I have oil POURING from what looks like the oil pump. Does an oil pump gradually die or is it something that kills over all of the sudden? Could this just be the o-ring? What other things could be leaking in or around that area (behind the lower timing belt cover)? Any help would be great!!!
It sounds like one or more seals have failed in that area. With the cam-belt cover off, you'll see the leak: Crankshaft seal, oil-pump and cam-shaft . (I think thats all)
On mine ('96 with poor oil-change history at some point) ALL the seals were weeping oil. The oil-pump was replaced as its seal had cut a deep groove in the drive shaft. Thses seals go rock-hard when the oil has not been changed enough allowing impurities to build-up in the oil which attack the neoprene seals, sending them hard.
Jason
The oil pump is the only items that puts pressure on the seals, the crankshaft just splashes oil. The oil pump O-ring contains the oil pressure created by the pump, and the seal on the oil pump shaft also has an angular passage to supply oil there. These parts are really inexpensive and easy to install once everything is disassembled. Sounds like you'll also need to replace the oil contaminated timing belt and you may as well do the other oil seals at the same time. To answer your initial question, ususally the oil seals fail gradually, with oil seepage first.
Thanks for all of the replies... You guys have confirmed what I thought. What about additives for oil? Can an additive stop the leaking for a period of time? I have the Haynes manual and that's how I determined that "thing" was the oil pump. The unfortunate fact is that it takes me about 7 hours to take all of that crap apart and put it back together. I have replaced the timing belt once and then about 4 months ago, I put a new water pump on it which is also behind the timing belt. I got a quote from the Toyota dealership to replace the water pump and it was better than $600. I thought I might as well replace the oil pump while I am there so that I don't have to take this crap apart one more time. However, if there is an oil additive that I can put in it, like with a radiator leak, that would stop it for about 6 months, I could buy myself some time. I wish I could find someone locally that is certified to work on cars, but just does it on the side. Everything is so expensive in the ATL area.
These guys speak the truth. I had the same problem on my '92. I tried a couple oil additives with no success. The good news is now you have some practice, and it will probably take you less than 7 hours to dissasemble and reassemble :-)
-JCM900
7
There is no additive that will help. You might be surprised, that doing the work the second time is faster. If you're going to change the oil seals, be sure to do the crankshaft oil seal also.
I am just north of ATL and have a good mechanic if you need one. I had to have the same O ring behind the oil pump replaced, it was split. No amount of additives will seal it. Its about a $7 wierd shaped O ring.
Our awesome Toyota dealer in central MN chraged me $14.95 for the silly little O-ring. None of the regular auto parts stores could get it. I wasn't happy.
-JCM900
that
7from
Prices are ususally higher when you're buying just one item retail.
I paid $9.25 over the Internet as part of a larger order.
ahh. Yeah, I only have 1 Camry so far :-)
-JCM900
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