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Was under my 07 base Vibe this weekend to change the oil and noticed oil residue and a couple of places where oil is dripping from, but I have no idea where it's originating from. No oil buildup on the belts, but nearly the whole left side toward the bottom rear is covered in oil residue. Anyway, here are some pics that speak for themselves. Any help would be appreciated!

That is "left" when you stand in front of the car, correct? Typically that is referred to as the passenger side or right side. That's where the drive belt is. The most common oil leak is a failing O-ring of the timing chain tensioner on that side.

vibrologist wrote: ↑Sun Apr 14, 2019 6:34 pm That is "left" when you stand in front of the car, correct? Typically that is referred to as the passenger side or right side. That's where the drive belt is. The most common oil leak is a failing O-ring of the timing chain tensioner on that side.

I'd start with this suggestion. Next, if you haven't done it, is valve cover gasket. Those are prone to leaking.

vibrologist wrote: ↑Sun Apr 14, 2019 6:34 pm That is "left" when you stand in front of the car, correct? Typically that is referred to as the passenger side or right side. That's where the drive belt is. The most common oil leak is a failing O-ring of the timing chain tensioner on that side.

Yes, the passenger side! I'll go ahead change out the O-ring. Seems like an easy 20-minute, $5 job!

Not sure if this photo will help but it shows the O-ring. This is from the 2zz engine and not sure if similar/same as the base engine.

Peter Finn explains how to. Be patient watching....Peter knows his stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biEEvCPvOyU

tpollauf wrote: ↑Mon Apr 15, 2019 11:41 am Not sure if this photo will help but it shows the O-ring. This is from the 2zz engine and not sure if similar/same as the base engine.

There are minor difference between the two, but they basically look the same.

So I got a pic of the timing chain tensioner on the back of the engine. It looks like the leak is coming from higher up, but maybe the leak from the tensioner is getting splashed around? Or maybe it's the actual timing chain cover?

i would do the valve cover gasket and timing chain tensioner o-ring. usually if the timing cover seal leaks, it is down by the crank pulley.

I'd clean the oil off of the engine, then drive it for a bit, then look for the fresh oil. It's always a pain trying to track down an oil leak through months and years of splashing and garbage.

Tried getting a photo farther up from the timing chain tensioner. From what it looks like, it doesn't appear to be coming from the valve cover gasket..

Yep, the OEM timing chain cover gasket is yet another fine product brought to you by the "outstanding" parts suppliers of the world of Toyota
I've read some mention that it can be replaced without taking out the engine. My mechanic disagreed. Either I was fooled or someone is telling tales.

Caretaker wrote: ↑Sun Apr 21, 2019 2:03 pm Yep, the OEM timing chain cover gasket is yet another fine product brought to you by the "outstanding" parts suppliers of the world of Toyota
I've read some mention that it can be replaced without taking out the engine. My mechanic disagreed. Either I was fooled or someone is telling tales.

Yes, it can be done without pulling the engine out. But it is definitely a tight fit.

Well, that does not make me feel confident..

Is this perhaps something I can put off for at least a little bit, and just make sure to check the oil level every now and then?

CraigLloyd wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2019 4:58 am Well, that does not make me feel confident..

Is this perhaps something I can put off for at least a little bit, and just make sure to check the oil level every now and then?

Mine dripped from the day i bought it with 230k...finally fixed it around 270k.

Even at that, as we've mentioned, start with the timing chain tensioner and valve cover gasket then go from there.

changing T chain cover is a big job. I will suggest you put some dye at the engine oil and uv light. make sure a good diagnostic before throw parts in..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=839jfHLs5aI

CraigLloyd wrote: ↑Mon Apr 22, 2019 4:58 am
Is this perhaps something I can put off for at least a little bit, and just make sure to check the oil level every now and then?

Yes. I'm living with it and just watching where I park so I don't leave stains everywhere. Will fix it when I retire