Can you help me identify my oil leak?

whitetaco02 · 02-23-2007, 12:54 PM

Sorry so long!!

Ok, first of all my 4runner, 22re, at, uses oil like crazy. (1qt of oil every 300-400 miles) It does not smoke or have any noticeable leaks until now. I noticed a drop of oil on the ground and looked up to see oil at the front of the transmission so I immediately thought the rear main seal? right? well, upon further investigation, I noticed a bunch of sludge/oil further up that leads me to think my oil leak is further up and is dripping down onto the top of the transmission and the oil is running down both sides of the transmission because that is where I am finding it, on both sides and the bottom.

After looking it over more, it looks as if it is leaking right behind the valve cover/maybe a little further down and there is a bunch of sludge down there and it is pretty shiny/wet. what could be the problem? I have links with some pics but it is hard to take good pics of where it is coming from because it is so tight in there so I hope this makes sense. here are some pics of what I am talking about. sorry for the bad pics but that is the best i could do.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...43130776CThHtT
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...43130776GmMksF

If you could imagine stick your hand back behind the valve cover, through these two hoses below and wiping it around your hand would be covered in oil.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...43130776CMCImn

I didn't get my hand far enough back but if i did it would have been covered.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo...43130776VRknmX

What do you all think it could be? I hope this post makes sense and I could try and take better pics if needed but i feel like my description of where it is leaking might be sufficient. thanks and again sorry so long winded.

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CyMoN · 02-23-2007, 01:02 PM

get some engine bright gel oil & grease remover spray down the area where the oil is clean it up good then you will see where the oils is coming from also go get a new valve cover seal.

you could also try to tighten the cover a little bit first to see if that stops the leak.

whitetaco02 · 02-23-2007, 01:07 PM

that is what i was going to do. I just had the vavles gapped with a new valve cover gasket installed about 6 months ago. it was done by my mechanic at toyota so that shouldn't be the problem i hope. i am going to spray the heck out of it this weekend with brake cleaner but i am afraid if i do that the oil leak might get worse. some of that sludge might be holding something of importance together. lol

any other suggestions?

should i worry about cleaning up that area with brake cleaner? is there anything back there that can get messed up by doing this?

Aetsen · 02-23-2007, 01:24 PM

I recently had a similar problem. My rear valve cover bolts had somehow come loose (vibration?) and oil was spraying from the rear of the the valve cover and a bit onto the exhaust.

I opted to take the cover off and replace the the gasket. I also noticed the the rubber half moon at the rear of the head was also leaking a small amount. So I just cleaned it up and put some permatex silicone rtv on it.

Hasn`t leaked since.

scrid · 02-23-2007, 01:31 PM

I wouldn't spray it on when it's too hot...and try not to breath the warm brake cleaner vapors they can take your breath away. If it's thick sludge back there i would spray it first,,,wipe most of the thick stuff off then spray again to get any remaining residue. Run it for 15 minutes after topping up the oil and get a light and mirror back there to look close for fresh oil leakage. Just had the valves gapped? was it leaking before anyone messed with the valve cover?
Sometimes that half moon seal in the head doen't get installed properly. I removed one once that had the little flap edge folded over and somehow it wasn't leaking.

CyMoN · 02-23-2007, 02:11 PM

get the brake cleaner that will not damage plastics

whitetaco02 · 02-23-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aetsen

I recently had a similar problem. My rear valve cover bolts had somehow come loose (vibration?) and oil was spraying from the rear of the the valve cover and a bit onto the exhaust.

I opted to take the cover off and replace the the gasket. I also noticed the the rubber half moon at the rear of the head was also leaking a small amount. So I just cleaned it up and put some permatex silicone rtv on it.

Hasn`t leaked since.

i think the leak may be further down than the the half moon. how do you get back there to tighten the bolts down? it is way too tight in there. once i spray it with brake cleaner and get it cleaned up i should hopefully be able to tell exactly where it is coming from.

whitetaco02 · 02-23-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrid

I wouldn't spray it on when it's too hot...and try not to breath the warm brake cleaner vapors they can take your breath away. If it's thick sludge back there i would spray it first,,,wipe most of the thick stuff off then spray again to get any remaining residue. Run it for 15 minutes after topping up the oil and get a light and mirror back there to look close for fresh oil leakage. Just had the valves gapped? was it leaking before anyone messed with the valve cover?
Sometimes that half moon seal in the head doen't get installed properly. I removed one once that had the little flap edge folded over and somehow it wasn't leaking.

not sure if it was leaking before or not. i just started noticing the oil spot on the driveway though so that is what lead me to the leak. i have been all under the truck looking and have not found anything until now.

whitetaco02 · 02-23-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyMoN

get the brake cleaner that will not damage plastics

my dad has tons of brake cleaner at his house so i am going over there on sat to get it taken care of. i just hope i don't "break" something loose. lol

InternetRoadkill · 02-23-2007, 10:08 PM

Prolly the half-moon rubber seal. There are no other oil passages back there.

whitetaco02 · 02-24-2007, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InternetRoadkill

Prolly the half-moon rubber seal. There are no other oil passages back there.

what about those bolts back there? could that be an issue?

**waskillywabbit** · 02-24-2007, 06:52 AM

22RE is bad about leaking out the cam seal or valve pan o-ring and these would be where I'd start looking

Degrease and steam clean the engine
Wipe it down and get all the gunk off
Let it dry thoroughly
Get some foot powder spray and spray it where you think it might be leaking
Crank it up, drive around the block or down the road, but don't get it too hot
Oil leak will leave a nice path in the foot powder

Or you can just take it to a competent mechanic

InternetRoadkill · 02-24-2007, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitetaco02

what about those bolts back there? could that be an issue?

The bolts on the back of the cylinder head are part of the EGR system. No oil there.

But let me qualify that, I suppose it's possible that one of the bolt holes goes into an area where there is oil, but I don't think that's the case.

thook · 02-24-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waskillywabbit

22RE is bad about leaking out the cam seal or valve pan o-ring and these would be where I'd start looking

Degrease and steam clean the engine
Wipe it down and get all the gunk off
Let it dry thoroughly
Get some foot powder spray and spray it where you think it might be leaking
Crank it up, drive around the block or down the road, but don't get it too hot
Oil leak will leave a nice path in the foot powder

Or you can just take it to a competent mechanic

Foot powder?...cool idea! Thanks, I'll remember that one! (Also oughtta cut down on that fungus growing under my floor mats...

)

whitetaco02 · 02-24-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waskillywabbit

22RE is bad about leaking out the cam seal or valve pan o-ring and these would be where I'd start looking

Degrease and steam clean the engine
Wipe it down and get all the gunk off
Let it dry thoroughly
Get some foot powder spray and spray it where you think it might be leaking
Crank it up, drive around the block or down the road, but don't get it too hot
Oil leak will leave a nice path in the foot powder

Or you can just take it to a competent mechanic

my dad and i will be cleaning it up today after lunch today so hopefully we will be able to tell where exactly it is coming from. i do think you are right where it is coming from cause it seems as if it is lower than the half moon gasket but the bolts back there are covered in oil. it is just so hard to get back there and do any work for the lack of room. thanks for your advice.

whitetaco02 · 02-24-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InternetRoadkill

The bolts on the back of the cylinder head are part of the EGR system. No oil there.

But let me qualify that, I suppose it's possible that one of the bolt holes goes into an area where there is oil, but I don't think that's the case.

i was thinking that one of those bolts may have come loose or something and that was the reason for the oil seepage. i will look and see and will possibly use a mirror as well to get back there and get a good look.

jusfloorit · 02-24-2007, 04:44 PM

I had the same prob. I also thought it was the bolts in the back. It was the half moon part of the valve cover gasket kit. When I pulled it out it was dry rotted to hell. Replaced it. No more leak. Good luck.

whitetaco02 · 02-24-2007, 07:54 PM

ok, will do. i need to find a weekend where i have some time and get that taken care of. my dad and i cleaned the piss out of the engine with several cans of brake cleaner and engine degreaser and it seemed to have done a great job. i am just waiting to see where i might get some seepage. my dad said he had several of the half moon gaskets so all i need is another valve cover gasket and a little time to get it all done. i hope that is all it is.

whitetaco02 · 02-26-2007, 06:46 PM

I ran my hand across it today and there was a slight film of oil on the back of the valve cover by the EGR bolts. My dad and I are going to change out the half moon and valve cover gasket this weekend so "hopefully" that should take care of the problem.

My questions are: Should I be seeing coolant leaking back there as well? I ran my hand back there a little lower, maybe at the top of the head, and looked at my hand and I could of swore it was coolant on my finger. It didn't even smell like oil then and had a strange feel on my finger, different than what oil feels like. Kind of had almost a sweet smell. My coolant level has remained the same and my temp runs at the same level all the time but could I have a slight head gasket leak? Is that even possible? I was not sure if it was the degreaser my dad used but I honestly feel that stuff would have burned off by now. I have no milky oil look but I do use oil and I have no idea where it is going. (1/2 qt to 1 qt every 2-3 weeks)There is no oil in my reservoir either.

Also, does a blown headgasket cause bad gas mileage? I am sorry for a newbie type question here but I can't remember if I heard that or not. Thanks and sorry so long.

02-23-2007, 01:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	get some engine bright gel oil & grease remover spray down the area where the oil is clean it up good then you will see where the oils is coming from also go get a new valve cover seal. you could also try to tighten the cover a little bit first to see if that stops the leak. __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life." Last edited by CyMoN; 02-23-2007 at 01:04 PM.

02-23-2007, 01:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
whitetaco02 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 450	that is what i was going to do. I just had the vavles gapped with a new valve cover gasket installed about 6 months ago. it was done by my mechanic at toyota so that shouldn't be the problem i hope. i am going to spray the heck out of it this weekend with brake cleaner but i am afraid if i do that the oil leak might get worse. some of that sludge might be holding something of importance together. lol any other suggestions? should i worry about cleaning up that area with brake cleaner? is there anything back there that can get messed up by doing this? __________________ 1999 4runner, SR5, 4wd Last edited by whitetaco02; 02-23-2007 at 08:39 PM.

02-23-2007, 01:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Aetsen Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Timmins, ON, Canada Posts: 47	I recently had a similar problem. My rear valve cover bolts had somehow come loose (vibration?) and oil was spraying from the rear of the the valve cover and a bit onto the exhaust. I opted to take the cover off and replace the the gasket. I also noticed the the rubber half moon at the rear of the head was also leaking a small amount. So I just cleaned it up and put some permatex silicone rtv on it. Hasn`t leaked since. __________________ 1990 4Runner 22RE 5spd stock.....for now.

02-23-2007, 01:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
scrid Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 258	Brake Cleaner I wouldn't spray it on when it's too hot...and try not to breath the warm brake cleaner vapors they can take your breath away. If it's thick sludge back there i would spray it first,,,wipe most of the thick stuff off then spray again to get any remaining residue. Run it for 15 minutes after topping up the oil and get a light and mirror back there to look close for fresh oil leakage. Just had the valves gapped? was it leaking before anyone messed with the valve cover? Sometimes that half moon seal in the head doen't get installed properly. I removed one once that had the little flap edge folded over and somehow it wasn't leaking. __________________ 1994 4Runner 4x4 116k Miles on Chassis, New 3VZE Engine, Manik Brushguard, BF Goodrich All Terrain/TA's 31 x 10.50 x R15LT "Baja Champions" Last edited by scrid; 02-23-2007 at 01:33 PM.

02-23-2007, 02:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
CyMoN Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: INDIANA Posts: 2,164	get the brake cleaner that will not damage plastics __________________ my rigs 89 4runner 1989 4runner v6 5 speed everything factory +4susplift running bfg 31s and a aux gas tank and more aux lights than needed 86 pickup 1986 stock pickup 22r 31.10 BFG ATs flatbed a sad day for the 4runner "One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."

02-23-2007, 10:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
InternetRoadkill Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 941	Prolly the half-moon rubber seal. There are no other oil passages back there.

02-24-2007, 06:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	22RE is bad about leaking out the cam seal or valve pan o-ring and these would be where I'd start looking Degrease and steam clean the engine Wipe it down and get all the gunk off Let it dry thoroughly Get some foot powder spray and spray it where you think it might be leaking Crank it up, drive around the block or down the road, but don't get it too hot Oil leak will leave a nice path in the foot powder Or you can just take it to a competent mechanic __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

02-24-2007, 04:44 PM	#17 (permalink)
jusfloorit Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 108	I had the same prob. I also thought it was the bolts in the back. It was the half moon part of the valve cover gasket kit. When I pulled it out it was dry rotted to hell. Replaced it. No more leak. Good luck.

02-24-2007, 07:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
whitetaco02 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 450	ok, will do. i need to find a weekend where i have some time and get that taken care of. my dad and i cleaned the piss out of the engine with several cans of brake cleaner and engine degreaser and it seemed to have done a great job. i am just waiting to see where i might get some seepage. my dad said he had several of the half moon gaskets so all i need is another valve cover gasket and a little time to get it all done. i hope that is all it is. __________________ 1999 4runner, SR5, 4wd

02-26-2007, 06:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
whitetaco02 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 450	Well, it is leaking again... I ran my hand across it today and there was a slight film of oil on the back of the valve cover by the EGR bolts. My dad and I are going to change out the half moon and valve cover gasket this weekend so "hopefully" that should take care of the problem. My questions are: Should I be seeing coolant leaking back there as well? I ran my hand back there a little lower, maybe at the top of the head, and looked at my hand and I could of swore it was coolant on my finger. It didn't even smell like oil then and had a strange feel on my finger, different than what oil feels like. Kind of had almost a sweet smell. My coolant level has remained the same and my temp runs at the same level all the time but could I have a slight head gasket leak? Is that even possible? I was not sure if it was the degreaser my dad used but I honestly feel that stuff would have burned off by now. I have no milky oil look but I do use oil and I have no idea where it is going. (1/2 qt to 1 qt every 2-3 weeks)There is no oil in my reservoir either. Also, does a blown headgasket cause bad gas mileage? I am sorry for a newbie type question here but I can't remember if I heard that or not. Thanks and sorry so long. __________________ 1999 4runner, SR5, 4wd

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