Oil Leak, & Knocking sound?
10-31-2011, 06:52 AM
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Oil Leak, & Knocking sound?
I have a 97 4runner - 4wd ltd. 218000 -/+ miles.
I bought this used with 110k on it from its original owner.
A few months after I bought it, I had to put in a new starter. 5 years later, (1 month ago) I needed ANOTHER new starter.
While at the 'mechanic' for the starter, the guy pointed out an oil leak and said that it wasn't urgent, but to fix it before the end of the year. I am now down a quart of oil every 4 weeks or so. He said the leak was my valve cover gaskets.
The car has always been slow to warm up in cool weather (despite a new thermostat.)
Other than that, no complaints about the car.
I usually put in Valvoline or something similar. This time, I went to AutoZone and the guy sold me a brand I'd never used before. (Sorry I do not remember the name) It was the correct weight; I checked.
I topped off with the new oil on Thursday. And this morning (high 30 degrees) the car started, but there was a loud/nasty knocking sound when I put into Drive. (heat was not on.)
I stopped the car, put it into park and the knocking went away. I let it sit for a minute or two, slowly went down the gears, listening for the knocking and didn't have any at that time.
Car got me to work just fine - no other issues. But now I am worried that this is a big deal and linked to the oil leak, etc.
Please tell me what I may be looking at here. I still owe on the car and do not have much money to repair it.
I am NOT A mechanic, so please help me understand any instructions as clear as possible.
I bought this used with 110k on it from its original owner.
A few months after I bought it, I had to put in a new starter. 5 years later, (1 month ago) I needed ANOTHER new starter.
While at the 'mechanic' for the starter, the guy pointed out an oil leak and said that it wasn't urgent, but to fix it before the end of the year. I am now down a quart of oil every 4 weeks or so. He said the leak was my valve cover gaskets.
The car has always been slow to warm up in cool weather (despite a new thermostat.)
Other than that, no complaints about the car.
I usually put in Valvoline or something similar. This time, I went to AutoZone and the guy sold me a brand I'd never used before. (Sorry I do not remember the name) It was the correct weight; I checked.
I topped off with the new oil on Thursday. And this morning (high 30 degrees) the car started, but there was a loud/nasty knocking sound when I put into Drive. (heat was not on.)
I stopped the car, put it into park and the knocking went away. I let it sit for a minute or two, slowly went down the gears, listening for the knocking and didn't have any at that time.
Car got me to work just fine - no other issues. But now I am worried that this is a big deal and linked to the oil leak, etc.
Please tell me what I may be looking at here. I still owe on the car and do not have much money to repair it.
I am NOT A mechanic, so please help me understand any instructions as clear as possible.
10-31-2011, 07:28 AM
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That's why I bought it. This is my 4th Toyota. I just don't want it to die before I pay it off- and I do need to build a little more savings before buying another (used) Toyota. I hope to get 1 more year out of it (at least!) and want to make sure I can do so without it risking blowing up or dieing suddenly.
The mechanic friend said he will do the valve cover gaskets (etc) for me. His price is reasonable i just need to save for it.
But the guy at Autozone has me a little nervous that it is my actual head gasket that is leaking and will crack...
Since the knocking is new, I am not sure if it is just he car being old and cranky OR if it is the new oil brand OR if it is something related to the leak. ... or something worse.
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