1994 Toyota Camry Fluid Leak

1994 TOYOTA CAMRY
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TURTLE321
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Hello.

My 1994 Camry LE is leaking some sort of fluid, I don't know what kind.

It leaves dark spots on the road from underneath the engine.

Today, in the rain/wet road, these spots look whitish gray.

Any idea what this could be? Otherwise, car runs OK, for a 13 year old car.

Thanks.
Jan 5, 2007 at 10:16 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Are any fluids low?

Take a pice of white cardboard and place it under the motor at night and check for the color in the morning. My guess is oil, but not sure about the white/gray.
Jan 5, 2007 at 1:08 PM
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TURTLE321
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Thank you for your answer. If it is oil leaking, how bad is a leak? I have had the oil changed every 3000 miles, you would think the oil change place would mention something.
Jan 5, 2007 at 4:05 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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A small oil leak can appear to be worse than it appears. A tablespoon of oil can turn into a 1’ diameter stain. Where small leaks become a concern is when it is getting onto hot components such as the exhaust manifold and presents a potential fire problem; also, if it is getting onto an electrical component such as a starter motor. Finally, if it is saturating a rubber component such as a hose, belt or mount creating slippage or deterioration.

Oil change places seem to hire novices that are more interested in selling an extra to supplement their income instead of bringing important matters to your attention. Certainly not all of them, but more often than not. I recommend you find an independent repair shop that does not pay the service writer or techs on a commission basis. Commission pay = bad decisions in my book. An independent shop is more apt to point out important concerns if there are any. Since they know mechanical problems from repairing them, they can often foresee upcoming problems.
Jan 5, 2007 at 9:57 PM

Suggested Repair

Check fluid levels and place white cardboard under the engine overnight to identify the leak color. If it is oil, have an independent shop inspect it, especially if fluid reaches the exhaust, starter, hoses, belts, or mounts.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1994 Toyota Camry reported dark fluid spots under the engine that looked whitish gray on wet pavement, while the car otherwise ran normally. The expert recommended checking fluid levels and using white cardboard overnight to identify the fluid, guessing oil but noting the wet color was uncertain. The expert explained that a small oil leak can look larger than it is but becomes concerning if it contacts hot, electrical, or rubber parts, and suggested inspection by a non-commission independent shop.

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