Distributor help!
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: MD
Distributor help!
Hey guys, so my distributor keeps leaking oil. Not sure why or how, but it is definitely leaking oil. The shiny metal piece below the cap on the distributor is where the oil drips from, landing on the alternator. I have replaced my distributor with other used ones about 3 times now, and they all end up doing this in the end. I was wondering what the source of the leak could be? Is the distributor o-ring the only thing that can make this thing leak or is there other parts on the distributor that can leak oil too? I wanted to ask if I should replace the whole entire distributor assembly/o-ring or keep the one I have and just replace the o-ring again? Would putting a new distributor in mess up my timing, etc? It just seems like no matter what I do this thing always keeps leaking. Thanks.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: NY
I believe you are supposed to post this in the performance section, but the only leak i've seen is the o-ring after a while.
If you put the dist in wrong I'm pretty sure you would be able to notice.
Alternative solution switch it over to coil on plug and get rid of the entire "dizzy"
If you put the dist in wrong I'm pretty sure you would be able to notice.
Alternative solution switch it over to coil on plug and get rid of the entire "dizzy"
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: MD
I just want to fix the distributor oil leaking issue, not trying to change anything from the original equipment. I find this hard to believe that 3 used distributors I've gone thru are all leaking with new o-rings put on each one. Does anyone have any insight on this?
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: NY
new o-ing from toyota does it for me everytime. shouldn't be the distributor unless the part the o-ring sits on is worn.
I would more likely suspect the head surface where the o-ring sits, check for damage there, clean out all debris and cooked oil, put a coat of new oil on the o-ring before installation. thats about it unless its not sitting all the way in place..
the 2jzge distributors do not leak from the inside generally, and since you have tried 3 of them I would rule that out.
also about the time the distributor O-ring starts leaking the valve covers will be close.
I would more likely suspect the head surface where the o-ring sits, check for damage there, clean out all debris and cooked oil, put a coat of new oil on the o-ring before installation. thats about it unless its not sitting all the way in place..
the 2jzge distributors do not leak from the inside generally, and since you have tried 3 of them I would rule that out.
also about the time the distributor O-ring starts leaking the valve covers will be close.
Last edited by Ali SC3; Aug 12, 2013 at 08:05 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 2
From: MD
new o-ing from toyota does it for me everytime. shouldn't be the distributor unless the part the o-ring sits on is worn.
I would more likely suspect the head surface where the o-ring sits, check for damage there, clean out all debris and cooked oil, put a coat of new oil on the o-ring before installation. thats about it unless its not sitting all the way in place..
the 2jzge distributors do not leak from the inside generally, and since you have tried 3 of them I would rule that out. bascially it has to be the distributor.
also about the time the distributor O-ring starts leaking the valve covers will be close.
I would more likely suspect the head surface where the o-ring sits, check for damage there, clean out all debris and cooked oil, put a coat of new oil on the o-ring before installation. thats about it unless its not sitting all the way in place..
the 2jzge distributors do not leak from the inside generally, and since you have tried 3 of them I would rule that out. bascially it has to be the distributor.
also about the time the distributor O-ring starts leaking the valve covers will be close.
anyone else have any ideas? this is driving me nuts!
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
I responded to your pm. just post it in here it is easier so others can see.
I am not sure why you would get 3 distributors and then rely on the mechanic to get a new o-ring.
Go get a new O-ring from toyota, and take it to a mechanic to install it, and ask him to clean the part on the head where it goes since you are still having issues.
I have never heard of a new o-ring leaking on a distributor before. If it is replaced properly it should stop leaking.
never use one off an old distributor, after alot of use and then they sit on a shelf exposed to air the rubber shrinks and its like having barely any o-ring at all.
If it is still leaking, then you probably have an issue with the sealing surface on the head since you have tried 3 distributors its not the sealing surface on the shaft most likely.
I am not sure why you would get 3 distributors and then rely on the mechanic to get a new o-ring.
Go get a new O-ring from toyota, and take it to a mechanic to install it, and ask him to clean the part on the head where it goes since you are still having issues.
I have never heard of a new o-ring leaking on a distributor before. If it is replaced properly it should stop leaking.
never use one off an old distributor, after alot of use and then they sit on a shelf exposed to air the rubber shrinks and its like having barely any o-ring at all.
If it is still leaking, then you probably have an issue with the sealing surface on the head since you have tried 3 distributors its not the sealing surface on the shaft most likely.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
