Need help identifying... (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Aug 19, 2023
Threads
5
Messages
11
Location
oregon
Hi ya'll, my 1991 FJ80 is having a bummer of a time. I just noticed that she's got no oil (none, wtf) - I refilled her oil tank and put some cardboard under her to see what's going on/where the leak is/if it's just burning oil, etc. However, I noticed this and I don't know what it is but it looks not great! Could somebody plz identify? I'm reading the repair manual back to front and front to back again and can't figure it out. Let me down lightly, guys.

IMG_6755.jpeg


IMG_6756.jpeg


IMG_6757.jpeg
 
When was the last time the oil was showing as full?
Where on the engine does the leak seem the worse?
Is your drain plug stripped, oil filter installed correctly?
Any recent service on the engine, oil change at a Quickie Lube shop?
Is there a big oil mess on the upper right side of the engine?

If an oil filter wasn't installed correctly, or the wrong filter, or cross-threaded, or even an O-ring from the old filter left stuck to the engine
and a new filter put on over that, any of those could result in a large leak.


Here's a few previous discussions about massive oil leaks in the 3FE




If you aren't using the Toyota Factory Service Manual (FSM) here's a link where you can download a copy:

 
Last edited:
When you say things like "she's got no oil", what do you mean?
No oil showing on the dipstick, or no oil comes out when you remove the drain plug?
No oil showing on the dipstick is not a huge deal as the sump holds 2 gallons (8 quarts) and is well baffled. You could be 4 quarts low and still be fine.

If you're referring to the small plate held on with 2 bolts at the bottom of the bellhousing, that's an inspection plate.
The coating of oil on everything is typical 3FE rustproofing ;)
Most likely cause is the rear arch seal of the oil pan gasket. This is very often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal leak.
The OEM oil pan gasket is a 1 piece cork gasket (12151-61011) and inexpensive. Do not use FIPG or aftermarket crap.

In any case, I would clean things up and try to diagnose where the leak(s) are coming from before moving forward with replacing seals.
Here's some good reading for you:
 
Last edited:
How much oil did you need to add to refill the "oil tank" back to full when you discovered that there was "none" there?

What exactly are you wanting to show us in the pics from under the rig?

Mark...
 
Cardboard looks clean. Like Kernal said, how much time and miles driven elapsed between when dipstick showing full and empty?
 
When you say things like "she's got no oil", what do you mean?
No oil showing on the dipstick, or no oil comes out when you remove the drain plug?
No oil showing on the dipstick is not a huge deal as the sump holds 2 gallons (8 quarts) and is well baffled. You could be 4 quarts low and still be fine.

If you're referring to the small plate held on with 2 bolts at the bottom of the bellhousing, that's an inspection plate.
The coating of oil on everything is typical 3FE rustproofing ;)
Most likely cause is the rear arch seal of the oil pan gasket. This is very often misdiagnosed as a rear main seal leak.
The OEM oil pan gasket is a 1 piece cork gasket (12151-61011) and inexpensive. Do not use FIPG or aftermarket crap.

In any case, I would clean things up and try to diagnose where the leak(s) are coming from before moving forward with replacing seals.
Here's some good reading for you:
THANK YOU! This is super helpful!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom