Oil Pan Leak Help & Questions

Calling Rich, BamaToy, Chris 4x4, and everyone else!

Okay, I found an oil leak and wondering what I need to know before fixing it? For those concerned, don't worry, I have used the "search function" and browsed about 3 dozen threads without finding the answers I am looking for.

It appears my lower oil pan is leaking around the rim where it bolts to the upper pan. I could not find a definitive answer, but it does not appear that there is a gasket between these 2 pans, is this correct? If there is, then that is probably my problem.

If not, then any thoughts about what might all of a sudden cause this? We did get out first freezing temps the other day. I read something about a deformity in the oil pan could cause this, but in my case I would think some recent damage not a deformity (not because of anything I have done, but it was fine for 160k miles).

Now back to the repair:

1. it appears to just bolt on, any surprises that I may need to know before taking it off?

2. should I even bother taking it off and possibly just re-torque the bolts?

3. does it have a gasket, is that all I need to fix it?

4. should I leave it alone and just monitor my oil levels (I did check and still between the dots on the higher side)?

 

Just FYI, my plan of action unless I hear otherwise:
1. Drain the Oil
2. Take off the pan
3. Replace gasket (if it exists, if not skip to step 4)
4. Return the pan and properly torque the bolts
5. Monitor for leaks

6. Hopefully sit back with a beer

 

Just snug the bolts up for now. Use a 1/4" ratchet to snug em' so you don't over tighten. How bad is the leak any way? Do you have a puddle? Or did you just see some residue on the pan?

 

I'll upload some pics (they are night time pics so bad quality).

That was a question I meant to ask, should I use a torque wrench and what are the torque specs?

 

So here is the drip I saw when I got home today, I know it has been there no more than 3 days, but I'm pretty sure it was not there yesterday afternoon.
It is about 2 ft. across (dripped onto the frame and dripped down from there is why it is so long)


This is viewing the pan from the front of the vehicle


This is from the back, where it appears most of the leak occurred


And a fuzzy view from the driver's side

 

Help bump!

 

I have the same leaks, just not as bad yet. I also think maybe my rear main is starting to leak as well..thats always a fun one...

 

So, should I not worry too much and just constantly monitor my oil levels? Or is it a "fairly" simple fix?

Thanks for any suggestions you have.

 

Torque spec would be in inch pounds, which is really just slightly more than finger tight.

 

If its dripping on to your driveway then I would suggest to replace the gasket when ever you have free time and to keep on eye on the oil level ..the actual job to replace the gasket is easy to do.. I've done it before on a forerunner that has the same pan setup using ultra grey rtv . I forgot what the torque values are bit I will find em when I get on my desktop. My leak isnt dripping yet, its just a wet residue so far so that's why I Havnt replaced the gasket.

 

It looks like you have a pretty good leak. What you gotta do is get some simple green and a scrub brush and clean up as much of the oil splatter as possible and hit it with a hose. Then run the engine hot and see if you can spot where the leak is coming from. You may have to ride it around the block to get it to show you.

 

Thanks! Based on what I saw/evaluated, it should be and easy fix, I'll try it this weekend.

 

You will have to remove the secondary pan, clean off the old sealer material, apply new sealer, and torque to 7 ft lbs. I like to use Toyota FIPG black sealer. It's good stuff in my opinion.

 

Ya... depending on the year and engine model (that doesn't look like my 2.7), there may or may not be an actual gasket.
Starting back in the 90s, Toyota started moving away from gaskets as much as possible and using RTV instead.

That first pic looks like it may be coming from up higher though.
What has recently been done? Is there a chance that it's running down from the oil filter mount?

 

I thought it looked a lot higher too first, but traced it as best I could and it looks as though it has splashed up and over everything else (including the tranny).

I think this was just confirmed. I cleaned it up real good (not with a degreaser or anything), wiped it up with paper towels. Then examined it real closely, had my wife start her up as I watched it, nothing. Drove it about 5 miles, checked it out and where the gasket/rtv would be, it was very saturated.

 

Thanks for the help everyone, I will try replacing the gasket/rtv and see what happens.

 

My first thoughts were that the secondary pan gasket is leaking and the oil is being carried with air movement when the truck is moving.

 

^^This. Took my pan off already.

 

John, sorry man, I missed seeing your thread. So many different ones, and I know I miss a lot. It looks like you have a really good handle on it already, and some good help and advice.

When you remove the lower pan, the biggest thing to remember is keep things CLEAN. After you have everything drained and removed, clean both surfaces real good. I like to use Simple Green as well, and get yourself a scotch brite pad to clean the aluminum surface. It will clean off the aluminum without leaving any scratches to worry about. Then clean off the pan the same way. Be careful because you don't want to remove the paint from the pan if you can help it. The paint protects the pan from rust. After cleaning everything then you can get the sealer. The Toyota sealer works well, but if going to Toyota is too long of a trip, them there are some alternatives. You want something that is thick, so if you DO go to the parts store, look for a silicon sealer that is black. The black sealers are the thickest, and tend to seal up real well.

As for torque specs:
1GRE shows oil pan sub assembly 2 as having 80 inch-pounds of torque.