the2ndr

Ive searched around here and couldn't find anything. I have a 97ES with 190k miles. Runs excellent btw. I've had this problem for about 6 months.

For some reason there are oil streaks or lines(like 2 or 3) that come from the grill area and run all the way up to the washer nozzles on the hood. I have no oil leaks, valve cover gaskets are good. I don't smell anyoil under the hood after I park it. Im somewhat inclined with regular maintainence. I bought the car with 122k back in March04. Its not tranny fluid either.

What in the world would make oil come from the grill area at the front of the hood and run all the way up towards the washer nozzles. Im very confused

1993ES300x

you and i both....

the only thing i can think of is the oil cap being cracked. is there any oil around the engine??

greyBLITZ

iTrader: (2)

Are you sure it is an oil leak? I know that most Lexus hoods are designed specifically. The hood on my 94 SC400 and my dads 99 LS400 both occasionally get 2 water streaks like you describe.

If it is some sort of fluid leak and you find it on your grill and hood, perhaps it leaks onto the top of the bumper and then while you're driving at high speed it flows towards the windshield fluid nozzles.

BadViper22

When it happens stop, open up the hood, and follow the trail of liquid to the source. I'm curious as to what it is.

the2ndr

I don't think its the oil cap. The oil cap is more to the left side. There are no leaks to see on the ground. This is definitely oil though. When driving there is no visual indication that anything is even leaking. I'll get some pics next time. Theres nothing touching the front bumper at all. It pretty much starts at the very front of the hood and goes back to where the nozzles are.

Car runs perfect though!!!!

JSM1284

The Washer nozzles are just dripping from use. When you use them, There is still a bit of fluid on them where it sprays out, Then it is dripping down to the front of the hood. If you say it is definatley oil, Do you clean your car regularly with any quick detailer spray? This can accumulate around the nozzle, then if it rains or what not, this will cause it to streak down the hood as well.

the2ndr

Thanks everyone for replying, but I rarely ever use my windshield washer fluid. I use nxt tech wax. This has to be something oil related. My car has 190k and doesn't burn a drop of oil between 3k oil change intervals. The only thing I can think of is my oil filter not being on tight enough? I seriously doubt that too. The only other thing I can think of is getting some oil from other vehicles? Still doubting that.

the2ndr

Found the leak!!!!!!!!!!

Someone suggested that it appears oil is dripping from above. Ding! I park on the 2nd level. The best part of this story is..... somebody elses car has a massive oil leak on the 3rd floor above where I park. I look above and low and behold there is oil on the concrete ceiling that appears to have slow drips.

I park at 7am and leave around 4pm. I don't even bother looking on the front of the hood at that time. So, thanks everyone who replied.

esucaris1

hahahahahaha bet you never thought that "your leak" was sombody elses...

Rollin'ES3

.....

LXMN

I bet you feel like a hundred dollars right about now. Good detective work.

I suggest getting a new parking spot.

powerwave

second the new parking spot! oil-saturated concrete has a tendency to fail...