I previously asked a question about detecting an.

Tiny
RAV4X4
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  • 1997 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 140,000 MILES
I previously asked a question about detecting an oil leak, and I received an answer. I narrowed down the problem: the leak occurs only immediately after or while warming engine. I looked around the valve cover and the timing belt cover, but I didn't see any wetness. I checked behind the oil pan ( Laying down in the front of car), and felt wetness at the seam where the valve cover is bolted to the block. So I suspect that it required a new pan gasket. But I need your professional input. Thank you.
Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 2:24 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
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Valve cover is on the top. Do you mean the oil pan?

Roy
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 2:28 AM
Tiny
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Yes, i'm leaning toward oil pan. When I did the previous job where I had to remove the motor mount, I supported the engine with a 2x4 piece of wood an a floor jack under the oil pan ( that's the only place where engine can be supported, unless someone out there knows better!). I don't know if that contributed to the oil leak at warmups ( slight oil leak).

Oil pan
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 2:49 AM
Tiny
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Correct typo in my original: I meant oil pan bolted to block.
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 2:56 AM
Tiny
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When you remove the oil pan, use a straight edge to be sure it is not bent

Roy
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 2:57 AM
Tiny
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Straight edge. Is that a tool? Or can anything be utilized as a guide?
If found bent, what is the solution?
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:02 AM
Tiny
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Straighten or replace. Use a level if you can

Roy
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:04 AM
Tiny
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I read in Haynes manual: put the pan on a piece of wood and hammer. What side if the pan should be hammered?
Or can I put a piece of wood on top of edge and hammer?
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:08 AM
Tiny
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That would work. Get it off first

Roy
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:13 AM
Tiny
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Thank you.
One last question because I want to make sure I have all the parts/gaskets before I start the project.
Is it necessary to unbolt the oil strainer, and hence replace the O-ring? Haynes manual also said to replace the 2 doughnut gaskets fo the front exhaust pipe. What's your take on this project?
Thanks.
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:22 AM
Tiny
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I agree. The o ring, yes. The donuts you can re use

Roy
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Monday, December 24th, 2012 AT 3:23 AM

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