Bajawfo

I spent half an hour searching for "Oil Leak" here and all I get is basically everything else. Anywho. 95 4Runner has constant leak. Replaced valve cover gaskets, Still leaks but I do not see any oil around valve covers. Does not leak when parked uphill (if that helps). Drips off of front of trans case. Thanx

millball

Only you can find this leak. Pressure wash, use brake clean, whatever. Degrease and clean ahead and above where the leak appears.

When it's clean and dry, run it a bit and find where the oil originates. Is it motor oil, is it gear oil, is it power steering fluid????

How much does it leak????

Bajawfo

Definitely motor oil, and ya I thought about doing that (clean and search). Thanx ! Did the valve cover gaskets yesterday and did the water pump and timing belt today ! Woo Hoo….

gsp4life

In the past I've found a powerful light source (18v work light or similar) and a flexy engine mirror helpful for finding leaks. And on a spotless clean engine, as previously mentioned. It's near impossible to see oil seeping out when everything's coated in grime. Cover the fuse box, distributor, and coil/igniter with plastic bags during cleaning.

Naked Runner

In the past I have used UV dye UV dye to find leaks with great results. Used a black light I found at Walmart UV Light

cabledawgrunner

Sounds like a rear main seal. But definitely do what the above have said as it is good advice to always be sure prior to pulling stuff apart.

scope103

Gravity is not your friend. Every leak from everywhere drifts down and back and looks like a main seal. So how do you know? ...

I don't recommend a pressure washer (if your engine has that much caked on muck, who know? It may be the only thing keeping the oil IN!). You can buy spray engine degreaser at any parts store. That and a garden hose (maybe a brush too) will get your engine sparkling -- the only condition in which you can really find a leak.

cabledawgrunner

I do not know , I was simply giving him some options as it has not been mentioned yet. I do know that it is normally a leak that leaks under pressure but not really when the vehicle is turned off and just setting. He did say that he has already replaced the valve cover gaskets so its not that. It could be a number of other things I was just throwing something out there to check.

scope103

Sorry, I didn't mean how do YOU (cabledawgrunner) know, but how does "one" know. The ellipsis lead into the comment by millball, urging him to clean the engine before jumping to the conclusion that it might be one of the hardest seals on the engine to replace.

Just because he has already replaced the valve cover gasket does NOT mean the leak isn't there. (How do I know that ....?) As I mentioned, if he replaced the gasket and didn't follow the FSM, it's almost guaranteed to leak. Clean the engine first. Then you'll know.