Mystery oil leak...

Hi all,

I have 3RZFE with a strange oil leak/weep coming from the top of the oil pump, just below and to the right of the end of the dipstick tube, and right where a timing chain cover bolt is located. Check the video here:



Here's everything I've done. I removed belts & radiator to thoroughly get in there and clean old oil/gunk off.

- I replaced the dipstick tube and the o-ring with a new one and even used a small bead of silicone sealant around the base before installing it back in.

- I took out the timing chain bolt where the leak was located and was surprised to find it bone dry aside from the head. Regardless I put some Toyota FIPG around the head and surrounding area and put it back in.

- Replaced the PCV Valve (which in turn required removing the valve cover because that thing was stuck on like cement so I replaced the valve cover gasket while I was in there)

Visual reference from my Hayne's book of which bolt and the spot where the leak is occurring attached.

The only thing I can think to do next is trying to replace the oil pump gasket, but I was seriously doubting that would help since it's seemingly leaking above it?

Any new ideas or help would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

Oil pump gasket

 

If its not the oil pump seal/gasket...
Its probably the timing cover gasket.....

back side.....right there at bottom side...

However make sure its not the oil pump seal....those can leak at 80K+...heat from engine cooks em.....

 

And its definitely not a fun job.....lots of bolts and you have drop front of oil pan.....
and if you go that far you might as well knock out the oil pump seal while there.

Unless something has been done lately I cannt imagine developing a timing cover leak......however that oil pump is guaranteed to leak eventually

IF its just the pump seal its a lot easier job....It is a pia to get those Philips screws out.....no room for impact gun...

 

I promise you it’s the oil pump gasket it’s literally leaking right in between you can see it

 

I've bought a new oil pump gasket and am gonna go for that first! Any tips as to getting the bolts out without stripping? I think I've seen others mention replacing them with Allen heads.

 

Go slow and you can replace them with Allen’s heads

 

There are techniques to removing those screws but you are might need the room. A high quality short screwdriver with a wrench at the base can supply you with the necessary torque to remove. I would definitely soak down the screws with a quality penetrant like Kroil and give it time. I recommend removing the radiator fan and radiator to make more room to work with. In this case space is your friend. You can also go to Harbor Freight or Northern Tool and pick up an impact screw driver, The kind that you twist which will impart some force onto the screw. Be very careful to ensure that whatever screw tip that you use MUST fit perfectly to stand a chance of a successful removal.

 

I had so much trouble getting mine out first time...I made sure I express mail these little suckers before I put back together....there was one last holdout almost could not get out.......only way was to remove entire time cover.....and still almost had to drill it.....old fashion hand/hammer impact drive and torch is what got it....

Oil Pump Cover Allen Head Hardware Kit - 2RZ/3RZ (lceperformance.com)

these guys have whole kit to do the job....

Oil Pump Cover & Rotor Kit - 2RZ (lceperformance.com)

 

Its critical that your screw driver tip fits exactly to stand a chance.