Oil leak question

[kong]

Hi Guys,

I routinely change my oil on my 2.7 4 cylinder 4runner, but I have had an oil leak for literally the last 3 years since I started changing my own oil, and it's always the same pattern: two small circles of oil under my call if I am parked on a hill (i.e. an incline). If I am parked on a flat surface, there is no leak.

This last time I changed my oil, I thought about what I could be doing in the process that's causing this, since I imagine a real "crack" would show on the pavement whether the car is level or on an incline. I think the culprit is that, when I take my oil filter off, I let it fall in my skid plate. Obviously, there is some oil in the filter, but is it possible that this oil sits in the skid plate for weeks and weeks and only drips out when I'm parked on an incline? I'm thinking of taking the skid plate off now but those bolts are likely rusted beyond belief....I never take off the skid plate when changing my oil. Maybe I can ziplock bag the oil filter off going forward, but wanted to check here first on my issue.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Hi Guys,

I routinely change my oil on my 2.7 4 cylinder 4runner, but I have had an oil leak for literally the last 3 years since I started changing my own oil, and it's always the same pattern: two small circles of oil under my call if I am parked on a hill (i.e. an incline). If I am parked on a flat surface, there is no leak.

This last time I changed my oil, I thought about what I could be doing in the process that's causing this, since I imagine a real "crack" would show on the pavement whether the car is level or on an incline. I think the culprit is that, when I take my oil filter off, I let it fall in my skid plate. Obviously, there is some oil in the filter, but is it possible that this oil sits in the skid plate for weeks and weeks and only drips out when I'm parked on an incline? I'm thinking of taking the skid plate off now but those bolts are likely rusted beyond belief....I never take off the skid plate when changing my oil. Maybe I can ziplock bag the oil filter off going forward, but wanted to check here first on my issue.

You might be right. If the rest of you engine is dry except for that one spot below the oil filter then your theory is sound.
As far as taking the bolts off the skid plate, the 3 up front are usually the problem ones. Take some MAPP gas and get them good an hot then try to loosen them. Works every time.

 

[kong]

Sounds good, thanks John. I'll take off the skid plate and take a look at it and under there. I anticipate there's a small pool of oil just resting in there from the various oil changes.

 

[Kanoe]

I have the 3rz also. The trick to keeping things neat and clean is to use a 2L pop bottle under the filter. I tried bags first, that sucked. Just cut the top off and slip it right under the filter. Once the filter drops into it I leave it in place for a few minutes to catch any residual drips then I pull it straight up through the engine bay between the manifold and the fender well. I have more room now that I have the tacoma mini header there, but can be done with the OEM cast header as well.

I can do an oil change and not spill a drop in the process. I access the filter through the passenger side wheel well for tightening and removing. Hope this helps!

 

[kong]

I have the 3rz also. The trick to keeping things neat and clean is to use a 2L pop bottle under the filter. I tried bags first, that sucked. Just cut the top off and slip it right under the filter. Once the filter drops into it I leave it in place for a few minutes to catch any residual drips then I pull it straight up through the engine bay between the manifold and the fender well. I have more room now that I have the tacoma mini header there, but can be done with the OEM cast header as well.

I can do an oil change and not spill a drop in the process. I access the filter through the passenger side wheel well for tightening and removing. Hope this helps!

Kanoe, this absolutely does help. I did not even think about the 2L pop bottle. You also turn your wheel all the way to the left before you change it?