There is a leak that puddles on the ground underneath the engine?

Tiny
BUYRITEAUTO21
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 182,000 MILES
It is a couple inches in size. Is this oil or another type of fluid which is common problems with this generation vehicle?
Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 7:13 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

That is a tough question to answer without seeing it. Can you tell the color? For example, is it brown, red, or translucent? If possible, could you upload a pic of what you are seeing?

Additionally, take a look through this link, I feel it may be helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 9:45 PM
Tiny
BUYRITEAUTO21
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  • 28 POSTS
Hi Joe,

Here is a picture of the leak near the middle of the front of the car underneath.
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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,254 POSTS
Hi,

That does look like engine oil. Since it is in the center of the front, I would first check the oil drain plug on the oil pan under the vehicle. See pic 1 below.

When you check the plug, keep in mind it may be tight, but there is a gasket that may have failed, so to make that determination, if the plug is wet, confirm nothing above it is wet. If everything above the plug is dry, chances are that is the problem.

On the other hand, if there is evidence of oil coming from above, next check the engine oil filter located on the side of the engine (driver's side). Check for evidence of a leak from it as well. See pic 2 below

There may be a cover under the engine. If there is, before removing it, see if there are any wet spots on it.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 6:56 PM

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