2JZ-GTE: Strange oil leak. Can't figure out where it's coming from.

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

So in the last few months I got my Aristo swap running, and it runs great, idles great, everything is awesome.

I was driving to Wal-Mart and I boosted it lightly, no more than 6psi. Got to Wal-Mart and noticed a puddle of oil under the car. Assumed it was the front main.

Bought some cheap thick oil, dumped it in, drove it home and had my eye locked on the oil pressure gauge the whole time.

Got home, tore it apart, and replaced the front main, and both cam seals.

*Still leaks*

Tore it apart again, replaced the o-ring on the pressure relief valve screw.

*Still leaks*

Tore it apart again, replaced the spring with a spare I had, took the valve out and cleaned it very well.

*STOPPED LEAKING..*

Drove it until it got warmed up.. then started leaking again.

Odd, because each time it leaked INSTANTLY even when cold. This time it only leaks once it's fully warmed up and driven.


So, what is this? Should I replace the pump? I really would rather not pull the motor. Replace the valve and spring and screw?
Anybody?

Oil pressure is about 20psi at idle according to stock gauge.

Thanks.

 

[Zumtizzle]

i'd replace the seal or buy a Sound Performace Oil Pump

 

[mkiiichip]

This thread is pointless without information on where oil was found when the motor was torn down all those times. All the evidence was left out of the post.

An oil leak always leaks down (especially when it leaks without driving). So where is the highest point, that is oily, during teardown?

And Zum, thats assuming that the leak is the crank seal. We have not established that yet, nor have we inspected the crank for imperfections (ie grooves, scratches, debris, etc)

 

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

Chip: Problem with your theory is that a leak that leaks DOWN onto the crank then gets spun UP!


My sincere apologies for not sharing ALL information that would likely rule out some of these theories. I think I am more mechanically inclined than you think I am, which again is my fault for not sharing more information. I have taken the timing apart to the point where I ran it without a balancer, or serpentine belt, to see where the leak comes from. I just put a spacer between the bolt and the timing gear.

The only bolt I've messed with is the giant 21-23mm hex bolt at the top for the spring and valve. I actually replaced the front seal TWICE to make sure.

-This engine is rebuilt (by me), with a used low-mileage oil pump that came on the motor.
-I inspected and cleaned the oil pump before installation. All bearings on this motor were pristine so I saw no reason to replace, as it was obviously doing its job well.
-I personally sealed the oil pans and pump according to the TSRM with Toyota FIPG.
-I believe the location of the o-rings behind the pump compared to where the oil collects rules them out.
-The oil seems to be coming from either the relief valve plug (giant bolt) or near the area.
-When everything is clean, you can watch the oil start collecting under the seal and next to the relief valve plug. This either indicates oil is coming from the relief valve plug and dripping down, or leaking out the seal and being slung up by the belt.
-Oil is definitely coming from ABOVE the oil pan.
-Oil doesn't seem to be coming from above the pump (indicating it's not the seal behind the pump)
-The relief valve itself according to the TSRM says it should fall under it's own weight, mine occasionally when being installed hangs up at a certain spot, but will fall VERY easily if touched.


Problem is, I don't know WHERE it's coming from.

Anyways. Thanks for any help!!! Highly appreciated!!

 

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

bump

 

[mkiiichip]

Take off the cover, add dye, and watch it run till it leaks.


-Chip

 

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

Take off the cover, add dye, and watch it run till it leaks.


-Chip

I'm not having a problem finding the oil.

I'm more so asking everyone if there's a common place for these pumps to leak. I'm not asking how to find an oil leak.. please just trust me. The fact that it's right near the crank gear is why it's so confusing, it gets thrown everywhere instantly. If you read my above post you can see that actually made a spacer so that I could run the motor without the balancer. I watched the leak go from dry to dripping with oil in seconds and still don't know where the leak comes from. It instantly accumulates at the lower left side of the seal and the left side of the valve assy at the same time.

Thanks

 

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

What's this?

If the relief valve was stuck, would it push oil out the front seal via this hole?

 

[mkiiichip]

That's to allow oil to drain away from the seal. Are you seeing high oil pressures?

Any groves in the crank surface?

 

[airhead04]

Slight crank walk?

 

[ifyouaint1sturlast]

That's to allow oil to drain away from the seal. Are you seeing high oil pressures?

Any groves in the crank surface?

Oil pressure seems to be about 20psi at idle. Normal for a 2JZ from what I've read..

No markings at all, crank is amazing.

I can't help but feel somehow the oil is escaping from the oil relief valve plug.. I've just placed an order with toyota for a new plug, spring, valve, o-ring, and crush washer.