2000 4Runner - Rear Main Seal Leak? *Help!*

[thrice1825]

Hey Everyone,

I recently purchased my first 4Runner - 2000 Limited, auto tranny, with 170K.

After 2 days, I've noticed oil on my drive way. I removed the skid plates and cleaned off all the oil around the components and transmission bell housing. I took the car for a ride around the block and noticed some oil at the bottom and middle / side of the bell housing.

There is some oil seepage around the valve cover but nothing that appears sever enough to actually leave a puddle on my drive way.

Does anyone have any idea as to any additional troubleshooting techniques?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
-Matt

 

[98_4runnerSR5]

Could be a rear main seal leak but if you've located oil around your valve cover, chances are you've valve cover gaskets are bad. I've currently got the exact same problem and plan on ripping it apart next weekend to do a valve cover gasket job along with a few other gaskets around there.

 

[thrice1825]

Thanks for the info! I may try replacing the valve cover gasket first to see if it resolves the issues *crossing my fingers*.

As long as I monitor the oil levels, would it be a problem to continue to drive the car around ?

 

[Steve240]

If it is a very slow leak than no. If it becomes larger it will start to affect your vacuum, you will notice a rough idea and your oil pressure will start to fluxuate which could be come harmful.