Bedore

Hello all,

My 1997 ES300 is leaking oil. It was leaking oil around the valve cover gaskets so I assumed that was the only leak on the car. However I replaced the valve cover gaskets and im still seeing an oil leak. It is somewhere near the pulley side of the motor. Oil is leaking down the block, and is pooling on one of the subframe rails. I recently changed the oil (since I fixed the VC leak) and wiped the area down. 2 days later, the underneath of the car is covered in oil and it's still leaking and dripping. This is on the passenger side of the engine/car. The oil pan gasket does not appear to be leaking.

What else could it be?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

I think its the rear main seal? or something along those lines is known to leak

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

you changed both front and rear VCG right? if so I would also think the Rear main seal

Bedore

I don't know. The rear main seal is between the engine and the transmission. That would be more towards the driver side of the engine. This oil leak appears to be coming from the passenger side of the engine, maybe dripping down the block...but im not totally sure. I got under and look everywhere I could (thinking it might be the rear main) but I cannot locate the source of the leak. I suppose if the rear main was leaking, the wind could blow oil to the passenger side of the car where it tends to pool up.

Yes, both valve cover gaskets were done.

LeX2K

It could be a cam or crankshaft seal, or much less likely, a head gasket. Another possibility is the semi-circular plugs, they go right in front of either camshaft, in the head. They are aluminum half moon shaped things. These sometimes leak and most people ignore them when replacing the valve cover gaskets. Did you use sealant in the places specified? (6 locations per head).

Bedore

Yes, I followed the service manual and applied sealant at the locations shown. I looked at the semi-round plugs as well, and they did not appear to be leaking, however I did not replace them. That said I have been looking all over for leaks in the valve cover area and cannot locate them. Perhaps it's the rear main seal, or the cam seals, etc. Due to the mileage on the car, I will probably just change to a slightly heavier oil (maybe 10W30, currently using 5W30), and see what happens. I really do not want to dump any money into it considering the age and mileage. Thanks all for the help.

MikeLex

The best bet in your case would be the two cam seals. It might also be your steering pump (red stains in your driveway?).

frohboy33

I had a similar leak. Took it to my local Toyota dealer. They have whats called a service clinic that they do for 19.95. I mentioned the leak and they diagnosed it as a cam shaft seal I believe. Cost me $20 to figure it out. Might want to think about taking it to the toyota dealer for a quick, cheap diagnosis.