I have a 97 with 4 cylinder. Strange oil leak problem. No leak at all when it is above 40 degrees or when engine is warm and running. In cold weather I get a puddle overnight the size of which is directly related to how cold it is outside, colder/more oil. Leak is at the rear, passenger side and does not appear to be from the head or valve cover. Help.

 

wut color is the oil?

 

yes, green, red, or greyish?

 

Check the oil pan gasket.Gasket could be expanding and getting smaller,could cause oil to leak out

 

I have the same problem.. I purchased my '98 Camry used about 2 years ago just before winter. Literally 2 weeks after I bought the car the weather started getting colder and I experienced a small puddle under my car.

I was furious at the seller. He assured me there is no possible way there was a leak.

After diagnosing things it turned out that the Oil Filter is the culprit. When the weather changes the seal shrinks and was the result of my minor leak.

It is annoying because it happens whenever I get an oil change in colder weather. The car is warm when the oil change is performed and I have to remember to give the filter another turn when the car gets cold.. Careful not to extremely over tighten as it will be a pain to get the filter off when you need to drive to the service station to get your oil changed later.

 

I went to investigate this issue a little further. It turns out that you should use a special oil filter that has temperature expanding o-rings. This will ensure a tight seal without having to worry.

 

brand names/ part numbers?