Sloowwwww oil leak, should I be concerned?

I have a '94 Camry 4 cyl, it appears to be leaking from around the seal of the oil drain pan, but may be coming from higher. It is a slowww leak. The bottom of the oil pan will be coated with a thin layer of oil, I never seen it dripping, its been doing it since my last oil change before this one I just did Saturday. Its so slow that in between the two oil changes I haven't noticed the level on the dipstick change at all. I am just wondering how concerned I should be of this.

As a normal person, I am not too concerned, but I don't know if any mechanics know if the gasket may just burst one time during driving and I have a big problem. I'm almost positive its the oil pan gasket, I don't see any oil from any other places, I am going to check more thoroughly next chance. My oil and antifreeze do not seem to be mixing, so I am pretty sure its not the head gasket.

Thanks for any heads up. I'm keeping an eye out for the oil pressure light, but once that comes up..its too late anyway, lol. But I'm checking my oil level like every day to be safe until I can get it fixed. I just want to know how long I can put it off for, and how I can confirm myself which gasket it is, so I don't go to a garage and be told "Oh, you have to replace the head gasket and that costs $1000, flargin blarg!" Around here thats one of their favorites. At one shop, my brothers car had a "cracked head cover" (they said that before they even looked in the engine) so we took it to a dodge dealer (he has a neon) and it was the EGR valve...big difference, lol.

That kind of leak is not a serious problem. I would put up with it and forget about it - just check your oil level once a week or so for your peace of mind.

If you really want to fix it, bring it to a mechanic that has been recommended to you by a co-worker or friend and forget about it. Most mechanics make honest mistakes, but are not out to rip you off. Only a few are really dishonest.

I've yet to find a Toyota oil pan not covered in some amount of oil.

If you don't have the special service tool (Or make one) Toyota uses to change the oil filter. Oil tends to run down the side of the engine block to the oil pan, drip onto the front frame cross member & drip on the exhaust pipe. Basically it's a little shield that keeps the oil from falling on stuff.



If it's a lot of oil, go to a mechanic. Likely causes would be the oil pan gasket, or front/rear main seal leaking a little bit of oil.

Doesn't sound serious.

Thanks so much.

I usually get the Fram Tough Guard oil filter, which has an anti-drainback valve, so it stops most of the oil from coming out of the filter. The amount that does drip, if I don't do anything to stop it (just let it run down) will it contact any rubber or anything that it shouldn't? Or will it be ok if I just take the oil filters off normal?

Try running your finger under the oil pressure sensor that is located near the top radiator hose and below the valve cover. If you feel oil on our finger, you may have found the leak. The sensor is about $25. Note: This type of oil leak will show up more with the engine running rather than sitting over-night. Just a thought...

Jenny







I have a '94 Camry 4 cyl, it appears to be leaking from around the seal of the oil drain pan, but may be coming from higher. It is a slowww leak. The bottom of the oil pan will be coated with a thin layer of oil, I never seen it dripping, its been doing it since my last oil change before this one I just did Saturday. Its so slow that in between the two oil changes I haven't noticed the level on the dipstick change at all. I am just wondering how concerned I should be of this.

As a normal person, I am not too concerned, but I don't know if any mechanics know if the gasket may just burst one time during driving and I have a big problem. I'm almost positive its the oil pan gasket, I don't see any oil from any other places, I am going to check more thoroughly next chance. My oil and antifreeze do not seem to be mixing, so I am pretty sure its not the head gasket.

Thanks for any heads up. I'm keeping an eye out for the oil pressure light, but once that comes up..its too late anyway, lol. But I'm checking my oil level like every day to be safe until I can get it fixed. I just want to know how long I can put it off for, and how I can confirm myself which gasket it is, so I don't go to a garage and be told "Oh, you have to replace the head gasket and that costs $1000, flargin blarg!" Around here thats one of their favorites. At one shop, my brothers car had a "cracked head cover" (they said that before they even looked in the engine) so we took it to a dodge dealer (he has a neon) and it was the EGR valve...big difference, lol.

If the sensor is leaking, you probably don't have to buy another, just remove it, clean the threads, and reseal the sensor.