Leaking Oil?

[rkjohns1]

Back in May, I went to my Toyota dealership for routine maintenance (oil/filter change, rotate tires) and I was told that my engine valve cover gaskets were leaking oil (needs replacement, $792) and that my engine oil pan is leaking oil (need to remove/reseal, $503.00). I thought this was odd because I have seen no trace of oil in my driveway, so I declined to have these things fixed. Both the engine valve cover and engine oil pan look "kinda wet" but I see no drops of oil leaking out, and in the 5 months since that trip to the dealer, the engine oil level has not gone down. Any thoughts on to what could be causing the minor seepage of engine oil, and how this seepage can be stopped?

 

[dmauldin]

It sounds to me like you might have a leak in your valve cover gaskets and your oil pan gasket...

The oil is likely collecting on your skid plates instead of dropping on the ground.

Many have gotten by with torquing the valve cover bolts, but be careful as to how tight - search for the correct torque values.

Good luck!

 

[jgue467]

Good for you - not falling for the stealership lines! A-holes....

Yes needing to tighten the valve cover bolts is a common item for 3rd gems. As stated, only tighten to 53 in-lbs (inch, not foot pounds!).

You'll only be able (and need) to tighten the lower ones on each side with a 10mm tool.

Haven't heard of anyone with a leaking engine pan gasket, maybe its just seepage from the vcs? :cowboy:

 

[rkjohns1]

Thanks jgue467 & dmauldin

Haven't heard of anyone with a leaking engine pan gasket, maybe its just seepage from the vcs? :cowboy:

This is exactly what I thought when I was inspecting the leaks myself. I'll get those valve cover bolts tightened and see how it goes. Thank you for your help!

 

[cashman]

I'll get those valve cover bolts tightened and see how it goes.

FYI - I, like many, have had the same issue. Re-torquing the valve cover worked for ~10K miles before I had to bite the bullet and redo the gaskets. When you do tighten the cover bolts, spend some time cleaning up the surrounding areas so you can tell if/when it starts weeping again.

 

[JohnMc]

*Very gently* tightening those accessible VC bolts stopped the slight leakage mine had developed. They were *really* loose when I checked them.

Blast the are with some brake cleaner afterwards so you can spot if new oil tries to leak out.

 

[Unner]

I'd probably just replace the valve cover gaskets, they're a common leak on these. It's an easy fix to DIY. I doubt you oil pan is leaking, probably just build up from all the years that makes it look like it is.

 

[baja1]

well here's a question i've been wondering. I too have valve cover gaskets that were finger tight and leaking although oil never hitting the ground but smelling of oil. while replacing plugs and wires i snugged down the bolts I could get to.
I'd love to spray some degreaser around the valve covers and spray it off, is this safe or will water find its way down those long sparkplug holes???

 

[Konkordmusk]

well here's a question i've been wondering. I too have valve cover gaskets that were finger tight and leaking although oil never hitting the ground but smelling of oil. while replacing plugs and wires i snugged down the bolts I could get to.
I'd love to spray some degreaser around the valve covers and spray it off, is this safe or will water find its way down those long sparkplug holes???

If it does, the heat surrounding the area will be more than enough to burn it away. Fear not.

 

[ThorInc]

Just be gentle with the plastic wire looms if replacing the rocker gaskets as they break easily as they are old and brittle. You can use a diluted dose of simple green to degrease and "rinse" engine off gently after 5 mins.