Minor oil leak, can you tell the source?

Here are some pics of the engine: http://imgur.com/a/AviYt




It's hard to tell if the engine actually leaks onto the garage floor since it's an apartment and the floor was already dirty. If it is leaking onto the ground it's not much. The metal skidplate under the engine is pretty grimy and looks to be more or less coated fully in oil. I peeked around and saw a handful of areas were clean on the engine, and the driver's side looked pretty good. The passenger side I could see oil near a place where two engine parts bolt together. I couldn't see everywhere, though. The engine runs well and keeps cool, so I don't know how worried I should be. I'd love for the truck to last for 300k+ miles and 10-15 more years (I don't drive much). It's a 2000 at 150k now. It's a V6 3.4L 5vz-fe with a 5 speed manual transmission (TRD SR5 model).

If you can tell that this is a source of an oil leak and if so what it is, I'd greatly appreciate it. Any other tips regarding engine and oil leaks would be appreciated.

 

Looks like the valve cover gaskets (notoriously leaky regardless of make). They are easy enough to replace and inexpensive. Maybe $40 in parts for both sides and can be done in a couple hours with basic hand tools and a service manual. A shop would probably charge a couple hundred for labor though.

 

It's probably worth mentioning that it's not likely to hurt the engine unless it gets a lot worse, but leaky valve covers do have a tendency to get worse just like most leaks do. I would suggest fixing it whenever it's convenient, although it is probably adding some oil to the freeway runoff when it rains. Most slow leaks won't hurt an engine, but anything that lowers your oil level noticeably or is big enough to let dirt inside the engine can cause harm. Some leaks are definitely worse than others though, and anything that pukes oil suddenly can be an engine killer (usually means something came loose or broke).

 

I'll replace the valve cover gaskets and try to clean the engine up pretty good and see if oil keeps showing up. Thanks!

Also are there any other really common leak points I should look for while I'm at it?

Does the valve cover need to come off to do the timing belt? If so I might just do the passenger side valve cover gasket because it's the one leaking and it's the easy one to get to (I think).

 

Definitely look around the first gen stickies, I believe there are a few VCG how to's.

You could just replace the gasket, or you could replace a handful of parts while you have the valve covers off. One of the how to threads has a parts list. I think the total was around $100. included new cam ends (I don't know what they're called), spark plug tubes, PVC valve and some other goodies.

https://youtu.be/IThNiZcs4bI

 

Thanks I watched the video. I will use it as a resource when performing the gasket replacement (among numerous other little repairs while I'm in there).

 

You can snug down the cover a lil but the cam plugs are prob. where the drips are from.

 

Like mentioned above. Mine were leaking and I tightened down the bolts and wha-la......stopped leaking. The bolts were loose.

 

Valve cover gaskets and half moon seals, just did mine a few months ago

 

full moons too.

 

You mean the cam seals?

 

I might just do it all for fun even if the cover is loose and the leak will be stopped by tightening the bolts. Got my Amazon cart setup just waiting patiently to convince myself I'm not crazy, and also trying to figure out my trans issue to ensure the truck is worth the work.

Cart has, for the curious:
- 26 blade feeler gauge
- 5/8 inch 6 inch swivel magnetic spark plug socket
- Permatex dielectric grease
- 3 pack of ignition coils
- NGK Te66 wires
- Fel pro throttle body gasket
- Ishino valve cover gasket set
- Felpro intake manifest gasket
- Toyota PCV valve sub assembly

... not sure what plugs I want to get yet. It seems like the Toyota ones from the dealer are cheaper than some I can get online, any recommendations?

 

For plugs get Denso or NGK they both work fine with no difference. I always use felpro gaskets and never have an issue. You will want to replace the valve covor gromets (the washers under all the bolts). Some say they can be reused but the factory service manual says to replace them and they only cost 15-20$ for all of them. I would do the spark plug tube seals while the covers are off to. The Felpro gasket kit i got came with new tube seals. Also why are you getting new coils?

 

Yes, and OP, don't get new coils....if it worries you just get a cheapo e.bay coil to throw in the tool box in case one ever goes out on the road....or get one on the road from AutoShack, the originals may out last your truck.

 

I bought some kit off Eebey that had all that minus the electric grease (I dunno why they don't throw that in there) and feeler gauge.
It was Felpro, but had Denso plugs. It was cheap...I liked it. Still have the plugs, didn't need them then.