Buying a hilux - oil leak question after RACV inspection

[jamespb78]

HI all,

Today I had an RACV inspection on the 2003 3.0L diesel hilux I was looking at purchasing.

The RACV inspection report gave the vehcile a "green light" saying the vehcile is considered good, but noted the following in regards to engine oil leaks: "Dripping oil leaks at rear of engine/sump area, rectify and clean down."

Thats all I have to go on unfortunately. I rang and spoke to RACV to try and get more information, but all I get is very general advice, saying that oil leaks can be hard to track down, and it could just be a simple seal that needs replacing, or ofcourse it could be something more sinister.

The hilux has only done 80,000km, and as I mentioned is only 5 years old.

Can anyone shed any more light on this, or give some advice? I don't know whether to walk the other way or not. I'm quite confused since the RACV gave the car their "green light" yet they report it has oil leaks.

I'd appreciate any advice.

[LowLux00]

The only advice I can give you is, if the RACV has given it the green light, the vehicle should be in pretty good condition. The 5L engine is a strong engine, almost unbreakable and they do use Toyota transmissions on drag cars so they are proven pretty strong as well. You shouldn't have any probs with it. Take it in to the dealer your looking at buying it from and ask for the leak to be fixed under warranty. Give it a good run using the trans to its abilities listening for noises or gears popping out or anything else out of the norm. You could also get a second opinion from an unbias mechanic asking them to pay particular attention to the trans and the leaking area. Could also extend the warranty. Good luck.

[894runa]

It could be the rear crankshaft oil seal, commonly referred to as the rear main.

To replace it the gearbox will have to come out and clutch removed. Whilst this is being done, you can have the clutch checked or replaced and flywheel machined. Mechanic's bill for this job will be around the $1,000 mark I suppose.

This is a very common problem in these L series engines and is not overly concerning (the front crankshaft seal behind the harmonic balancer also leaks as well, but that's probably a bit cheaper to replace and is usually done when you do your timing belt). Poke your head under earlier model hiluxs and you are sure to find some with the same seal problem. That's why the RACV still gave it the green light. It's a good idea to fix any oil leak but unless it's really gushing out you could probably drive around with it for years and not have a problem. My father - in - law's landcruiser has had this problem for years and he is on his second trip round Oz with it.

Now if it isn't that, it could be a leaking valve cover gasket which is another common problem. The oil drips down the back of the head and block, which can trick you. This one is far simpler and cheaper to replace, couldn't be more than $100.

Or it could be the sump gasket is leaking. On standard cars, ie no suspension lift, the front diff has to be removed to get the sump out. Labour bill could be around $500???

If it was me I would still be happy to buy the car. For its age, it has done below average kms per year (20,000 is around the norm) and when I look at 4wds I am just as interested in rust problems and chassis cracks and floor pan dents (which indicates a tough life). Also, as LowLux00 said, these engines are reliable provided you keep to the servicing requirements RELIGIOUSLY and drive the engine within it's limits, ie be patient on the highway with it as they're no street machine

But as LowLux00 also said, go back to the dealer and leverage them for a warranty fix or reduced price.

[sexylux]

one of the most common leaks on the 5L was the sump, have a look around the harmonic balancer also, if it is starting to weep/leak there then i would be looking at the sump. The first place they start to leak is at the back, giving the impression of a rear main seal.