I put in a newly rebuilt 22RE in my 90 Runner, and with only about 800 miles on it, it sprung a MAJOR oil leak as I was driving along the freeway at about 60 mph. Up to that point, no problems, but I did notice about three miles back, prior to the major incident, that my back window was getting dirty, but there is a lot of construction with dust and water puddles all around, so I didn't think about it. As I was coming up to my turn off, I noticed the engine "clacking" fairly loud, a loss of power, and when I put in the clutch, the engine stalled . I was able to get it fairly out of the way of traffic, but needed to move it more, and was going to use the starter to pull it, but the engine started, but was at low rpm of 500 (usually idles around 900) It ran for another 10 - 15 seconds, and when I shut it off it was still turning.

Upon inspection, I see there is no oil on the dipstick (just had done the oil change about 300 miles ago, and checked two weeks ago and it was still full) and there is oil all over the passenger side engine compartment. My question is this: How do I troublshoot where the leak is, or is it a headgasket (there was no white smoke I could see during this whole time.) Would putting in more oil and then running the engine to see where the leak is help? Or is the engine toast, although I never saw the Low Oil dummy light come on, the temp gauge showed normal? Any ideas, or anyone else have this problem?

 

Oil filter either isnt tight, has a bad/ double gasket, or possibly the oil sending unit sprung a leak, but id say check the filter, if it is loose dont tighten it call the place where you changed the oil, and have them fix it, major engine damage could have happend that you wont see for another few thousand miles.

wade

 

Yep, I'd say its the oil filter. I'd also call the place you had it done and talk to them.

A friend of mine had her oil changed in her Echo at a lube oil and filter place and they forgot to put the cap back on needless to say they are paying for everythying.

 

I think it is probably the oil sending unit, I checked the filter (I did the oil change myself) and it was still tight, with only one gasket that appears to be good. What kind of symptoms for damage am I looking for? Anything I can do now (other than save up $$$ for a rebuild) to help?

Thanks for the help.

 

have you looked for the oild drain plug? I would look for the obvoius first. Shouldnt be hard to find if all the oil came out!

 

You could also check the crank seal. I was on my way back from the Keys this past summer and started losing alot of oil. Kept stopping to fill it up until I could get home. Took it to the mechanic the next day and they found the leak to be coming from the crankshaft seal. Replaced it and no more leaking.

 

Found the problem, thanks for all the input. When I removed the oil filter (on really snug) I saw a rupture in the gasket. Anyone ever dealt with Fram on trying to get some sort of compensation? Or should I just take this as a lesson learned to always use the Toyota filter.

The new Toyota filter is on now, new oil in the engine, and it runs and sounds fine, hoping no permanent damage was done.

 

and people wonder why i refuse to use FRAM and tell them not to use it

 

I usually use Fram (have for years) and have never had any problems with them. I like the new black wrinkle coating that makes it easier to grip while changing.