Oil leak

1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
325,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DANO1971
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Is this a sign of a blown head gasket or do I need to replace the valve cover gaskets? I change the oil and the oil filter. But I roundup puncturing the oil filter and I had to drive it to go get a new one and oil sprayed everywhere but the gunk that is on the engine is not leaking anywhere it is just there it is not leaking onto my driveway or any where. that sensor next to the oil filter is that the temperature gauge sensor? because my temperature gauge is not working. Any help would be great. And it is running hot even though I change the thermostat and flush the radiator coolant system four times. I have driven it two thousand miles since I have gotten it. it has not overheated though.
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Jul 3, 2017 at 9:20 AM
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HMAC300
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pressure check cooling system with a pressure checker auto parts rent it and clean engine with degreaser as it may be from oil filter problem. you can also use a pressure washer to clean engine.
Jul 3, 2017 at 9:49 AM
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DANO1971
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I also forgot to put in there that before I change the oil every one of the valve cover bolts were loose so I had to tighten them. But it is it okay to power wash down where the oil filter is or should I just use a degreaser spray and then use a regular hose?
Jul 3, 2017 at 10:11 AM
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DANO1971
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Never mind about the cleaning part I just had a brain fart and did not realize that you had all that in there already sorry. But do you think most of that oil was coming from the valve covers because it does not seem to be leaking as bad since I tighten all the bolts?
Jul 3, 2017 at 10:13 AM
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HMAC300
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i would say both the valve covers and filter just wash it off then go from there.
Jul 3, 2017 at 12:13 PM
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DANO1971
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Thanks for the information!
Jul 3, 2017 at 6:08 PM
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STRAILER
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Hello and welcome to the site

The plug you are looking at is for an oil pressure galley. These plugs need to be sealed with plumbers tape are equivalent.

Please let us know what happens, we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 5, 2017 at 1:55 PM