favarcat

'99 4Runner. I have a bad oil leak when running. Oil looks clear. It looks like it is coming out where the alternator bracket bolts to the motor. It drips out fast when it's running, and nothing when stopped. Any ideas?

putneysmachine

Which engine?

I have seen (usually after a alternator installation) someone has put the wrong length bolt back into that spot. It doesn't hold the proper torque on the timing cover (if it is a 4 cylinder, 2rz or 3rz) and oil passes through that spot.

favarcat

'99 4Runner limited with the V6.

putneysmachine

Ok, scratch my first reply.

I have seen a cam seal or valve cover gasket (at the hump of the cam cap) leak quite often. You'd have to pull the upper timing cover to check for sure. Is there any drips coming from behind the lower crank pulley? That is usually where it will pool up if there is a leak somewhere behind the cover.

You said it is kind of clear oil, is it possible it is power steering fluid (isn't the ps pump / hoses right above the alt?). Is the oil the same color as what is on the dipstick / in the crankcase? If it looks cleaner, check the ps pump and hoses for leaks.

Keep us posted on what you find.

favarcat

It is clearer than the dipstick oil. It looks like the power steering pump and hoses is on the passenger side. The alternator is on the driver side on mine.

putneysmachine

Dumb question, but does it have a red tint color to it? If so, it's coolant.

favarcat

No red tint. So not coolant or trans. fluid. Thanks for the email.