Name that leak

[baltik]

So my alternator died today: All dash lights turning on - now car won't start

I went ahead and pulled it today to find oil seepage in the area that may have contributed to the alternators demise... can anyone
what's leaking? It looks to me that it's leaking from underneath the passenger side Timing belt cover

06 Land cruiser w/ 85k miles, new to me - Timing belt and water pump done by mechanic within last 5k miles
I did put in synthetic on the last change, not clear what the PO ran prior, so could be related to that...

surmise

 

[TXLX100]

Valve cover gasket can leak in the corner above the alternator and look like leak from timing cover area. I think would be uncommon for cam seal to leak with those miles, but always possible.

 

[jhrrld]

My vote would also be to check passenger side valve cover. I just did my own timing belt job at 215k on my 06 and pretty sure it was my valve cover gasket that had leaked all over everything including through the timing covers down all over the power steering pump etc. Check the bolts that hold down the valve cover, I ended up doing both valve covers at the same time but noticed the bolts holding them down were pretty loose.

 

[baltik]

Thanks all, here is a better picture, with the PS pump out of the way.

What's the right way to tighten - just work on that corner or snug up everything?

 

[gr8erimage]

Also check for power steering fluid leaks. They usually start at the reservoir and travel down the PS hoses and drip on the alternator.

 

[jhrrld]

I would get new gaskets and go ahead and replace the seals. 55 inch pounds is the torque spec if memory serves me

 

[2001LC]

I can't see enough of head covers to make a call. But re-toque to 53in-lbf (Inch) can usually take can of those leaks/weeps. At 85K those gasket will be fine unless engine badly over heated.

I can't see enough of Power Steering suction hose and return hose from reservoir. They age and often weep. This get on alternator, more so than head cover gasket leak or cam or crank seal leaks.

Steering Flush & Cleaning

Cleaning power steering reservoir and flushing it's fluid. Keeps Vane pump and rack & pinion in top condition. These step will help you get, a better idea on how to. Power wash reservoir & hoses using a degreaser, before starting service. Makes for cleaner job. Repeat, once all done with...

forum.ih8mud.com

Scored 2007 Unicorn. The holy grail of 100 series.

Installing vane pump (power steering pump) torquing 3 mounting bolts to 13ft-lbf. Attache HP line to pump with new gasket, torque union bolt to 37ft-lbf

forum.ih8mud.com

Your alternator may be fine. Make sure battery post clean and greased (key). Also that battery will take a charge reaching 13V +.
Best done with cables disconnected. This is new recommendation from Toyota in the 200 series.

 

[baltik]

Thanks for the advice, but with the car on and applying a voltmeter directly to the cable ends at the battery I am getting the same reading as the reading at the terminals with the car off. Seems to be conclusive that's the alternator no?

 

[2001LC]

What's the reading at 2,000 rpm. Seem 14V is the number IIRC!

 

[baltik]

sub 12 since the battery is discharged and I'm jump starting

 

[2001LC]

Your reading the voltage while running. So your read alternator. If sub 12V at 2,000 RPM. Then yes does sound like bad alternator. That is assuming a good drive belt with good drive belt tensioner.

 

[baltik]

New alternator is in, getting good voltage at the battery now 14.2+. I went ahead and checked the valve cover bolts, they were SUPER loose, i could turn them with my fingers. so snugged that up, hopefully takes care of the seepage

thanks for the help!

 

[abuck99]

Pull the cam gear cover and check the cam seal to see if that is the source of your leak. Last photo looks like some oil seeping from under/around the lower edge of the cover.

 

[Seth7843]

New alternator is in, getting good voltage at the battery now 14.2+. I went ahead and checked the valve cover bolts, they were SUPER loose, i could turn them with my fingers. so snugged that up, hopefully takes care of the seepage

thanks for the help!

Did this take care of your oil leak? I'm having a similar leak.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Had that similar oil trace before on both sides. I checked on the valve cover bolts and they were loose. Once tightened to FSM specs, leak never came back. Just be careful not to over-tighten them those bolts can break and snap.

 

[jerebear21]

I had a power steering pump leak onto the alternator. It ruined my alternator as well.