oil leak problem

[atticus_6147]

Hello everyone, I have a 1997 toyota 4runner 3.4l v6 2wd. and I have notice that I get softball size puddles of oil under my runner after Ive been driving for a while. and last night I went to check the oil and there was hardly any in there. So I need to fix this fast. I tried searching but was to successful. does anyone have any direction for where I should start to fixing this one? could it be a gasket? a crack? just a common 4runner problem? Thanks in advance.

 

[004Gunner]

Start by checking your oil filter and make sure it is screwed on tightly. It can be tough to reach and if you don't change it yourself someone may be doing it incorrectly. After that, check your drain plug. There is a plastic (some composite material) washer that should be on with the plug and sometimes they wear out and break off or stick to the oil pan. Check to make sure the plug is tight too. While you are under there, inspect the pan itself for any deformities. If all is normal then you will need to check for leaks on the engine itself. This is easier to do if your engine block is clean and you have a good flashlight (i.e. maglite, surefire). One last thought, while most places will charge to remove your skid plates, some will not and leave them on while draining the oil. The oil can pool up on the skid plates and drip down later making it look like you have a leak. Of course your level is low so it probably is a leak from the engine.

 

[peter78]

That is a good point about the skid plate. First thing I would do, is to try and figure out were the leak is coming from. Park it with newspaper under it and then if it leaks, see exactly were under the engine it is coming from. It sounds like a big leak, so hopefully you can find it. It may be simple like the oil plug or skid plate. It maybe hard to find the leak, I would use a good light and go under the car and look up, then go on top and look down. If you find it or not, it sounds like you may have to see a dealer or auto repair shop.

 

[atticus_6147]

ok, checked the plug and filter and neither of them are the leak. where else should start looking? and I do the oil change myself and i removed the skid plate. so i have no clue?

 

[Supra725]

How long ago was it when you changed the oil?

Check around the skid plates, the edges around it.

After i change mine, sometimes there is oil around the skid plates area the next day.

Could you get a pic up ?

 

[atticus_6147]

I did my last oil change at least a 1000 miles ago. and what scares me is that after a week or there is a noticable difference in the change of oil on the dip stick.

 

[txzaphod]

Oil Leak

There are ultraviolet leak detectors you can buy. I got mine from JC Whitney years ago. You can get them other places, probably parts stores. Look for UV leak detector.

You dump a bottle (around 1-2 oz.) of dye in your crank case and drive. After you're sure you've driven enough time for the dyed oil to do it's thing, you shine an ultraviolet light on the engine, and look for the highest point on the engine you can see the glowing dye. That will show you where the oil is leaking out.

Good Luck.