When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi, I have a 1988 Toyota 4 Runner with a recently rebuilt engine. It has less than 1500 miles. It was rebuilt by a qualified mechanic and installed by another mechanic. Today I noticed oil on the bottom of the engine. It looks as though it is coming from a hole near the front ,left corner, of the oil pan. ( near but not in the oil pan)
The hole appears to be going directly into the engine. Does anyone know what this hole is for and what is supposed to be plugging the hole? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks
I don't know how to add an arrow to the photo but it's the hole in the lower right corner. It's about 1/2" in diameter. It's not one of the bolt holes that holds the oil pan on. I'll try to figure how to mark it with an arrow and get back with you. Thanks for the help.
I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure it's a breather hole. Either way it is not supposed to be plugged and nothing including oil should be coming out. Here's a pic of mine
OK, Thanks. I'll check into it more to make sure the oil is actually coming from the hole and not dripping from another location such as the oil pan causing it to appear to be coming from that hole. If it is coming from the hole, what would cause that? The vehicle had been sitting unused for about 15 years before being restored. Would it be possible the transmission needs cleaning and building up pressure on the inside causing the fluid to be forced out the breather hole? I recently changed the transmission fluid and filter however,I didn't flush it.
No I definitely don't think anything with the trans would have an effect. I bet it looks like it's coming from there but it actually coming elsewhere like you said. Either the oil pan or oil pump. Degrease the area and dry it then look around often until you find it
I'll check that tomorrow. The engine was recently rebuilt and has about 1500 miles so maybe it could be the heat causing the oil pan or oil pump gasket to leak. Hope all I have to do is snug the bolts up a little.Thanks for the help.
Yotafarts89: Disregard my statement about the transmission. When I was writing that I had my mind on the transmission pan instead of the oil pan. Of course the transmission wouldn't have anything to do with oil coming from the breather hole in the engine. My statement made about as much sense as saying a low tire was the cause of the oil leak. I'm not a mechanic but that comment was "STUPID". LOL I didn't catch my mistake until tonight when I was reading over the post again.
I think my head gasket is blown. The engine will not start but while cranking the engine I now have water gushing out of the radiator when the cap is removed. I removed all the spark plugs and all were normal except #3. Water sprays out of the #3 cylinder as the engine turns over. The engine hasn't overheated and only has 1500 miles since it was rebuilt. Is there anything else besides a blown head gasket that would cause this? Would a blown head gasket cause the oil to leak out of the bleeder hole? Is the head gasket on a 1988 22r engine hard to replace. I've replaced one on a 1973 Datsun which was very easy and also replaced one on a 1995 Cutlass Ciera, which was a night mare. All advice is appreciated.
You have water coming out of the #3 spark plug hole when the plugs removed and you crank it over? If so it sounds like a blown head gasket to me. A few necessary questions;
1)Do you know for a fact the qualified rebuilder is actually qualified and did things right? Did he machine the block and head or one and not the other? What parts were replaced during the rebuild and who/what company manufactured them?
2) is the head brand new? If not was work was done to it? Valves, cam, and as mentioned above any machining?
3) Who and what exactly did you or whoever do to break the fresh rebuild in? What oil and weight are you using?
4) Were there any funny sounds before it stopped running? Smoke from exhaust? Water in the oil?
At this point it sounds like cheap parts or machine work is the culprit.
The guy who rebuilt the engine owns a machine shop near me and has been is business for at least 20 years. I've known him for at least that long and never known him to have trouble with engines he rebuilt. He has an outstanding reputation for his good work. With this being said, I trusted him more than I should. When it comes to business it should have been strictly business. I should have asked more specific questions and knew exactly what was being done. The heads aren't new, he was to rework them and do the necessary machine work. I'm actually not sure if he replaced the cams but the valves were supposed to be replaced. I'm using Castrol 10w30 oil and as for breaking it in I drove it to and from work everyday, about 20 miles one way, varying my speed between 40 and 60 mph. on the highway and slower through town.On takeoffs I would start off very easy, never revving the engine any higher than necessary. When the engine was first started I let it idle until it reached normal operating temperature then shut it off.This was repeated until I was able to get it back on the road. The 4runner had set up so long the title was taken out of the system at the courthouse so it took some time to get the paper work straightened out. Before it stopped running there was no warning signs. It was running great,no oil in the water, no smoke,no noises. It was running great and when I slowed down to make a turn to go home, the engine just died. The only problem prior to this was a small oil leak which appeared to be coming out of the bleeder hole next to the oil pan. Would a blown head gasket cause the internal pressure in the engine to force oil out the bleeder hole? I haven't contacted the guy who rebuilt it but hope he will warrant his work.
04-08-2016, 09:20 PM
