Head Gasket leak on 2004 V8?

[shawnjohnson]

Saw the unfortunate drops of oil on my driveway and crawled under the 4Runner to snap some pictures and see what was up. Haven't heard of valve cover leaks or anything on the V8 so I thought to come here for some advice. I have about 150k miles on it. I haven't overheated or had any smoke.

***Passenger side

***Driver side

 

[ARunner]

Looks like a valve cover is leaking to me. I had to change mine on the passenger side about a year ago. I did a writeup on it with pics. Not a big deal.

 

[shawnjohnson]

Oh awesome! Thanks

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Valve cover leaks on a 150k V8 isn't a surprising thing, If you can't I'd check the valve clearances while you're changing out the gasket.

 

[dkyleb]

Just your valve cover gasket.

 

[V8Man]

Change the spark plug/coil seals as well along with the pcv valve.

 

[07V8]

Valve cover....I bet you'll find the bolts are less than finger tight.

 

[jminz]

Just replaced my VC gaskets about a month ago. 150k, v8.

 

[ben550]

Valve cover leaks on a 150k V8 isn't a surprising thing, If you can't I'd check the valve clearances while you're changing out the gasket.

Change the spark plug/coil seals as well along with the pcv valve.

I thought my valve cover gaskets were leaking oil, however after looking closer it appears to be a different "gasket". It is a very slow "weeping" coming from this corner. I checked the bolt and it is tight. Its leaking from the front drivers side corner right next to the valve cover.

No noticeable oil loss on dip stick during oil change interval of 5k miles. 186k on the odometer.

Any idea what this might be?

 

[mnwirk137]

Did you ever solve this issue?? I have a similar leak and can't figure out what it is. Thanks in advance.

 

[bunz559]

Resurrecting an old thread... When that oil leaks/drops onto the header like that, does it create a burning rubber smell?

 

[AuSeeker]

Resurrecting an old thread... When that oil leaks/drops onto the header like that, does it create a burning rubber smell?

No it will not create a "burning rubber" smell, it will however create a "burning oil" smell, it's different than burning rubber smell...but if you don't know what burning oil smells like you may think it's burning rubber.

If you indeed don't know what burning oil smells like, get your engine up to operating temperature and then drip a drop or two of motor oil on the exhaust manifold and smell what it smells like, if you don't see the oil drip/s smoking on the exhaust manifold the engine isn't hot enough yet.

 

[Captsolo]

I get a few drips of oil in the garage (cardboard) on my 150,000 mile 2005 4runner. No big deal. 15-year-old cars will develop oil leaks. I don't worry about retorquing the pan bolts. I just leave it all alone.

Otherwise this 4runner drives and starts like it did when it was new. Very reliable. Lots of starts here in Nassau Bahamas. Been through 3 starters. No big deal. All short trips.
Get starters off Amazon for $100. Dealer once wanted $900 to order me one from Japan. They sold me the car when it was brand new.

I keep a new backup starter in the garage. Starters last on average of 4 years where I live. I think it's the constant heat we have here in the Bahamas - many days in the 90s - with stop and go traffic everywhere! :jk:

A local mechanic replaced a failed starter in my driveway for $60. Took him 45 minutes (2 bolts?).

History of my 4runner starters
OEM failed at exactly 4 years. Had it rebuilt one time
Rebuilt lasted 1 year then purchased a new AM brand starter for $250.
AM lasted 4 years then failed.
Replaced with one from Amazon for $120.
4runner is worthless without a starter

4runners can last forever!

Amazon.com: DB Electrical SND0491 Starter Compatible With/Replacement For Toyota Tacoma & Tundra 4.0L 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 & 4Runner 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 FJ Cruiser 2007 2008 2009: Automotive

 

[bunz559]

No it will not create a "burning rubber" smell, it will however create a "burning oil" smell, it's different than burning rubber smell...but if you don't know what burning oil smells like you may think it's burning rubber.

If you indeed don't know what burning oil smells like, get your engine up to operating temperature and then drip a drop or two of motor oil on the exhaust manifold and smell what it smells like, if you don't see the oil drip/s smoking on the exhaust manifold the engine isn't hot enough yet.

Great way to diagnose my issue, thanks! Recently my V8 04 has been occasionally smelling like burnt rubber inside the cabin, not all the time, but very often. It can happen during short and long drives. I noticed around the valve cover gasket area there is a build up of oil and directly below it are burnt marks on the header shield. I drove around for several hours, stopping every so often to sniff around the vehicle and unfortunately could not determine where the smell was coming from. Best and closest guess was from inside the front fender wells. Google and forum searching turns up with fingers pointed at rear wheel wells, but that is definitely not the case for me. Unfortunately I hardly drive my 4runner so it was brought to my attention by a family member who uses it more than I do... Will give your suggestion a try.