Could this be a cracked head or gasket issue? (UV dye pic) - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Cycleandsurf · 02-07-2021, 01:30 AM

Used a UV dye in my oil and drive around for a couple days. I have bad oil leakage on my new-to-me ‘96 4x4 SR5. Kind of a project car for learning and looking handy in front of the old lady.

Pictured is the passenger side of what I believe to be the head gasket. It’s leaking pretty decently, and I don’t see any oil above it which would lead me to think it’s not the VCs. Same story on the driver side but not as prevalent.

From reading, external oil leaks due to head gasket failure are rare. I have both sides leaking. Could it be a cracked head? Perhaps I’m missing something altogether?

If more pictures would help, I’m happy to go crawling for them.

Bad Luck · 02-07-2021, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cycleandsurf

From reading, external oil leaks due to head gasket failure are rare. I have both sides leaking. Could it be a cracked head? Perhaps I’m missing something altogether?

If more pictures would help, I’m happy to go crawling for them.

That is the head gasket in the photo, but it is rare to have it leak oil. Are you able to shine the UV light on the cam plugs? (Not sure if that’s the right name. They’re a round metal piece that have a cap that bolts over them. They’re recommended to get changed with the valve cover gaskets. Located on the front and rear of each head.)

3bears · 02-07-2021, 04:47 PM

i agree with Bad Luck. I think it could be related to valve cover gaskets , mostly the cam plug in the back.

Cycleandsurf · 02-07-2021, 06:02 PM

I see, it’s in the rear of the VC’s. Waiting for nightfall to crawl under with the light. I’m thinking maybe I should climb above the engine to get a good angle.

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