Oil Leak Surprise

[jefftb]

Time to change the oil in the 2006 LC with 170K on the odometer.

Saw some oil spots in the drive and thought no big deal, I sometimes park my old F350 in same spot and it has several leaks.

Then I rolled underneath the LC and thought, uhhh, nope, this thing is leaking. Drop the entire front skid plate and this is what I've found.

When I dropped the skid plate there was one bolt laying there. Its not a large diameter. The leak looks like it starts right underneath the black shroud and the alternator is covered in oil and is the underside of the skid plate.

I've worked on my LX450 some (not a lot) and have not had to do anything to this LC. It came to me used and recently serviced at 150,000. Timing belt was done at 90K but not water pump. I checked it the first four months at least twice a month for oil use. It never needed adding any.

So input here please.

Finally, the F350 is gone....a nice new lifted 2014 Tundra DC took its place 4 weeks ago.

 

[TTO5]

Not sure what the bolts for but looks like coolant with that red color in the last photo. Maybe water pump?

 

[Bomar]

I would vote WP also

 

[Mike6158]

A fine thread bolt like that is going to be for holding plastic or some kind of cover on. Ditto the red color being antifreeze. Might be left over from the timing belt replacement?

 

[jefftb]

Its oil for sure. Its coming from above the alternator. I checked the dipstick and it was barely on the tip. Coolant level is good.

That means its at least 1.5qt low and has not been using a drop for months.

 

[Mike6158]

Something is leaking oil on the alternator. Alternators don't have oil in them (Captain Obvious told me to say that). What's above the alternator?

 

[super90]

Clean everything up and drive out for a few days to see where it's coming from and how fast it's leaking.

 

[DJWUZJ]

Front cam seal leaks? Did you R&R during the 90k

 

[OregonLC]

Front cam seal leaks? Did you R&R during the 90k

Popping of one of the timing belt covers would be a quick way to check. With that much oil the belt should be wet. I'd be more inclined to think front main seal.

Pretty hard to diagnose from pictures. As others have said, clean off as much as possible (simple green works great) and come back and check after driving to see what's getting wet first.

 

[jefftb]

Supposed to rain like hell here for a few days, will change oil tomorrow, wipe it down, and let it roll without skid plate.

Its an LC.....I'm no Pope, but I'm guessing it will be ready to roll after.

As a follow on....no wetting of the belt. I own/operate heavy equipment. If it aint dripping it ain't operating in that world.

I prefer my vehicles to be tight and dry in the drive.

 

[gtfour43]

Try checking your vc bolts. The gasket shrinks over time and they begin to leak. May need to replace already. Mine were leaking at 76k.

 

[Texasknowhow]

Try checking your vc bolts. The gasket shrinks over time and they begin to leak. May need to replace already. Mine were leaking at 76k.

VC bolts?

 

[Mike6158]

Valve cover?

 

[Scottb4857]

Yes, the valve covers. They always loosen over time and are not torqued that high. Be careful not to overgrowth or you get a whole new fun project.

 

[Texasknowhow]

Okay, that explains it... should have gotten that. Thanks, Clay

 

[ponytl]

I've replaced several 100 series engines and the cool part is I've never gotten greasy or oily even at 300k the engines I've dealt with have been bone dry and tight with zero signs of leaks... normally valve cover leaks on most engines tend to show up on the exhaust manifold or toward the rear of the engine... gravity and the force of air moving through the engine compartment seem to force the oil in that direction.... kinda rare to see it on the front...

That bolt belongs somewhere but that is Not your problem... I'd put my bet on a cam or crank seal.... btw who in the hell would ever replace a timing belt and NOT do the water pump? that is just friggin stupid... and NOT someone I'd let work on my stuff... for a visual look at my picture that is the front of a 4.7 engine exposed... 4-6 extra bolts and 10min more to do the water pump... it it's leaking from above the alt. I'd think maybe the pass side cam seal.... which I'm guilty of not replacing "while I'm in there"

good luck
p