Sudden oil loss. UPDATE

[sawguy]

I took the TB cover off and saw an oil film. Removed fan assy and hub and it was oil soaked all over. I'm posting some pics to see if anyone can help me pinpoint the leak. It's wet at the top of the backing plate behind the cam sprockets and oil in the center bearing.









How could I lose 5 qts of oil in 110 miles one way and only 1/2 qt coming back? Could the front main be slinging oil up or do you think the cam seals are leaking down?
On another note, I reached down to see if my socket was going to fit on the crankshaft bolt and I loosened it by hand.

 

[mtbtim]

You may as well tear down the front of your engine to get a good look at your camshaft seals and crankshaft seal. The oil is coming from one of those seals. With the laws of gravity in mind, it sounds like one of the cam seals had a catastrophic failure. But then again, if oil leaks out of the crankshaft seal, onto the timing gear and then onto the timing belt, that oil would get slung all over the place.

The fact that your crank bolt was on hand tight is not good. Whoever worked on it last did not torque it to spec. Maybe with the crankshaft pulley (aka Harmonic Balancer) being a little loose, it made the crankshaft run a little out of balance and put stress on the crankshaft seal.

Here's two videos that could help you out if you are looking to fix this yourself. Be sure to watch both videos because they both offer helpful information.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vHC46ypHxWc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mErd7xoBS9I" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[T4R2014]

Look at the cam and crank seals. Also might want to look into why it happened. Clogged PCV building excess pressure? My rear main was dripping but after changing my PCV the leak hasn't come back in three years.

 

[sawguy]

I replaced the pcv last year. I wonder why the timing belt is not wet or oily.
I guess I'm probably going to have to redo everything up front. Thanks for the videos they will come in handy during this job. Yes, I'll be doing it myself. I'm retired with nothing else to do but fish.

 

[alumarine]

When running does the crank pulley/balancer wobble?

 

[sawguy]

I didn't look before I tore it apart. I do remember somewhat of a very slight vibration on the way home.

 

[alumarine]

I didn't look before I tore it apart. I do remember somewhat of a very slight vibration on the way home.

Can you not run it now with the covers off?

 

[sawguy]

Coolant drained etc.

 

[suncoug]

Why not just plan on replacing all the seals on the front of the engine while you are at this?

 

[jbeebe]

Why not just plan on replacing all the seals on the front of the engine while you are at this?

Agreed. I'm doing the TB this summer and am planning on doing al the seals as well. There'll never be a more convenient time to do them

 

[sawguy]

Why not just plan on replacing all the seals on the front of the engine while you are at this?

That's the plan...just ordered a kit yesterday on ebay...everything toyota except v-belts and timing belt. Mitsuboshi belts. Tensioner , thermostat, seals and bearings Toyota.

 

[thegipper]

Definitely do the seals when you are in there. Both my cam seals were leaking (215k miles) but the front main was still dry.

I changed all three, $35 bucks for new seals was a no brainer.

Also, buy the Lisle seal puller. It works amazing and it's only $15...

 

[suncoug]

Definitely do the seals when you are in there. Both my cam seals were leaking (215k miles) but the front main was still dry.

I changed all three, $35 bucks for new seals was a no brainer.

Also, buy the Lisle seal puller. It works amazing and it's only $15...

Yes, definitely, the above mentioned seal puller has worked well for me on Toyota's including 4Runner.

 

[sawguy]

Got her torn down, cam seals dry but the crank shaft seal was blown out about 3/16 from where it should have been seated and sitting at a slight angle. Now the question is what caused it. Would an extra 1/2 qt of oil do it? Unless my dipstick is wrong I always have to put in 7 qts to bring it to the full mark. Also I was able to push the new crank seal almost all the way in with my fingers and just a couple taps. Seems like it should be tighter.

 

[alumarine]

Should only take 5.5 quarts with filter change.

 

[thegipper]

Mine always takes 6 with a filter change, who knows...

 

[sakoluvr]

5.5 quarts in my three 4runners.

 

[Riceye]

Mine always takes 6 with a filter change, who knows...

You’re overfull.

 

[thegipper]

LOL, nah, the oil just ran down when I had it on the side.

Good eye though!

 

[pluton]

Many report 6 qts for a normal oil and filter change, I usually add the 5.5 qts and then have to top it up to nearly 6.