Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

3VZE leak

Old 03-13-2013, 07:03 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
3VZE leak

Hi, I've got a 1994 Toyota PickUp SR5 Extended Cab 4x4 it's automatic transmission and only has 91,779 miles. Today I started my truck and I noticed that it was very rough feeling. I turned it off and tried it again and it was still rough, so I tried putting it in reverse and backing out and then it felt normal. When I parked it, I noticed I was leaking. The leak is coming from a small silver pipe that connects to the firewall on the passenger side next to the wheel well. I dont know much about cars at all, so I'm hoping you guys can help me out a little. I'm going to try to take it in tomorrow, but I'd just like to be a little prepared. Thanks!
Old 03-14-2013, 07:52 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Gamefreakgc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
A pic would help tremendously, I think the reason why no one has responded is because they are not sure which one you are talking about.
Old 03-14-2013, 05:04 PM
  #3  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here are some pictures of the leak. It is coming from the pipe that has a black plunger thing at the end of it. In the last picture, it is the pipe directly under the flap I'm lifting and above the white wire.
Attached Thumbnails 3VZE leak-img195.jpg   3VZE leak-img191.jpg   3VZE leak-img194.jpg  
Old 03-14-2013, 05:07 PM
  #4  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Another shot of the leak.
Attached Thumbnails 3VZE leak-img193.jpg  
Old 03-14-2013, 06:24 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
v_man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Menlo Park
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
What color is the fluid , does it have a smell ?

You sure it's not just fluid from the A/C condenser ... ?
Old 03-14-2013, 07:07 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think the fluid is motor oil because it looks and feels like it, and I've been having to put in a half of a quart every 2 days. It could be from the A/C condenser. If i park the car for an hour, a puddle about 5" in diameter will form below. I'm just not sure. I don't know much about cars.
Old 03-14-2013, 07:09 PM
  #7  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oops. I meant 12 days not 2.
Old 03-14-2013, 09:51 PM
  #8  
Registered User
iTrader: (-1)
 
Co_94_PU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 5,433
Likes: 0
Received 554 Likes on 452 Posts
The last pic shows really well. Assuming you have antifreeze thats nothing to be worried about, it's clear should be just water..

If you get a puddle under that area that is definately not water it's going to be the front axel seals most likely. Not sure offhand what is on that side of the v6 engine otherwise to be leaking fluid.

Your engine bay is pretty clean, well dry atleast. Get up under there with a flash light and look for the dark/wet spot. Follow the axel shaft up from the wheel, it'll likely be wet on the underside, well wet all over but, there would be something running down it.

Find the drip, follow the run to the dry spot, back up to the start of the wet spot, look for things above dripping, you've found your leak.

If you can't tell the difference between water and oil, best to take it to a mechanic. Even better if you have a buddy or someone to give you some pointers available.

If your willing post up your city and ask if anyone wants to stop by and have a look with you
Old 03-14-2013, 10:13 PM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You're right Co 94 it is water. I guess the car going through oil very quickly is an entirely different issue. Why is it leaking so much water lately though? It seems like a pretty significant amount.
Old 03-14-2013, 10:27 PM
  #10  
Registered User
iTrader: (-1)
 
Co_94_PU's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 5,433
Likes: 0
Received 554 Likes on 452 Posts
Are you running the AC at all, if so it's just doing it's job. What about the antifreeze, pop the radiator cap off and make sure you're not just running water, could be the heat core leaking.

I really do trust you can tell the diff between water and oil if you say there is a 5 inch puddle and it's oil it's not coming from that tube. Really do look around for wet spots with a light, you need to know if it's leaking or burning the oil. I don't imagine your commute is hundreds of miles a day but it could be.. Oops still thinking 2days not 12 haha. I could do 1k just running back and forth to the city in 12 days, so 1/2 quart isn't great but not too bad. I haven't seen an oil consumption chart for these still looking for one.

Oh and for us old farts that forget the title by the time we're thru the first post, engine in the message body next time please.
Old 03-14-2013, 10:38 PM
  #11  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Tcazgd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: California
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I just looked at the puddle again and it is definitely oil. I will look for the leak tomorrow. Thank you for your help.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SubiKing
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
27
08-21-2021 03:57 AM
Flossy
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
0
08-05-2015 05:14 PM
clok
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
1
08-01-2015 09:42 PM
Sr5crawler
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
5
07-31-2015 12:32 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: 3VZE leak



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:05 PM.