2006 4Runner oil leak??

[LionSinzahn]

Okay, I'm definitely no mechanic so pardon my ignorance.

For about the last 10 days or so I've noticed oil under my 4Runner after parking. When I'm driving for a few miles and come to a complete spot I can even smell burning oil if my windows are down. It performs no different and no check engine light is on or anything... it clearly is leaking oil as a pretty large spot appears under it every time. But checking the dipstick the oil level is fine and it looks clean. I'm at a loss..... Looking under the hood I have absolutely zero idea where it is coming from because wherever the leak is it is getting sprayed all over. I guess the point of this post was more of me wondering if this is something I should be immediately concerned about if the oil level on the dipstick still shows okay? Although it always does look like a lot is being lost on the pavement... I don't get it.

 

[rdruss]

Put down a large piece of cardboard and lay on it under your 4R after it has sat for about 15 min and look closely for where the drip is from and where it may be forming from.
Changed oil lately? Tighten filter properly? Tighten drain plug properly? Etc.
A valve cover gasket leak can work its way down to your driveway.

 

[LionSinzahn]

I found the spot it is leaking from. I let my 4Runner sit for a couple days and I looked under the hood before even starting it, as soon as I started it up oil started coming from this spot instantly. Again, I'm no mechanic and have never even worked on a vehicle so pardon my ignorance... I don't even know what this connection here is, but this should be a cheap fix, right? Please say it is... Lmao

Going to take it to the mechanic tomorrow, was just hoping for a quick opinion from here.

 

[firebirdguy]

thats a bad leak, but if its that sensor its probably just loose. whats weird is there is oil residue all around it including front & rear & above, best way to do more checking is to wipe it all clean with a rag & some paint thinner or just a rag if you dont have any cleaner, then start it up & confirm where its coming from. if it is indeed that fitting you can try to "GENTLY" tighten it with the right size wrench or a pair of pliers if you grab on the metal area below the connector & plastic body. if its loose you can just snug it up to see if that helps or stops the leak. if thats the reason for the leak, the proper way to do it is to remove the sensor & apply thread sealer on the threads & reinstall. but if snugging it up doesnt stop the leak, the sensor itself may have cracked causing the leak & can be easily replaced .

even if youve never worked on a car this looks to be a very simple fix, if you feel comfortable, try checking how loose it is, snugging it up should stop the leak for now until you can reseal it properly... no need to pay a mechanic for something this simple.

& thank you for asking about the issue & not just blaming leaks on the oil like some do... oil leaks are caused by bad gaskets or loose fittings & bolts etc.

 

[Drcoffee]

With oil coming from the wire connection, Id say the sensor has cracked. It would be an easy fix for someone handy. But I’d suggest you let a mechanic fix it.

 

[LionSinzahn]

Thanks guys!

Brought it to a mechanic this morning. They looked at it right away and called their parts store and swapped it out for me. They added some lost oil and cleaned up the engine bay for me as well since it made quite the mess. No more leaking, was in and out in under an hour. I was worried this leak was going to be a way bigger headache after seeing the large spot under my vehicle, glad it was a super simple and cheap fix.

 

[[email protected]]

Are oil leaks common with the 4Runner 5th gen?

 

[firebirdguy]

Thanks guys!

Brought it to a mechanic this morning. They looked at it right away and called their parts store and swapped it out for me. They added some lost oil and cleaned up the engine bay for me as well since it made quite the mess. No more leaking, was in and out in under an hour. I was worried this leak was going to be a way bigger headache after seeing the large spot under my vehicle, glad it was a super simple and cheap fix.

good deal, happy to hear you fixed the CAUSE of the oil leak.

 

[firebirdguy]

Are oil leaks common with the 4Runner 5th gen?

this is the 4th gen section, however the 5th gen uses the same engine as the 4th gen v6... no, leaks are not at all common on 4th or 5th gen v6. of course there can always be things that cause a leak like the OP's sensor on this thread or bad valve cover or other gaskets but in general these toyota engines are one of the best out there for no leaks. plenty of 4runners with 150-200k+9 miles running full synthetic oil & they are bone dry. but if you do happen to have a leak, find the cause & fix it.