UPDATE: What is this leak?

Got a small oil leak coming from bottom of engine where the exhaust attaches to engine. Is this a DIY fix, how much $ and time? Or take to someone else and if so what is a reasonable cost?
2005 Tacoma PreRunner

 

Are you sure that's not coming from the oil filter drain plug area? Clean both and see if it shows up again.

 

Nah. I don't think so? Its above the oil filter, up where the exhaust attaches to bottom of engine...

 

I say clean it and keep a eye on it, and your oil level. If it's not excessive and your oil loss is minimal, don't worry. Otherwise you may need some help (head gasket, my first thought).

 

Yea. I change the oil myself and at 173,000 miles she had started using some oil a while back...been noticing less oil in the drain pan. I really gotta keep an eye on it now...since I got a little leak.

 

I put a quart of oil in it on Sunday evening...I might have put too much oil in it. Would the oil being overfull cause it to leak out? I hate the dipstick on these models, its hard to see the oil level.

 

If too much oil is added, yes it can put pressure on your seals. Which in turn can make them leak. One quart is definitely over the recommended amount unless you have a severe oil leak. Next time, I would check the dip stick to ensure the marking is in between the two holes. Don't try and align it with the top hole, otherwise you've overfilled.

 

Yeah, you have a 4cyl. Never mind.

 

Maybe that is what happened. It was half way between the dots and I just for some reason decided I should put in a quart! I really can't tell where it is on the stick now, I pull it and it looks way high, clean, pull it again and can't really tell where the level is. Now I am worried I may have damaged the engine!!! I have run it like this since Sunday and since then I have put about 48 miles on it. I think the leak coincides with me putting oil in it too, since I just noticed it yesterday but wasn't sure it came from my truck until I looked under it at lunch today.

 

I recommend pulling the plug and draining a small amount of oil. Check the dipstick and note the level. If you drained too much, place some more back in. You may have overfilled it, so try that first.

 

I am at work so it would be hard for me to do it...I could run up to the oil change place around the corner and let them do it. Otherwise I have an appointment at the stealership for 5:45pm because I though something was wrong.

 

If you've already scheduled an appointment, let them take a look at it. They'll note the issue and be able to give you some insight. The oil pan can handle some extra oil, so you'll probably be okay driving it to the dealer. Just don't drive with it overfilled for too long, otherwise you could run into some bigger issues. Keep us updated

 

It's just a valve cover gasket leak.

 

How old is your oil that is in there? If it isn't terribly old, drain all of it into a container that you can measure out the proper amount to re-fill.

Re-fill the correct number of quarts back into the engine. Clean all areas where oil may have leaked. Observe after driving around.

Maybe cancel your dealership appointment until you try this? I won't let an oil change place touch any vehicle I own or will ever own.

 

This.. If you did fill a quart over I would as recommended drain the fluid.

 

I had the valve cover gasket replace about 8 months ago, so it's brand new. this little leak is on the bottom of the engine where the exhaust bolts to the engine. It's been sitting in parking lot since I got back from lunch for 3 hours and there is not a drop on concrete. Still a little drip mark just like in picture in my first post though. I looked at tail pipe and don't see anything out of the ordinary ran my finger on inside and just black soot on my finger. I don't smell anything out of the ordinary nor notice any smoke coming from tail pipe.

Here are pics of my dipstick I just took. First pick is front side of stick and the second pic is backside of stick...again I hate this stick!

 

That level looks okay to me. I only put 5.5 qts in mine when I do an oil & filter change (6.1 qts is recommended in the owners manual), and it is always about 1/2 inch above the top dot.

Have you ever changed out your PCV valve?

 

I always put 6 quarts in mine when I change the oil. I have noticed it uses about a quart in 3,000 - 5,000 miles now. I pulled the stick this weekend and thought it looked like it was between the dots so I just added a quart not really giving it much thought. So at worst case it is running a quart over but it is close to needing an oil change so it can't be a quart over I wouldn't think.

 

I would also change the PCV valve if you never have. A clogged one can cause blow-by to get past the rings.

 

Ok. Easy job? where is it located?