The case of the missing oil...
03-30-2004, 01:06 PM
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The case of the missing oil...
So my beast is running pretty well as far as I can tell. There is a slight tapping in the valvetrain but other than a valve adjustment things seem good. I changed the oil about 10 days ago now, ahve driven maybe 300 miles, and my oil level on the dipstick has already fallen from full to low. No dark smoke, plugs looked normal last time I pulled em, I changed the oil after changing the oil pan seal and the oil cooler seal. Nothing is hitting the ground and I am stumped as to where the oil is going. Suggestions? 
03-30-2004, 03:30 PM
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How's the bottom of the engine look? You may have a bad main seal.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
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03-30-2004, 05:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn
How's the bottom of the engine look? You may have a bad main seal.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
Last night, as I unscrewed the drain plug, I noticed quit the oil stain from underneath the engine to underneath the transmission pan.
In fact, between the the transmission pan and the back of the engine, it clearly shows that there is a leak as the oil stain is much darker.
I had a severe power steeering pump leak just about two months ago and my mind was set that it was just that.
Is replacing a main seal an expansive job?
Last edited by KING; 03-30-2004 at 05:40 PM.
03-30-2004, 06:06 PM
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Oil Cooler
This is a likely culprit on the 3.0
Rubber "O" ring and a metal gasket cost about $10.00 CDN (Scofco). But I hear it's a pain to get to, and very messy. Had this occur on my previous 91, but I rolled it, prior to fixing it, so I'm hanging on to the parts until I need 'em again.
My symptoms were very similar. THe only noticable oil was collecting on the cross member.
Rubber "O" ring and a metal gasket cost about $10.00 CDN (Scofco). But I hear it's a pain to get to, and very messy. Had this occur on my previous 91, but I rolled it, prior to fixing it, so I'm hanging on to the parts until I need 'em again.
My symptoms were very similar. THe only noticable oil was collecting on the cross member.
03-30-2004, 11:48 PM
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Main seal?
Originally Posted by Blair
This is a likely culprit on the 3.0
Rubber "O" ring and a metal gasket cost about $10.00 CDN (Scofco). But I hear it's a pain to get to, and very messy. Had this occur on my previous 91, but I rolled it, prior to fixing it, so I'm hanging on to the parts until I need 'em again.
My symptoms were very similar. THe only noticable oil was collecting on the cross member.
Rubber "O" ring and a metal gasket cost about $10.00 CDN (Scofco). But I hear it's a pain to get to, and very messy. Had this occur on my previous 91, but I rolled it, prior to fixing it, so I'm hanging on to the parts until I need 'em again.
My symptoms were very similar. THe only noticable oil was collecting on the cross member.
I actually replaced the oil cooler gasket jsut to be sure while I had the front diff off and had easy access. You can actually do it through the driver's side wheel well but it is pretty messy. The main seal huh? This is around the input shaft? Forgive me if I am wrong on that one, I am learning and these things have a bit different nomenclature than my air cooled vws.
03-30-2004, 11:51 PM
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Radiator?
Originally Posted by oly884
Did you check your radiator?
I am checking my coolant for oil aka the notorious head gasket issue? I drained my coolant when I did the oil cooler and I didn't notice any oil in there.
03-30-2004, 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Glenn
How's the bottom of the engine look? You may have a bad main seal.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
That is a lot of oil going somewhere. I think from Low to Full is a quart? That would be 10 quarts for a 3000 mile oil change interval.
03-31-2004, 05:27 AM
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There are two main seals, one on the front and one on the back of the engine. The rear one is the harder one to change out because the transmission has to be dropped to get access to the back of the engine block. The front main seal isn't as hard, but still not a job for the novice mechanic.
03-31-2004, 01:14 PM
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I can end the mystery! I had the same problem on my '94 Runner when I first bought it. Brought it to the dealer's attention and they told me this was normal oil consumption for the 3.0. Not believeing them I called Toyota USA and they told me it is normal for the 3.0 to consume a quart of oil every 1,000-1,200 miles. I was shocked but that is straight from the horses mouth.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
03-31-2004, 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by tpg013
I can end the mystery! I had the same problem on my '94 Runner when I first bought it. Brought it to the dealer's attention and they told me this was normal oil consumption for the 3.0. Not believeing them I called Toyota USA and they told me it is normal for the 3.0 to consume a quart of oil every 1,000-1,200 miles. I was shocked but that is straight from the horses mouth.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
...ahve driven maybe 300 miles, and my oil level on the dipstick has already fallen from full to low.
Last edited by Glenn; 03-31-2004 at 01:41 PM.
03-31-2004, 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by tpg013
I can end the mystery! I had the same problem on my '94 Runner when I first bought it. Brought it to the dealer's attention and they told me this was normal oil consumption for the 3.0. Not believeing them I called Toyota USA and they told me it is normal for the 3.0 to consume a quart of oil every 1,000-1,200 miles. I was shocked but that is straight from the horses mouth.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
So stop searching for leaks. You won't find 'em.
Won't be surprised if blow headgasket will be considered normal, poor gas mileage, and anything else you may find wrong with the 3.0 are going to be normal as well.
03-31-2004, 04:00 PM
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yup, little late on the post but I got same problem on my '94. She drinks oil just as much as gas. On a trip to tahoe from the bay area she will take a quart down. Granted I have her in 3rd gear going 55-60 up hill on some of the grades. I think high RPM driving definately sucks down the oil. I have no smoke out of the tail pipe. I am pretty sure its normal..., just keep an eye on it.
03-31-2004, 04:49 PM
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i noticed mine using oil, and oil underneath quite a bit. turned out my valve cover had a gasket screwed up in the back. i couldnt see the leak looking at the top of the motor. but when i installed new valve cover gaskets the problem went away. has never lost oil since.
