Wierd question

Yaroslav · Post by **Yaroslav** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 5:36 pm

While changing the oil today on my tercel i noticed a bit of something around the head gasket....maybe oil/antifreeze....Its only in one spot and seems to be leaking down a bit. Engine has 285000 as off today (rebuild at 270000 with new gaskets of course etc). Any suggestions? Engine runs fine....so i dont think im loosing any compression or anything.

Post by **Petros** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:18 pm

You can still have a bad head gasket and it runs fine, though it likely comes from somewhere else.

Under the fitting where the upper rad hose attaches to the head (above the water pump) there is a little tube with two O-rings, often these can leak. It is an easy fix, you unbolt the hose out-let housing (two 12-mm bolts IIRC) and you can replace the O-rings.

I've had this leak because of the O-ring were damaged on install of the head.

Check there to see if that is where it is coming from since this can be a source of leak if nothing else is leaking.

Good luck.

Yaroslav · Post by **Yaroslav** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:46 pm

SO upon closer inspection...there is a bit under the hose and three other areas where i can see a bit of oil/coolant coming out. Its been 4 months since install. Can I retorque the head?

Post by **Petros** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:47 pm

yes, but it the gasket is messed up it may not help. Try it, it is easy access on the 3A engine.

you might also try the cooling system stop-leak sealants. If the compression part of the head gasket (around the combustion chamber) is okay, it should work fine. A lot better than pulling the head. Most manufacturers deliver new cars with some kind of stop leak in them.

Good luck.

Yaroslav · Post by **Yaroslav** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:18 pm

Thanks guys I really appreciate everyone's help on this one.
By the way the earlier tranny/clutch issue was resolved by lubricating the mechanism and adjusting the clutch! Cheers