My TL (173K miles) is leaking oil from near the oil pump, the attached picture shows where. I had wiped it clean before I took the picture. When the car is running it drips out of that joint about a few drops per minute, give or take.

Has anyone fixed a leak similar to this one? What is the procedure for fixing it? I've reviewed the parts diagram (also attached) and believe I need to replace Item-13, trouble is the description for Item-13 is: 15825-P8A-A01 FILTER ASSY., SPOOL VALVE. I would think if it were a gasket it would have "gasket" in its name. Is there a gasket on this joint or is a gasket sealer used?

I replaced the PCV valve and started using non-synthetic oil a week ago. Before that the car had developed leaks near the transmissions joint to the motor, along the oil pan and this leak near the oil pump. It looked like I had hit a puddle of oil that splashed all over the bottom of the motor. The PCV was sticking and causing too much pressure in the crankcase. The PCV replacement has taken care of the other two leaks, just the oil pump one remains.

 

Looks like the correct part, but for some reason I remember there being a round o-ring type seal on one that was removed.

 

Optomos, thanks, have you taken an oil pump off before? Is as simple as removing those three bolts per the diagram?

 

Looks like only the filter assembly needs to come off not the oil pump and you will need #13 on the diagram, I dont think theres a need for sealant.

 

I personally have not, but I was at a pull your part in Atlanta and this guy asked me for a 6 point socket to take it off. When he took it off he showed me the gasket. All you should need to remove is the three bolts; that's what he did.

 

You arent removing the oil pump. You are removing the filter assembly. There is only that gasket (#13) Removing the Oil Pump is far more involved.

 

Thanks for the replies, this will be my next weekends project.

 

Replaced the gasket this weekend, it was pretty easy. The old gasket was hardened and brittle. I wasn't sure what to torque the bolts to, I looked around the web some and the closest I could find was 20 ft-lbs. The bolts are 10mm, does this torque sound correct?

 

The service manual states 16ft-lbs.
If in doubt tighten until they're snug.
Check for leaks.

 

Hey,

Demasb, was it a massive oil leak because I have oil everywhere. I just changed cam and crank seal. I even did valve cover gaskets. Was the oil literally dripping when the car was stopped

 

Did replacing those gaskets fix your issue? If not locate where its coming from and go from there.

 

DeepC, before I replaced the PCV, there were two puddles that would form under the car, one near the oil filter side, the other under the joint to the transmission and motor. I'd say it was substantial, with the engine off it would drip just the residual oil that had leaked out and worked its way down to the bottom of the motor. From what I have read, if there is too much pressure in the crankcase , new seals won't stop it from leaking. Try changing your PCV.

 

Fsttyms1, I only replaced the one gasket on the oil filter assembly so far. That leak has stopped. I am getting only one or two drips by the transmission and a little on the oil pan with no puddles forming. May need to drop the oil pan and re-seal it.

 

Yo Demasb, thanks for the info bro because I was trying to figure out my next move. Luckily I found your thread because it seems my car is doing the same things yours did.

I will change that PCV tomorrow. You said that filter assy was only three bolts? Can't wait to tackle that! I will get pictures

 

DeepC, after you replace the PCV, lift the front end and wipe everything down real good. Start it and watch for where the leaks are coming from. I had the passenger tire off and had to stick my head in the well to really see the leak on the oil filter assembly. If that is one of your leaks, then yes it is fairly simple. Biggest problem was getting the two electrical connection apart, not easy to reach from above, and a pain to reach and pull apart from below. After that it's a piece of cake. Get some long extensions for you ratchet and you can work it from outside the wheel well.

 

Yeah. I just took the tire and man it is oily. I am going to take some brake clean and wash that area well. I think it could be oil pan gasket too. My car has 230K, maybe I just need to do it all while I am down there. I will send pics soon.

 

Mine looked like I had driven through a puddle of oil and it splashed on everything under the motor.

 

I never saw any leak and the car was inspected by dealer in January when oil changed. This came all of a sudden. Dip Stick shows no oil at all inside.
Ash

 

If the oil was put in, it had to go out somewhere......

~Did your CEL or dash warning light for low oil pressure come on ?
~Have ya checked the oil pan's drain bolt yet ?
~Was the car's exhaust puffing blue smoke ?
~How was the car operating recently.....prior to realizing the dip stick was dry ?