I have a 97 Camry with 120k miles. I hope replacing the valve cover gasket would stop an oil leak. No such luck. The leak can be observed at the lower right hand side rear just above the pan and is running down a groove from inside the lower timing belt cover.
Is the next diagnosis cam or crank seals? Can the lower timing belt cover be remover so I can get a better look or should I just bite the bullet and take it to my mechanic. The timing belt is due for replacement anyway.
Thanks Carl
Have your mechanic replace all the seals on that side of the motor. There is an large rubber gasket behind the oil pump that should be replaced too. Dont forget it, I did and it cost me... BTW...on yours be aware that there is a plug on the head where the distributors used to go that may cause a leak. Its behind the coil packs and cant be seen... I just had that prob on my 97 Camry but I also have
190,000+ miles on mine.Hey, I've got a '97 Camry as well ( a four-banger).
Just out of curiosity, how tight did you do the spark plug tube nuts on your valve cover?
I just did mine (replaced the gasket) & cracked the valve cover when I torqued it back down. I followed the Haynes manuals advice (33 ft lbs) which appears to be correct. Wondering if my valve cover just "wore out" somehow..
-Mike
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