Random oil leak???

Hello all,

So the other day while getting off of work I noticed a decent sized oil puddle under my truck looking like it was coming from somewhere above the skid plate.

Then when I got home I noticed in my usual parking spot there was a larger oil stain (about the size of a large dinner plate). I then went to check my dipstick and it was bone dry. So I went over to Auto Zone and bought 5 quarts of 5W-30 and put the entire thing in there before it registered on my dipstick.

The last oil change was about 2-3 months ago. I spent the last 7 out of country so my roommate drove it to work about once a week for me.

The engine is making no odd noises, and it starts and runs fine. The antifreeze is clear. I'm not the most mechanically inclined so I was wondering if anybody has some ideas? Maybe the oil pan gasket?

Also, since I put oil back in it it hasn't leaked any more yet. I figured if there was an active leak it would be a continuous issue?

 

Take the skid plates off (and whatever else is under there).... Crawl under the truck and do some inspecting. Get some paper towels and degreaser and clean the areas that you see oil. Then.....continue to watch for new oil drippings so you can narrow down the location.

It could be the oil pan gasket....although, there really isn't a gasket. It's RTV type material. You could try and 'torque' the bolts to see if that helps.

 

oil filter tight?

 

If it is the 3.4 v6 they are notorious for leaking on the valve covers. Seems the passenger side at the back always leaks the most. Mine leaks and gradually seeps down the side of the motor.

 

+1 on the valve cover gasket. I've owned three of these engines (T100, Taco, 4Runner) and they have all leaked from the VCG.

Is this the first you've driven it since you've been back? If not, that's a lot of oil to lose in a short amount of time. I don't think a valve cover would leak that profusely.

 

make sure the oil filter is tight. the old gasket from the old filter might be on there. and check the plug where the oil drains out for an oil change. it right beside the skid plate