2007 Toyota Matrix Oil leak?

2007 TOYOTA MATRIX
56,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
DOUGV2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I bought this car in April w/ 33K miles on it. The last oil change was done in November, car is still 7/8 full or oil and dip stick look clean. I noticed an oil smell from my exhaust pipe and saw a few oily dark spots in the condensation within my exhaust pipe..I swabed the moisture with my finger.
I also see the engine is damp around the top of the oil filter and on the engin blockaround the same area. It looks damp and is collecting dirt/build up of gunk. What is the possible issue? How do you think I should check it out? Do you think I have two potential leaks? Or just a bad filter installation?
Jan 10, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,123 POSTS
I want to start this with this car may be still under factory warranty depending on the original purchase date.

Setting that aside, I doubt there is a problem that needs to be addressed.

The black from the exhaust is carbon that is a by-product of combustion. Perhaps the engine is running a little rich. One thing that can cause this is a weak thermostat. There may not be a problem. A shop can use their diagnostic equipment to check the fuel trim readings to see where they are with relationship to what they should be..

The two areas of concern of may also be okay. I can't see it, so posting a pic may be good to do. Sometimes oil can be present around the filter from filter changes and may be normal.

If your are going to go after this yourself, then get a few cans of brake clean and spray and wipe off any residue. Then check it periodically to see if any thing is leaking. dye can be added to the crankcase as well to help determine the severity.


I would make sure the pcv system has vacuum. If the system is not sucking, internal pressure will build and force leaks.
Jan 12, 2010 at 9:41 AM