Should I be concerned about this? Oily residue on left front of engine

[przm]

This oily residue has slowly built up around this area over the last two-ish years. I've cleaned it off and it doesn't come back for a few months, but it always comes back.

I just spent the last 20 minutes searching and couldn't come up with anything....besides my own post from when the water pump went out. The same issue is clearly visible there. It looks like the power steering pump might be involved?

Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Could be a timing cover leak. I'd make a note of it, clean it off, and monitor it next oil change.

 

[97hb]

Yep looks like a timing cover leak. Pretty common on that side of the 1GR.

 

[asdfman7]

I fixed mine myself a couple of months ago. Took my brother and I about 8 hours to do it, excluding all the time searching for a pulley holder for the crank pulley. You don't have to, but it's a good time to replace the water pump and the seal behind the crank pulley that is pressed into the timing cover. Mine had been leaking for a year or so. I noticed it around 75-80,000 miles.

-Sill no leak a year later. From what I understand, the cover isn't under pressure so the oil is only seeping because of a slight defect in the timing cover where it meets the block and cyl head. I've heard a lot of guys just cleaning it off every oil change and just keep an eye on the oil level between changes. I fixed mine because it bugged me and can't stand having a leak of any kind going unpaired.


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/198563-timing-chain-cover-leak.html

 

[swiftneed]

any kind a leak only gets worse later., definitely clean in and if you have over a 100k get the timing belt and pump and tensioners done so it doesn't get worse later, it will cost you above 900 for the job but the car will last you another 150k . small price to pay if your not making monthly payments

 

[asdfman7]

any kind a leak only gets worse later., definitely clean in and if you have over a 100k get the timing belt and pump and tensioners done so it doesn't get worse later, it will cost you above 900 for the job but the car will last you another 150k . small price to pay if your not making monthly payments

It's a V6 - Timing chain

I didn't replace the chain, just the water pump, drive belt, and thermostat housing. I should have replaced the pulleys and tensioner because the lower most pulley just started making noise on Monday. Looks like I'll be changing out the pulley after work today. Rockauto has the pulley kit for about $170.

 

[swiftneed]

ok don't have to worry aboout the chain,that truck should run like brand new after pulley kit.

 

[Pilotamis]

Is there a reference write up or video? I have this same issue and wouldn't mind doing it myself if I can see how its done.