Oil Pan/Drain plug leak

I have a quick question for you all. I have an 07 Tacoma TRD PreRunner w/the V6 engine. It has never leaked oil, as I have never seen any drops on my garage floor. I recently had the dealer install new valve cover gaskets and the timing chain gasket.

After I washed it yesterday (and after a short drive), I looked under the truck, and noticed a very small drop of what appeared to be engine oil. It was dark in color. It's worth noting that I had an oil change about 2000 miles ago, along with the above mentioned gasket replacements. The drop was on the bottom of the oil pan on the bolt/drain plug. The oil pan itself was greasy or oily.

Could the drop have been caused by washing the truck? Perhaps the water from the wash made it through the engine compartment and to the oil pan? I cleaned the area and have since inspected it, but have not seen any further drops.

 

Could be dripping from run off. If it was dark (old oil).
Whenever I used to do changed on my '01 I remember it used to drip a bit from getting the filter off. Could never get a "clean catch".
Maybe that is it? Dunno.

 

Check drain plug and insure a new gasket/washer is used. Maybe your shop hasn't been replacing this and it has worn out? Reccomended to replace at every oil change but they last through sevwral before leaking...

 

@DrFunker: I sure hope it's run off.

 

OP, if you need some gaskets, let me know, I have some I am not using. I have installed a Fumoto valve so I won't be needing them.

 

Me too. Just keep checking the stick regularly...I am sure you are.

 

@Mountainwolfpack: The truck has gotten all of it's oil changes at the dealership, so hopefully they are replacing the gaskets and washers. I'll tell them about during the next oil change.

I'm just hoping the leak isn't from the valve cover gaskets or the timing chain gasket.

 

Yeah, I was avoiding that probable cause.
You'd be surprised what dealerships get away with.... Have heard some stories.

 

@DrFunker: Thanks. I'll let you know if I need any.

 

(Just need to check fitment. I have a 2011. May be different, think not, but may be)

 

Usually leaks are pretty close the point at which they are observed. Sounds like a minor leak and can probably be ignored. But I doubt it's a good idea to take the truck back to the same place that's been doing your oil changes... "the scene of the crime". Why not this once use a different shop for your oil change and see what they have to say about tjatgasket/washer.

 

@mountainwolfpup: Yea, that's the plan for the upcoming oil change. I need a second opinion. We shall see.

 

DITTO

 

Clean the plug area with some Simple Green and anywhere else you see the oil/fluid and then check periodically to see if it returns.

 

Update: I had the dealer check the leak. They confirmed it was leaking. They kept the truck for a few days, and resealed it with new o-rings, gaskets, etc. I picked her up on Saturday, and parked her in the garage for the night. The following morning, there were a few drops of oil on the ground - dark in color. I will note that I also had them do an oil change during this visit.

Last night, however, it did not leak, as I did not notice any oil on the floor, nor was the area near the skid pan wet. I'm hoping the drops I saw the first night were just residue from all the work that was done. I'm hopeful, again.

They didn't charge me, and even gave me a rental for almost a week. With 250,000 miles, maybe it's time to trade her in.....