BajaRunner

I'm pretty certain this leak is starting here, not NOT coming from above from the valve cover. I think I have a very light leak coming from the valve covers, but, it does not account for how much oil I am leaking (10 drops a day now!!!).

If its the rear main, I'm pissed, it will be a lot of money to spend ($1k at least).

First shot is from the passenger side wheel well. Second shot is underneath, looking forward towards the front of the car.

Any info please?!

Ringmaster

Yep the rear main is leaking. Replace it yourself and save alot of dough!

Ringmaster

The rear main seals the crankshaft to the block. It isn't between the block and bellhousing as in your pic.

CTRJ

Not sure if yours is a 5 speed, but if it is it's behind the clutch. That means you have to drop the tranny and pull the clutch just to get access to it. It's a bit of work to get it done.

mikes19984x4

yeah, i've got a small leak in the same area as you...planned to get it fixed over Christmas break (i'm in college right now). but how much does a fix like this normally run? and CTRJ, how are those nittos that you're running, as i'm lookin into those for my next set of tires...

jagger_snitt

When you replace the rear main seal it is a good time to check your T/o bearing(throw-out bearing) and your clutch condition. When I needed a new clutch in the 88' I installed a new rear main seal(it was leaking) centerforce t/o and centerforce II clutch,and factory flywheel.By the way getting the trans in position is a pain in the sack without a trans jack or adapter for regular jack. Good luck!

toy power

the first thing i always do when trying to find an oil leak is pressure wash the whole area. its very difficult to isolate a leak when there is as much oil everywhere as whats in your pics. you might be surprised at what a valve cover can leak, and it will all accumulate at the bell housing.. so definitely investigate some more before freaking out over your main seal. and i will laugh at you if you pay someone $1000 to fix a main seal... do it yourself, it will put some proverbial hair on your chest.

mt_goat

If you end up dropping the tranny one of these will be your best friend:


(hairy chest sticking out)

CTRJ

Taking the tranny out of a 4runner is a PIA, even with a good jack. You might as well do your clutch while you're at it since you're right there. I don't know that I would try to do this if you don't have access to a lift. Doing it on the floor would suck big time!

CTRJ

I love them. They do well in sand and the rocks and on the street. I would recommend them to anyone!

BajaRunner

I took it in to my friend who is a mechanic at a dealership, he said that its a lot of work to drop the tranny. I don't know if I have the patience to do this by myself.

Well, I'll be replacing the valve cover gaskets this weekend since I have a small leak there anyways. Maybe it is the root of the problem? Who knows..I'll see.

Who here has done a rear main seal on their 3rd gen? I've only got 115,000 on my truck.

BajaRunner

How bout I give you a 12 pack and some steak if you come over and work on it for me?

mikes19984x4

thanks man. btw, how many miles have ya put on them and with that many miles, how much tread is left...i know, a lot of questions, but i like to do some research b4 spending that much $. thanks man...

mt_goat

Only if the top 2 bolts are stuck, lol. Once they are loose its not that bad.

ARB1977

Maybe try some maxlife oil that contain seal swellers or do a auto rx treatment. It may help or stop your seal from leaking.

ARB1977

Just courious how many miles do you have?

J-Ball

Same problem with the 2000 4runner I just bought. I was quoted around $400 to fix. The same mechanic said that unless it's gushing not to worry about it. He said even a new seal would most likely leak as much as what I've got now. I'm going to try a seal swelling type of oil or oil treatment and otherwise forget about it untill it's gushing. Anyone have any good luck with stop leaks etc?

J-Ball.

BajaRunner

Well, Im running Castrol GTX high-mileage, and 1 quart Lucas Oil Additive...(its like molasses). I thought that would help. Nope.

Whats funny is that when I switched to synthetic, the oil started leaking EVERYWHERE. It was ridiculous.

I have about 115,000 miles on my truck BTW.

mt_goat

When I switched from Castrol Syntec to Mobil 1 my BMW oil pan gasket started leaking too. I think the Mobil 1 cleaned away some sludge that was keeping it from leaking.

BajaRunner

Yeah, I agree. I also think synthetic is just a little bit "thinner" in ways. I used the amsoil engine cleaning product before I switched to syn. Bad idea... it cleaned out all the sludge!