1999 Camry CE OIL LEAK

SLEEPY18723

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140 MILES

1999 Camry CE oil leak.

I don't know too much about cars. I know it is leaking. It is a small leakage, not major. But I want to get it fixed.

I placed some color dye into the engine oil and most of the build up was where the engine oil pan is, near the drain plug. However, after cleaning it up with brake cleaners, I cannot find the leak.

This was probably due to driving while the dye was in and it probably splattered every where.

I brought it to Autozone and one of the reps stated it was power steering fluid. I asked him to check under the car.

He then stated it was leaking from the oil pan gasket.

So before I do anything. I would like some input from anyone who knows what they are doin or had experience with something similiar.

I would also like to ask if I can remove the oil pan by simply removing the nuts and bolts or do I need to remove the
fender apron seal, under cover and the front exhaust pipe bracket from the oil pan.

Thank you and have a blessed day.

2 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Oil pan uses liquid gasket sealants so it seldom leaks. Where leaks are concerned, after cleaning up the oil stains, some running of the engine should make the leak appear again.

Most common engine oil leaks would be from the front, rear oil seals and valve cover gasket.

OIL PAN
Removal
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Remove lower engine covers. Drain engine oil. Remove front exhaust pipe located below oil pan.

2. Support engine with hoist. Remove engine mounts and engine crossmember as necessary for access to oil pan. Remove catalytic converter braces, catalytic converter, cushion, retainer and gasket to access oil pan (if necessary).

3. Remove stiffener plate at rear of oil pan (if equipped) for access to oil pan. Remove dipstick. Remove bolts/nuts and oil pan.

If oil pan is stuck, DO NOT use anything to pry as it can damage the oil pan. Use a wooden block, holding it against the corners of the oil pan (strengthened) area and use a hammer to knock the wooden block to loosen the sealant.

Installation
1. Ensure sealing surfaces are clean and dry. Apply bead of sealant at center of oil pan sealing surface, between bolt/nut holes and on inside of bolt/nut holes.

2. Install oil pan. Tighten bolts/nuts to specification. To install remaining components, reverse removal procedure.