Oil Seep

98 Tacoma 4x4 V6 3.4L
Have had people (tht work on the truck) say engine has slight oil weep/seep. At what point do you act on this? The guy that replaced my timing belt said there was no oil there and that he was not really worried. He is a good mechanic. He said engine would have to be shampoo'd and dye put in to find leaks as it is kind of all over but he said not enough to cause any issues. No oil shows on ground or pavement when I park ever. What would you guys do? thx

 

I think if you're not having to add oil in between oil changes you probably don't have a problem. And while it's kinda annoying when getting under the truck to do anything, all that oil flying around under there is keeping things from rusting. However, oil on rubber boots and bushings can degrade them prematurely. If it's keeping enough oil in it to stay in the range between oil changes don't worry about it.

 

When I stripped my truck down to the frame, the only pristine part of the frame was directly under the engine.

 

im not a fan of that oil dye
i used once.....took freakin 3 oil changes to get that crap out of engine
makes you oil look rust color....couldnt stand it

nothing you cant see/locate with cans of brake cleaner and monitoring seepage area

tech tip: always start LOW in nasty caked area.....then work your way UP to find fresh seepage once cleaned

 

I would address it when any drips reach/make it to the ground, driveway, or the garage floor after sitting overnight.