Hiyas all,

I own a 2003 Corolla with 20,000 kms. I was servicing it last weekend and doing a couple of other things to it. Although it has only done 20,000 kms i still gave it a thorough checkover and couldn't help myself noticing oil trailing from the r/h/s of the cylindar head gasket to the l/h/s.

I gave it a good wash, and inspected it last monday and could see fresh oil developing on the r/h/s of the head near the timing chain cover.

The oil currently is not dripping or running down the block, however it is clear that there is oil leaking. I will be inspecting it this monday to see how it has developed.

I think it is a possible head gasket leak. I am wondering if anybody else has had such an issue.

I'm new to this site, i hope i'm welcome.

Thanks.

G'day Techgfx, you're more than welcome to the site!

What you're experiencing there sounds very unusual to me ... I'd be having a chat with my local Toyota dealer and getting warranty to sort that one out.

My previous car, a 98 Starlet, was given a hiding over 6 years and almost 160,000kms, with by-the-book servicing and 5000km oil changes from 100K on ... I didn't burn a drop of oil, much less leak any.

Show your dealer and see what they say ... they should fix it immediately for you.

Hiyas Buddha,

Thanks for the welcome.

I'll be having a look at the leak tomorow morning to have a look how it has developed over the last week. The warranty does expire in a month, but honestly i am considering fixing it myself.

If it is a head leak the way i see it, if its happening now, toyota may fix it and theres nothing to say it just wont happen again. The head gasket is a metal gasket, metal head gaskets aren't great anyway. But i'll see what its like tomorow and let everyone know.

It is possible that it could be coming out of the timing chain cover. End of the day i think im going to have to pull a few things off to be sure on what it exactly is.

It does run good though, no misfiring, no exhaust problems etc. So if it is a head leak, possibly it could just be an oil gallery in the head coming out through the gasket.

If anyone has an opinion on this, it is more than welcome.

Hiyas,

Just an update: i had a look at the leak again thismorning, and it had trailed across from where the head connects to the block. 7 days ago when i last inspected it, it was only a minor amount of dampness on the r/h/s.

This weekend if i get time im going to pull the timing chain cover off and take a more detailed look so i can see what is definately leaking. There could be a possibility that it is a cam seal leak then trailing down and out of the timing cover and along the head. I guess time will tell.

If anyone is interested will keep you all updated on how things go.

*shakes head at only 20,000kms*

What engine do u have? If its a 1ZZ-FE then its possibly leaking at the area btw where the timing cover n the head gasket join! ie near the chain tensioner! My other corolla leaked at that area when it was brand new! U cannot pull the timing cover off cause they use sealant to seal it n there are no cam seals for that engine. If ur car still under warranty just bring it to toyota n ask then to reseal the front cover!