, looks like I'll be pulling the pump this weekend and inspecting the o-ring and seals. I'll report back after I perform the work!