Oil Leak - Camry 2003 2.4L 2AZ-FE

[dorikin]

Hi All,

Just recently replaced the dogbone "Steady Bar" on my old mans Camry (2AZ-FE) and noticed quite a few oil leaks down the right hand side of the engine, also some leaks around the valve cover and power steering very damp around the reservoir and hoses. Dad has been complaining about the oil level on the dipstick slowly going down.. Car only has about 70,000kms on it

Firstly the power steering leak, the whole reservoir and both feed and return hoses were quite damp with p/s oil. The oil level seemed to be a bit below the low marker. I traced the feed hose all the way down behind the engine to the p/s pump and could see the pump and high pressure fitting were quite damp as well. From what I've searched online, it seems the hoses/hose clamps are the main culprits. Anybody here experience this problem?

The other leak is the engine oil, there are small signs around the valve cover gasket which I'm planning to replace this weekend, but the more concering leak is around the timing chain cover - best described in the pics below. I haven't a clue where it's coming from, on one corner it looks like it's from the headgasket but it can also be seen behind the pulleys and down the cover. I'm also thinking the PCV valve needs replacing, as there's probably pressure build up in the crankcase (possibly causing some of these leaks)

Any help or input appreciated.

Cheere fellas

[Topdog]

Had a similar problem in my 2001 V6 Camry. Rear bank rocker cover gasket..So I would guess it would be your rocker cover gasket and being onl a 4 cylinder engine it would be a hell of a lot easier getting to that than mine was...

[Old man]

That don't look like power steering oil leak, looks more like engine oil. As martin said check for rocket gasket. cheers

[dorikin]

This was the power steering leak I was referring to:

I've since flushed it out, replaced with new fluids and changed the hose clamp over.

I also got around to replacing the rocker cover gasket yesterday, hopefully it does the trick with the oil leaks

Edited June 8, 2014 by dorikin

[Topdog]

Well Done....

[dorikin]

Thanks Topdog

Would you have any idea why the coolant reservoir bottle always gunks up at the top like this.

It's been doing this for quite a while, even after a coolant flush

[Cowiie]

My coolant reservoir is also leaking but not as bad as yours. Would like to know the solution as well...

[jeffy]

My coolant reservoir is also leaking but not as bad as yours. Would like to know the solution as well...

+1

however my uncle who is a mechanic who used to work at toyota said this is a common issue throughout the 36 series and isnt really a major issue,

maybe with the spout near the lid, run a hose to the floor or something ?

[Topdog]

I found the gasket in the lid left a little bit to desire and the leak is most probably coming from there. My solution was to make a new one. Found the white sealing piece in glass bottle lids works pretty well. Make one from that. You may need to try a copule of times till you get it right..The actual leak is not a thing to worry too much about except if you think it looks messy and unsightly. Like I do.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Topdog