Oil Leak - Valve Cover?

[legokcen]

I've been smelling a little burned oil after driving the 4Runner and when I went to inspect it, I noticed an oil leak down the passenger side of the engine. I'm assuming it's a valve cover leak, but wanted to bounce it off you all before getting the needed parts to fix it. As you can see from the pictures, there's oil flowing onto the starter also, which tells me valve cover. Do I have the right thought process with this?

Also, I wanted to ask if there was anything else good to do while I'm doing that. I've found a good tutorial on YotaTech and think I can change the gaskets myself. What else should I do or inspect to help overall reliability while I have the top of the engine apart?

Below are the pictures, thanks in advance for the suggestions and help.

 

[Link12]

Here is a parts list I just ordered to do mine from camelback toyota.
Part Number Part Description Quantity Core Price Price Total
1121362020 GASKET, C/H COVER 2 $0.00 $19.48 $38.96
1119370010 GASKET, SPARK PLUG T 6 $0.00 $2.39 $14.34
1220462010 VALVE S A, VENTILATI 1 $0.00 $7.70 $7.70
9048018001 GROMMET 1 $0.00 $3.82 $3.82
9021005007 WASHER, SEAL 16 $0.00 $0.74 $11.84
1717662040 GASKET, AIR SURGE TA 2 $0.00 $8.56 $17.12
1118862010 PLUG, CAMSHAFT HOUSI 2 $0.00 $7.63 $15.26
Sub Total $109.04
Shipping method - Fed Ex Ground Shippi Shipping $10.90
Handling Fee $3.00
Tax $0.00
Total

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

More than likely it is the VC gaskets. You can usually see it around the bolts on the VC and general wetness in the VC area. But, make sure it is oil. The trans dipstick is on that side and maybe there's an odd leak there or spillage. Unlikely but just throwin' it out there.
As far as other things to check/renew:
PCV and grommet
TB cleaning
IAC cleaning
MAF cleaning
Check all the vacuum lines for cracks and pliability

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Here is a parts list I just ordered to do mine from camelback toyota.
Part Number Part Description Quantity Core Price Price Total
1121362020 GASKET, C/H COVER 2 $0.00 $19.48 $38.96
1119370010 GASKET, SPARK PLUG T 6 $0.00 $2.39 $14.34
1220462010 VALVE S A, VENTILATI 1 $0.00 $7.70 $7.70
9048018001 GROMMET 1 $0.00 $3.82 $3.82
9021005007 WASHER, SEAL 16 $0.00 $0.74 $11.84
1717662040 GASKET, AIR SURGE TA 2 $0.00 $8.56 $17.12
1118862010 PLUG, CAMSHAFT HOUSI 2 $0.00 $7.63 $15.26
Sub Total $109.04
Shipping method - Fed Ex Ground Shippi Shipping $10.90
Handling Fee $3.00
Tax $0.00
Total

Perfect list assuming those air surge gaskets are the intake manifold gaskets. What is camelback Toyota shipping policy now? I thought they had free shipping

 

[JayRolla]

The valve cover bolts also like to loosen up. Go around and tq the all to specific tq level and it can stop the leak. Be careful as it is aluminum and it can strip out if you over tq the valve cover bolts.

 

[RinoRomp]

Having had 2 high mileage toyota trucks now... you may want to just check to see if the VC bolts are tight. Almost all mine were loose on both vehicles, same with the oil pan. And, I mean loose loose... could turn those suckers with my fingers.

My 200+k taco was pouring out oil... after tightening, it completely stopped. I'm monitoring the same situation on the 4runner, so far so good.

This obviously only buys you some time, but its an easy fix till you can replace em!

Get a can or 2 of engine degreaser.. clean it all up after tightening so you can monitor the problem/improvement.

EDIT: ah, Jay you beat me to it...

 

[legokcen]

Thanks a lot for the quick replies already.

I'll get everything tight and cleaned up this weekend and keep and eye on it. If I continue to see it after a couple of weeks, I'll pull the trigger on the gasket change.

Again, thanks for the help.

 

[mphudak]

My VC bolts were pretty loose on my drivers side, but i went ahead and replaced the gaskets and glad i did (cam plugs were in sad shape). I did the gasket kit (Felpro) and came w/VC gaskets and sparkplug tube seals. I did toyota for the cam plugs, sealant, plenum gaskets and TB gasket. Not a huge deal, but if you want to make the job a bit quicker you could order new 1/2 moons so you don't have to clean the old ones.

While your in there go ahead and do plugs/wires, PCV and PCV seal. I'm glad I did as I ended up breaking several plug wires trying to pull them out. PO didn't use any dielectric grease so the boots had bonded to the plugs, not to mention he used the wrong plugs.

Camelback is hard to beat on price for toyota parts.

 

[jgue467]

...And, I mean loose loose... could turn those suckers with my fingers.

My 200+k taco was pouring out oil... after tightening, it completely stopped. I'm monitoring the same situation on the 4runner, so far so good.

This obviously only buys you some time, but its an easy fix till you can replace em! ...

So were mine, finger loose, so snugged them up to 54inch-pounds (not foot) and 4+ years later still no more leaking. Even after cleaning, the oil burn smell will continue for a few weeks but it will end! Luck.