3.0 Oil leak what is the USUAL source?

[AKcharger]

Hi guys, this is an open question of course but is there a common oil leak/weak spot on these engines I should look at first? engine runs good no noises and I did fix the power steering leak. Leak is about 2 inch in dia if left over night and seems to be coming from the left side but nothing appearent

Thanks

 

[JeremyH]

Slide under there and check it out. What 4R is this on?

 

[AKcharger]

Slide under there and check it out. What 4R is this on?

Have...it's wet everywhere and not that winter is here I can't pressure wash. It's a 1st Gen '88 3.0 with 5 speed

 

[JeremyH]

Can you possibly post a picture of the engine from below?

 

[ToyoTech]

the usual leaks for the 3.0 are the valve cover gaskets. also its a good idea to replace the two rear round cam seals as well when you have the covers off. also since the intake plenum comes off, get a new plenum gasket as well.

 

[AKcharger]

the usual leaks for the 3.0 are the valve cover gaskets. also its a good idea to replace the two rear round cam seals as well when you have the covers off. also since the intake plenum comes off, get a new plenum gasket as well.

Thanks Toyotech! I got some valve cover gaskets but didn't notice till I got ready to start the whole intake has to come off (used to v-8s) I'll swap out the cam seal too...anything else smart to mess with while I'm in there?

AK

 

[Merle]

Recent leak? Sloppy oil change. Can be the filter or gasket on the drain plug.

However, the valve cover gaskets have been the culprit on prior Toyota's of mine and needed *frequent* retightening, causing a mess down the back of the engine.

Never had an oil pan, transmission or any other gasket/seal cause a problem as much as the above two items.

 

[AKcharger]

Thanks guys, Plenum and passanger side cover is off...looks like that cover was at least part of the problem. Do you use any sealent with the valve cover gasket or is it stand alone?

Thanks

AK

 

[AKcharger]

OK, well followed book and did not use sealent...it's back together and leaking just as bad from the same spot on the cover so I guess you DO seal it, any other tips or suggestions?

1) mating surfaces clean and dry
2) cover bolts snug not too tight...leaked, then tightened down hard...leaked