Oil leak

Tiny
DANO1971
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 325,000 MILES
Is this a sign of a blown head gasket or do I need to replace the valve cover gaskets? I change the oil and the oil filter. But I roundup puncturing the oil filter and I had to drive it to go get a new one and oil sprayed everywhere but the gunk that is on the engine is not leaking anywhere it is just there it is not leaking onto my driveway or any where. That sensor next to the oil filter is that the temperature gauge sensor? Because my temperature gauge is not working. Any help would be great. And it is running hot even though I change the thermostat and flush the radiator coolant system four times. I have driven it two thousand miles since I have gotten it. It has not overheated though.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 9:20 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Pressure check cooling system with a pressure checker auto parts rent it and clean engine with degreaser as it may be from oil filter problem. You can also use a pressure washer to clean engine.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
DANO1971
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
I also forgot to put in there that before I change the oil every one of the valve cover bolts were loose so I had to tighten them. But it is it okay to power wash down where the oil filter is or should I just use a degreaser spray and then use a regular hose?
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
DANO1971
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Never mind about the cleaning part I just had a brain fart and did not realize that you had all that in there already sorry. But do you think most of that oil was coming from the valve covers because it does not seem to be leaking as bad since I tighten all the bolts?
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
I would say both the valve covers and filter just wash it off then go from there.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 12:13 PM
Tiny
DANO1971
  • MEMBER
  • 32 POSTS
Thanks for the information!
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Hello and welcome to the site

The plug you are looking at is for an oil pressure galley. These plugs need to be sealed with plumbers tape are equivalent.

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 AT 1:55 PM

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