Name that leak

[linuxgod]

@linuxgod did you ever get to the bttom of this? I recently noticed the same build up of oil in the exact location on my 2013 with 102k.. Hoping it's just the valve covers. Planning on taking a further look into it over the weekend.

I cleaned it up a bit and I haven’t seen any new residue, so I’m not sure at this time.

 

[TLC2013]

I cleaned it up a bit and I haven’t seen any new residue, so I’m not sure at this time.

Cool happy to hear. Going to do the same on mine. After looking closer at the top right of my motor I can see the oil is just below the valve covers so i am thinking it could be from the cam tower / timing chain cover. Crossing my finger I just spilled some oil during my last change.

 

[linuxgod]

Cool happy to hear. Going to do the same on mine. After looking closer at the top right of my motor I can see the oil is just below the valve covers so i am thinking it could be from the cam tower / timing chain cover. Crossing my finger I just spilled some oil during my last change.

Yeah I’m hoping mine was a dopey mechanic.

 

[bronc076]

If it was the A/C line I would expect to see the residue on the line itself around the metal fitting where it attaches to the rubber hose. From your photo that looks clean. Looks awfully similar to valve cover gasket leaks I've seen before. I would take a minute to clean the area and tighten up the valve cover bolt in that corner. Its likely a small condensation leak from the gasket. On the Gen 1 Tacomas, you have to regularly re-torque the valve cover bolts due to the washer that is used. I have not had to do this on my 200 though, nor have seen this as a common occurrence on this board.

If you don’t know the oil in A/C glows when you hit it with a black light. I had some black light flashlights my son and I used to hunt for scorpions in AZ when he was little. That is fun! But anyway when the AC was leaking in my Tacoma I read that on the internet somewhere and tried it, yep it worked. So if you want to find an A/C leak get a black light.