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GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Oil leak?

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Old Apr 7, 2019 | 07:37 PM
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Default Oil leak?

Hey guys I have a 2001 gs300 and couple weeks ago I noticed oil only on the left side(passenger side) of the motor, then I noticed a smell and been looking for a quite awhile for answers to what a might be. From what I gathered it’s either value cover gasket or head gasket. My oil barely leaks because I check the dip stick everyday and it’s stays the same. But the thing that drives me crazy is that the oil that does leak, leak onto a place above which I think is either exhaust manifold or intake manifold(not sure) and it burns when a drops hits it and I hate the smell. I wanted to see what you guys think and if it’s common on the gs300. More info on the car is that has 162k miles oil change is due (changing it this week).
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 12:54 AM
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Yes. Most likely a valve cover gasket. 2JZ's have plenty of places to leak and often do. I replaced a valve cover with an OEM one, used toyota FIPG etc, don't know if I pinched it but it began leaking more or less all around so I assume it was not my error. Not even 30,000 miles passed before it leaked again.
The head gasket should be fine, I seldom see HG's blow stock on these cars unless they've been overheated a bit, and unless that's happened I seriously wouldn't worry.

Last edited by MOAWINGS; Apr 8, 2019 at 12:57 AM.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 05:57 AM
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You could ask them to tell you whats leaking when you take it in for an oil change. They likely will anyways. Part of their goal is to tell you whats wrong with your car in hopes that you will fix it.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by MOAWINGS
Yes. Most likely a valve cover gasket. 2JZ's have plenty of places to leak and often do. I replaced a valve cover with an OEM one, used toyota FIPG etc, don't know if I pinched it but it began leaking more or less all around so I assume it was not my error. Not even 30,000 miles passed before it leaked again.
The head gasket should be fine, I seldom see HG's blow stock on these cars unless they've been overheated a bit, and unless that's happened I seriously wouldn't worry.
yeah I haven’t overheated it at all, actually just bought it 3 months ago and it’s in good condition (paint is a bit scratched) other than that the interior is perfect except there door locks but it’s normal for those to go out from what I’m told. But thank you just trying to take care of the car. By the way do you know what you have to do for the value cover gasket, I’m not doing it myself but I’m just curious what they have to remove to replace it.
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 11:48 AM
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My car had the same thing and replacing the valve cover gasket was the fix. I used Indian head shellac to hold the gasket in place in the valve cover when I installed. That made the install much easier and I didn't need to worry about the gasket getting pinched from falling out
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Old Apr 8, 2019 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by BryanH19
yeah I haven’t overheated it at all, actually just bought it 3 months ago and it’s in good condition (paint is a bit scratched) other than that the interior is perfect except there door locks but it’s normal for those to go out from what I’m told. But thank you just trying to take care of the car. By the way do you know what you have to do for the value cover gasket, I’m not doing it myself but I’m just curious what they have to remove to replace it.
To replace the valve cover gasket, the throttle body and everything else sitting on top will need to be removed. It's also a good time to have your spark plugs and wire replaced if they haven't been done, doesn't take much time and parts are cheap.
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