Newby

Hello, there are two oil leaks on my 89 Toyota Truck SR5 4x4 V6 with 3.0 Engine. On the passenger side, it leaks at the back of the Volve Cover Gasket which close to the firewall and it is not so bad but the driver side is horrible. Every time I turn on the engine for a minute or so, it leaks and drips heavily on the driver side. I tried all I could to locate the leaking place but I could not. I don't know exactly it leaks from. Do you know what's wrong with it? Can you tell me exactly it leaks from on the driver side?

Thanks

9422re

You answered your own question...i think.

Newby

No, I know exactly that it leaks behind the Volve Cover Gasket close to the firewall on the passenger side but on the driver side, I don't know exactly it leaks from because I don't see it. I go underneath and I see it leaks and drips beside or under the Exhaust Crossover Pipe but I don't know exactly where it is because the Oil is not running in the Exhaust Crossover Pipe. That's why I ask for your help.

93toyrunner2

Nobody can tell you exactly where it is leaking from, they are not there to look at it. However, if you wait for the engine to cool off some, and run your hand down the back side of the drivers side head/valve cover, just below where the valve cover sits on the rounded lip, you will more than likely feel the oil dripping there, onto the cam seal cover area, and then onto the floor. If you did not put sealant at the corners of the rounded hump, or if you did not seal the camshaft end cap properly, then there will be oil leakage.

Newby

Thank you for your subjection, 93toyrunner2. It leaks and drips badly. I could drive it and I park it on my drive way for more than a month now. I'm at work now. I'll try it when I get home this evening and then I'll let you know.

93toyrunner2

Another suggestion is a telescoping mirror from the auto parts store. You can extend it, stick it down the firewall area, and view the back area of the heads with the mirror. They also sell UV dye to put in the oil, and with the UV glasses and light, you can pinpoint what is leaking and where by looking for the yellow or green trail.

Newby

93toyrunner2, thank you so much for your great subjections. I just checked it with my fingers this evening as you said above. I went underneath and put flashlights on it and, I could be wrong, it seems to leak from the connecting of the Exhaust Pipe or Exhaust Crossover Pipe and the Engine, under the Volve Cover Gasket. Do you know what does it called in that area? Is it possible that it can leak from there?

93toyrunner2

That would be the cam shaft plugs, 2 round disks held in place with a round metal ring and two bolts each.

TNRabbit

I agree; that's exactly what it sounds like.

Newby

Thanks for your great subjection and illustration, 93toyrunner2. By chance, can you share for me if you have the Manufacture Service Repair Manual of my truck or from 89-91 Toyota SR5 4x4 V6 3.0 Engine? How can I fix it? Is it hard to fix it?

Bassmastry101

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http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/

Newby

Thanks for the site, Bassmastry101. Please answer my questions below. They seem dumd and stupid questions but they are very important and useful for me.

1. Is it hard to fix it?
2. Can I fix it myselft? (I have a basic knowledge of car only but I plan to fix it myself if possible)
3. I know it's on the 90-95 or 93 one but what is the name of the section that I really need or follow to fix my problem?
4. Can you provide me the step-by-step and pictures on how to fix/repair it?

93toyrunner2

You will need to remove both valve covers, the upper intake, and the cam shaft retainer that is above the cam housing plugs in order to replace the cam plugs, reseal the housings, and replace the valve cover gaskets. I would say that if you are not mechanically inclined, you should find a mechanic you can trust to do this for you. It is not extremely hard, but it is not for the faint of heart either. This is not like changing the oil and filter!

Newby

Thank you so much, 93toyrunner2, for your steps and subjection. I'll look for a mechenic, but if I do it myself, do you know how much it cost for those parts, cam plugs, volve cover gasket, etc, to get the problem solve? What kind of glue do I need for those sealing and how much does it cost? Can I get those parts from the Auto Parts, Auto Zone, Advance, Orielly, instead of the Toyota Dealership? Which Auto Part is the best?

BMcEL

x2

No offense, but based on the questions you're asking, I'd also recommend taking it to a trusted shop.

93toyrunner2

I think you are over your head with this. I recommend once again taking it to someone that knows what they are doing.
Yes, any of those auto parts stores will carry the parts. Go there and tell them what you want to do, and they can assist you with the needed parts, and with the needed glue - FIPG.
Estimate about $60 from auto parts, $100 from Dealer.

Newby

Ok, thank you so much for all of your help, especially, 93toyrunner2. I'll let you guys know as soon as possible after I finish seeing a mechanic.

Newby

I went to see two mechanics: One told me he'll charge me $650 and the other one will charge me $700 for fixing the problem. This price is not included the Cylinder Head below. Is it a good price to do it?

I called Auto Zone for the parts:
Volve Cover Gasket - $21.99 + tax for both sides
Not carry the Camshaft Housing Plug - get from Dearler only
Not carry the Camshaft Housing - get from Dealer only

I called Toyota Dearler in my town for the Camshaft Housing and Camshaft Housing Plug and Toyota told me they don't sale those. I have to buy the Cylinder Head to get those and it costs $815.15 + tax. Is it true that Toyota can not sale the Camshaft Housing and Camshaft Housing Plug and only with the Cylinder Head? Any of you have those problem before.

93toyrunner2

You do not need the housing, and you can probably remove and clean the plugs, coating them with sealant when putting them back in. Advance Auto Parts has Beck/Arnley Valve Cover Gaskets for a little more money than the Fel Pro from auto zone. The Felpro gaskets will leak. Look for a Toyota specialist repair shop other than the Dealer. Labor wise, it is probably a 3 hour job, X whatever their rate is.

Newby

Ok, thanks for your subjections. I'll look for more mechanics who are specialized for Toyota as you said and then I'll be back here to let you know.