99 tacoma question

New to the forum and to Toyotas. Purchased a 99 tacoma with the 3.4. Fixing oil leaks and need to know what this is in the picture. It’s rear of the oil filter on the block. It’s round with a bolt head on it. Looks like it leaks oil on start up.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Looks like the oil cooler

 

Like @Black DOG Lila said, oil cooler. Here’s a part# for a replacement gasket 90301-67004

If you’re going to replace the gasket, I recommend replacing the coolant hoses as well as getting the cooler ultrasonically cleaned.

Do be aware that the oil could be coming from the valve covers and ending up down on the oil cooler too. The 5vz are pretty known to leak through the gaskets on those after a while.

Edit: welcome to TW!

 

Changing valve cover gaskets now on it. I guess I’ll wait to see if it stops dripping and go from there. Where would I have it ultrasonicly cleaned

 

sweet! You’re prob already on top of it, but do make sure to use some Toyota FIPG on the corners of valve covers and especially around the camshaft plugs— its very difficult for the pre-molded gasket to create a perfect seal on those.

A carb shop should have an ultrasonic tank, that’s where I was able luck into one, about $15 if I remember correctly

 

Ok so some sealer is needed? I have it all ready to put back together. Just waiting on crush washers. I see the torque is “snug”

 

I read about the “half moons”. I think I know what they’re talking about. Some say remove and re-seal.

 

Welcome to TW!