97 E320 oil leak
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97 E320 oil leak
I have a leak in the area of my front main seal. I pulled off the cowling underneath to view better and it appears to be directly below the crank. I am an amateur but a reasonably proficient DIYer who loves to try to avoid big dealer prices. Can anyone offer instructions, advice or precautions for me. I believe the part is under $20 if it is in fact the front seal, but the dealer wants around $300.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Last edited by bdcm1688; Jan 13, 2003 at 02:39 PM.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
You're sure it's the front crank seal? A much more common leak on the front of the inline-six is the cylinder head front cover, it could be running down the front of the engine, making it appear to come from the crank area.
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I think you are probably right. Since I posted the first question. I got a better look and it does appear to be coming from a higher location. Maybe timing chain cover? Someone else has told me that that was a more common problem on that engine. A local garage quoted me $750. Sounds a little steep to me. Do you know if it requires special tools or special knowledge? I've replaced water pumps, valve cover gaskets, mechanical fuel pumps and such. I would love to attempt it.
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
I don't think its the timing chain cover, but rather the smaller cover that's at the front of the cylinder head. It's extremely easy to reseal. All you really need to do is take the valve cover off and some various brackets and vacuum lines.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
The head gasket almost always leaks at the right rear corner of the cylinder head, his leak is at the front of the engine. It's always possible, but in all probability the leak is coming from the cylinder head front cover.
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