2001 LC oil leak

[harrislc100]

Need some advice….

My 2001 with 215k miles has had an oil leak for the last several years. Bad enough to leave a few drops on the pavement every couple of days but not bad enough to have to top off when I check the oil periodically. I’ve had the front crank seal replaced but it did not fix the leak. It’s definitely coming from behind the timing cover. (Maybe oil pump o ring?) The Toyota/lexus specialized shop I use said “upper oil pan has bolt that is cross threaded into oil pump leaking” and the engine would need to be pulled out to fix it. So two separate leaks. They brought up the Option of putting a newer used motor in it as well. I am not a handy guy so I am trying to figure out what to do. Pulling the motor or replacing the engine would cost a crazy amount of money for sure. I’ve been putting it off for a while but I can tell there is oil that is starting to collect on the left steering rack boot (rack was replaced less than 20k miles ago) which will eventually cause that to go bad. It’s also probably getting on the timing belt too which could cause early failure.

 

[TahoeZ]

Have you verified that it’s not the valve cover gaskets? Have you tried adding AT205?

 

[3_puppies]

or the figure 8 orings on the filter housing?

 

[harrislc100]

Have you verified that it’s not the valve cover gaskets? Have you tried adding AT205?

Valve covers were dry as of 2024. Oil leak was ongoing for probably 2 years before that. And no I haven’t. I’ve heard mixed reviews.

 

[harrislc100]

or the figure 8 orings on the filter housing?

Oil filter isn’t leaking. Definitely coming from behind the timing cover.

 

[2001LC]

In order of most common leaks in T-belt area:

1. Very common: Tensioner pulley bolt, not sealed or cross threaded. So often shop have no clue. That these thread must be sealed. The bolt goes through oil pump housing, expose to crank shaft oil splash. Oil tends to accumulate around, to side and below tensioner. Before being seen a T-belt weep hole.
2. Crank seal, only if has been replaced. I've yet to see a factory installed, leak! Eeven at 25 yr 400k miles.
3. Oil pump O-ring. They start weeping around 20yr 150K miles. Very mild weep, that accumulates with time. Rarely, dip seen on ground.

Factory sealed oil pans, never leak. Their bolts, would never be cross threaded.

 

[Snow Wagon]

To further clarify what 2001LC stated above for the #1...

When Installing the Passenger (Right) Side Idler Pulley and Large Washer w/ 10mm Hex Socket, either Medium Thread Locker (on at least 4 threads...) or 103 FIPG (Form-In-Place-Gasket) should be used to Seal the Bolt Threads. Torque to 25 Ft Lbs. If this is not done, Oil will seep through the Threads of the Bolt.

Note: When Installing the Driver (Left) Side Idler Pulley w/ 14mm Socket. you should also use Medium Thread Locker (per the FSM). Torque to 25 Ft Lbs.

Unfortunately, I think the best course of action is to have your Timing Belt Service redone.
Once they have all of the Timing Belt Covers Off, they should be able to tell where the leak is coming from.

Good luck.
Tom