I have a Toyota V6, a 3MZ-FE. An observed oil leak seems to be coming from the front cylinder bank valve cover. The forum here suggests that the gasket there could get hard with age and weep. And that it's not uncommon.
Engine is 18 years old, 100K miles, yearly oil changes with M1 10-30 and or Castrol Edge of the same viscosity.
Questions:
1) I see oil at the front bank gasket area. But because of the transverse nature, I can't see what's going on at the rear bank. What are the chances that the oil is coming from ONLY the front bank? Or is it a case of both will be leaking? And if somehow it's only the front, will the rear be leaking soon after.
I ask because the gasket at the front bank looks easy to replace. The rear bank looks to be horrendous. I'm not looking forward to even attempting the rear as the intake manifold and throttle body and a pile of other things will have to come out first (am currently thinking that'll be a pro mechanic's job).
2) What is the best way to clean up the coating of oil on engine parts so that I can see if a new gasket is actually solving the leak problem? (That is no more oil to be seen after a new gasket.) Spray with solvent? Brake cleaner? Detergent?
3) I think the answer is "it's not serious", but what are the ramifications of leaving this leak not dealt with for about 1000 miles? I need to go away for a few weeks. The car will be driven by a family member maybe once or twice a week while I'm gone.
Engine is 18 years old, 100K miles, yearly oil changes with M1 10-30 and or Castrol Edge of the same viscosity.
Questions:
1) I see oil at the front bank gasket area. But because of the transverse nature, I can't see what's going on at the rear bank. What are the chances that the oil is coming from ONLY the front bank? Or is it a case of both will be leaking? And if somehow it's only the front, will the rear be leaking soon after.
I ask because the gasket at the front bank looks easy to replace. The rear bank looks to be horrendous. I'm not looking forward to even attempting the rear as the intake manifold and throttle body and a pile of other things will have to come out first (am currently thinking that'll be a pro mechanic's job).
2) What is the best way to clean up the coating of oil on engine parts so that I can see if a new gasket is actually solving the leak problem? (That is no more oil to be seen after a new gasket.) Spray with solvent? Brake cleaner? Detergent?
3) I think the answer is "it's not serious", but what are the ramifications of leaving this leak not dealt with for about 1000 miles? I need to go away for a few weeks. The car will be driven by a family member maybe once or twice a week while I'm gone.