Oil leak, initial diagnotic help

[Lug1]

Hi everyone.

My 4Runner has some oil leaking, I don't see any loss in any of the fluid or oil levels. But, it's obvious something is leaking, somewhere.

I recently (2000 miles ago) replaced the starter and some oil is visible on it, meaning the oil I'm seeing under the transfer case is not some old stuff.

Here two pictures of the starter from under the pass' side fender, just in case this can help with getting an initial idea of what/where is leaking. The first image insists on showing up sideways no matter what I try.

 

[IsaiahC]

:worthless

 

[LittleCaesar]

Valve cover gasket if I had to guess. Try tightening the valve cover bolts to make it stop leaking for the moment.

 

[MO502]

Valve cover gasket if I had to guess. Try tightening the valve cover bolts to make it stop leaking for the moment.

Agreed, most likely the valve cover if the starter is wet. Not much else on that side of the motor to leak. Tightening might slow it down but if the leak is bothering you its probably a good idea just to go ahead and replace the gasket.

 

[Lug1]

Thanks everyone, I'll have a look/tighten the gasket and clean up there, to see if the leak returns.