Oil leak help 05 4Runner v6

[indaclear]

I am noticing a very small oil leak behind the accessory belt near what i assume is the power steering pump? Front passenger side of engine. Could that be a valve cover gasket leak?

Pic of leak location. It's where the light is shining, where it looks sludged up.
http://i.imgur.com/NgbLYCm.jpg

 

[fdbyrne]

I can't open the link at the moment, but if it's high enough up on the engine to look like it's coming from around the power steering pump I'd have a hard time believing it was anything other than a valve cover gasket.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

its possible, whats the oil look like in the spot? is it fresh?

 

[indaclear]

I attached an image of how it looks. It is kind of sludgy. Probably from mixing with dirt and grime. The area stays wet, but it is a small leak.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

its really tough to tell from that picture, if you pop the hood after driving it and you see fresh, hot oil, no sludge or grime or whatever, its probably of more concern. id give it a thorough once over in the daylight, looking at the accessories on the front and the valve covers and if you don't find anything suspicious, keep tabs on your oil level and leak situation, but don't stress too much

 

[Victor]

Front timing cover is leaking, common with 1GR engines. Dedicate time to have the front cover re-sealed, that should rectify the condition you described.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Front timing cover is a possibility, earlier 1GR-FEs did seem to develop them. But it is difficult to verify from that picture.

 

[NuclearN8]

this may help ya out. Hard to tell from the picture if it's the same issue or not.

 

[indaclear]

Hey! This is exactly what it is. Front timing cover leak. The source described in the TSB is exactly where I am noticing the leak. Thanks so much!