Hi, I have a 1993 Camry with a pretty severe oil leak. There is a what I would call a metal plate between the timing belts etc and the block. The leak seems to be coming from between this plate and the block. I have changed the pan gasket and ruled that out as the source. The local Toyota dealership says the plate might be cracked. (this is without looking at the car). What is this plate called and how major of a deal is this to correct? Trying to decide whether to try and fix this or trade cars. Any info greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Got pics?

 

Not actual pictures. I have these diagrams given to my Dad by the Toyota dealership. One of the block itself and the plate. The X dipics where the leak is coming from.

 

Sorry that is so large. I'm a classified computer dummy

 

I couldn't tell you for sure, but I also own a 1990 corolla that had a leak like you describe. It turned out to be the front crank seal. It was about a $5 part, but it took me forever to get toit. Icouldn't tell youif it's easier on a camry or not.

 

That cover houses the crankshaft seal and oil pump. Leak could be coming from either since you replaced the pan gasket. Did you use any RTV on the pan gasket? Other possibilityis camshaft seal as oil, like anything else, will flow downhill. I think your going to have to pull off the two timing belt covers to inspect and clean if the origin is not obvious. While the covers are off you can run the engine to see if leak shows up as long as you replace the crankshaft pulley and KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAR.

 

from your diagram provided you circled the crankshaft seal. That is the most likely cause of oil leaks. But i see you x'd the lower front crnakshaft/oil pump plate. If that is cracked you have to replace that. Big job. You have to remove engine. Or you have bad seal by pan like the other guys said. Best thing to do is what pedro said. Pull off covers and crankshaft pulley. If oil is leaking from seal you will see it right there. You don't have to start the engine.
good luck.

 

From what I've been able to figure it is possible to remove the oil pump and oil pump case with the engine in the car.You do have to remove the oil pan and pick-up tube assembly. I'm not sure if Camrys develope cracks in the pump case, but I would expect that to be the last place I would look. The only reason you may have to run the engine to see the leak would be after cleaning because the oil had spread so much it was hard to see exactly where the leak originated.

 

more than likly it is from the front seal of the oil pump but usually it is the o-ring that is behind the front cover of the o9il pump. When you change it make sure you put a light coat of grease or oil on the pump gears before reassembly. We change this out with the crank and cam seal, tensioner, water -pump and t-statt when doing the timing belt replacement. Good luck
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[align=left] My last message was in response to pvaughan38, allso this can be done with engine in car. Allso no need to remove ooil pan.
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