Oil leak appeared overnight?

TWEBB101

MEMBER
1994 TOYOTA CAMRY
2.2L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

A large puddle of fluid appeared overnight. It's dripping mainly off of the frame, but hard to see what's above that. When I shine a light on it, it has a greenish tint, but when I touch it or wipe it up, it's tan/brown/caramel color. It doesn't have a distinctive smell that I can tell. I'm thinking power steering, but I'm not sure as I'm not familiar with foreign engines. I've attached a few pictures; any help/info is appreciated.

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Wednesday, October 5th, 2022 AT 7:19 PM

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,584 POSTS

Thanks for the images, it helps. To tell what is leaking check the engine oil, power steering fluid, it does look like coolant, so I think you are safe there. We need to know which fluid it is; I would guess the oil pressure sender is leaking for the engine oil which is common here is the location of the sender so you can check it out. Also, I have included a guide that can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

It could be the front engine oil seal as well; you might need to wash the engine off with degreaser and then start the engine for a short time and then recheck it. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Thursday, October 6th, 2022 AT 9:52 AM

TWEBB101

MEMBER
178 POSTS

Thanks Ken. I will check the oil pressure sender, but I don't think that's it as the top and sides of the motor are clean and dry. It appears to be something on the bottom side of the engine, but it's so tight in there I can't see very well. All fluid levels are up right now. As a note, we do have an oil leak, had it for years, but never this bad (if that's what it is), and the power steering reservoir has run dry twice in the last couple of months.

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Thursday, October 6th, 2022 AT 10:04 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,584 POSTS

Okay, it sounds like it will be the power steering pump or hoses. Here is how to do the pump replacement in the diagrams below. Here is a generic guide on how to change the hoses out so you can see what you are in for when doing the job:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-hose

Check out the images (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

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