Could Toyota be wrong?

[Paulos]

I am selling my 1998 3.4l, 5sp, 4wd, and buyer wanted a Toyota check. I gladly complied, and according to Toyota, I have a rear main seal leak and valve cover leak. I know the latter is a driveway type repair, but the rear main seal involves transmission removal.
Last year I had Toyota replace the master clutch cylinder. Is it possible they just scattered oil in that area? My wagon uses absolutely no oil and there are no drops of oil in my garage.
Also, would it be a good idea to just replace the clutch, if I have the main seal replaced? It is a lot of work to replace a $30 part.

I took the wagon to the car wash and cleaned the engine and around the transmission/engine area...I will look in a few days to see evidence of a leak.

I thank you very much for your help

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

If it is a major leak you would have seen it when parked in your driveway. However, it is possible that it is beginning to seep and will need replacement, and that is why they mentioned it to you.

You could always find another buyer or lower the price to reflect the possible repair. If it is indeed bad, let the buyer go through the hassle, just lower the price for the cost of the repair.

 

[fourwd1]

Last year I had Toyota replace the master clutch cylinder. Is it possible they just scattered oil in that area?

Not likely, the clutch uses brake fluid, not engine oil.

and BTW, you don't have a wagon, this is a wagon

 

[Paulos]

thanks

Thanks for the replies and the nice picture

 

[Paulos]

Leak?

I heard that there is a dye that can reveal the leaking source. Is that something that is recommended by anyone here with this experience.


If the seal leaks, would it be a good Idea to replace my clutch @ 98K miles if I have the rear main seal replaced...seems like a good idea, since the trans is removed to replace the seal. Toyota (stealer)ship wants $699, just to replace the $30 seal, and PEP Boys could replace the clutch (Luk) for a little less!

thank you

 

[Ron Helmuth]

do not let Pep Boys do your clutch. Sorry but their reputation precedes them.Find a competent Yota specialist in your area if you like and do not want to pay dealership prices.

Yes it does make sense to have clutch done at same time as rear seal. Yes dye can be added to the oil or tranny to verify leakage areas. It's a waste of money frankly.

If the buyer is aware that Toyota has said this, I would simply lower your price slightly to reflect that it will need to be done eventually.

Seepage is no big deal and is to be expected on a 13 year old vehicle. Likewise a replacement clutch is to be expected ....eventually. I just turned past 100K and my 99 will need a clutch probably in another 40K miles or so.

Stick with OEM clutch or go Centerforce. You will get what you pay for if you go (out of) LUK. Toyota clutch lasted this long and you're questioning the need to even replace it. Why not go another 100K or more with a quality part? It's the labor not the part cost to worry about.

If your Runner is not leaving spots where you park it, you or your buyer don't have anything to be worried about. The valve cover gaskets are common seepage as well, but it's not a typical driveway repair due to all the stuff that must be removed to get at it.

If your potential buyer is going to play hardball on these type of issues you may wish to just continue listing it. It's all relative to the price you are asking for the vehicle. And now you have that dealership report with only some maintenance issues noted.

None of these should be a deal killer, unless you are asking way too high a price for the vehicle. Both you and the buyer should have some wiggle room and can meet in the middle on a fair and reasonable price.

Good luck with your sale.

 

[Paulos]

Thanks Ron

Very good information and discussion of possible avenues to approach the situation. I do know that I have priced my 4runner very low to sell quickly, and the news of a leak supprised me, since I have no oil drops in my garage and use no oil.
I will probably ask potential buyers to accept the small monetary concession, or replace the clutch and adjust the price to reflect it.
If you know anyone in CO in need for a very solid, and capable 4runner, please let me know.


Thank you

 

[wolfgang]

I'd just clean up those areas with Simple Green or wand car wash. It's a 13 year dependable vehicle - 5 spd is a big plus now that all are slush boxes. Just find another buyer - of course, Toyota service is going to find something wrong if you ask them to!

 

[Paulos]

Engine dye

I researched this on the forum and cleaned the engine really good. I took the 4runner to a reputable garage and they put engine dye and asked that I run it for a week and bring it back....I did, and no leak. I also took it back to Toyota and they actually let me look under the body (with a uv light) with them niether me, or the Toyota mechanic saw any leak.
Sometimes people make mistakes...it is good to get a second check.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

good update Paulos

glad to hear there was no real leak. I presume this vehicle is now sold and so on.

I am shopping clutches now as my throwout bearing is whining when the clutch is released.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

Paulos; Get some high mileage motor oil (75,000 miles+) and start using that . Those oils contain seal swell additives that will slow or sometimes stop seal leaks. Valvoline Maxlife is the best I know of. Try to use the synthetic blend and not the full synthetic if possible. Pennzoil also makes a high mileage that is good as well.

 

[Rix]

Paulos; Get some high mileage motor oil (75,000 miles+) and start using that . Those oils contain seal swell additives that will slow or sometimes stop seal leaks. Valvoline Maxlife is the best I know of. Try to use the synthetic blend and not the full synthetic if possible. Pennzoil also makes a high mileage that is good as well.

Gimmick.
Besides that, 75k for a toyota is NOTHING.