Continuing oil leak in 91 Camry... need suggestions

Jun 23, 2003 2 Replies

I have a 91 Camry V6 with 180k miles on it. I know it has a boatfull of miles but it still runs great and I want to keep it for another bunch of years. I have done all of the work on it since I bought it and know it pretty well. Over the past few years, the car began to leak oil in several places. So, beginning last year I began to try to find each and every oil leak and repair it. During the last year, I have done the following:


  1. Changed front oil seal. I also changed the timing belt and water pump while in this area.


  1. Changed rear main seal and two trans axle shaft seals. This was done in one very laborious job. My former problem with a leaking transaxle was resolved with this job.

  2. Changed valve cover gaskets and grommets for each of the attachment bolts.


  1. Changed power steering seal. This was a very specific seal that was the cause of the leak I was experiencing. It was internat to the pump. Changing the seal stopped the leak.

  2. Changed distributor shaft "o" ring.


  1. Changed oil pan gasket.



Despite all of these changes, I am still getting a leak in the area around the crankshaft pulley. I am not sure of its origin because there is quite a bit of oil in the entire region. I need some suggestions of what I could or should do next. Your suggestions will be appreciated.



Thanks, Al Kondo


Sometimes a new seal may not seal against the shaft due to the prescence of a groove worn onto the shaft from the old seal. There is a repair available in the States which uses tubular shim to cover the damaged area.

Damage to the seal during installation

Oil running down due gravity from another higher leak or a leak adjacent where the oil is blown back.

Jason

A few pointers... Synthetic oil can make your motor leak more on high milage motor than dyno type. Because it has a higher penetration effect.

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