Oil leak question

[RAWR207]

So I’ve been watching a leak on the front right of the engine behind the alternator - seems like it’s getting worse but there’s never an appreciable amount of oil missing. From reading online and eyeballing my manual I believe it’s the cam seal? And replace the valve cover gasket as well? 2008 w/ only 149k. Does that seem correct? Thanks for any insight

 

[Toyoland66]

I would start with the valve cover, make sure the bolts are not loose, seems to be a common issue on the 2UZ.

 

[RAWR207]

Yeah thanks cover was a bit loose when I took it apart. But it went back together easy with a new gasket and no leaks so far! Now I gotta do the drivers side

 

[Top]

So I’ve been watching a leak on the front right of the engine behind the alternator - seems like it’s getting worse but there’s never an appreciable amount of oil missing. From reading online and eyeballing my manual I believe it’s the cam seal? And replace the valve cover gasket as well? 2008 w/ only 149k. Does that seem correct? Thanks for any insightView attachment 2721005

If oil lead is coming out the front of the valve cover and not the rear or side . You most likely have a cam seal out. Just had my 2005 replaced at Toyota due to shade tree mechanics in my area. labor was $1113.99 parts was $174.48 . Hope you have a good mechanic you know and trust.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

To add to that, if you are doing a cam seal, make sure you're putting new timing belt components back in as the old ones need to come off to access the seal.

I actually have a similar leak I'm diagnosing. I did a valve cover gasket about two years ago and just did my timing belt in Oct 2020. I did my crank seal but didn't touch my cam seals as they were bone dry.

If I do have to pull my components, I'll 100% be replacing my belt and tensioner and thermostat even though they have less than 20k miles on them.

I'm hoping the leak is coming from the valve cover, but based on the location, I highly suspect I'm not that lucky.

Keep us posted