Specaiist

iTrader: (3)

Has anyone ever experienced this issue before? This is the second time this has happened to me. Last weekend I was on my way down south and I engaged in a heated battle (race) with a charger. I put my SC400 in 3rd gear and let him have it. However, once I got up in the higher RPM's, I noticed a mist, which I later found out was oil ( not sure which oil), coming from the rear of my car. I quickly slowed down, checked all gauges and nothing???? This has happened 1 time before. Basically the same scenario. Once I reached my destination, My rear bumper had oil on it. I checked the top of the motor and no signs of any oil. When I park in my garage, there is no oil leaks anywhere??? I almost certain that this has to do with some sort of pressure issue(s) I just don't know where to start.....

There are some signs of "oil" on the right pipe going tho the right muffler... I suspect something to do with the diff. But that's just a wild stab in the dark.

Any educated suggestions will be greatly appreciated.....

Thanks in advance CL

good2go

iTrader: (6)

Is it possible that it's gear oil from the diff that is only thrown off/out at very high speeds which you don't normally encounter unless you're racing? And this oil on the rear bumper "clean" ? . . . as in, there's no way this was oily particulate that had passed through the exhaust? (again, high rpm's effecting bad valve guides, oil rings, etc.)

Specaiist

iTrader: (3)

Well from my initial check the oil on the bumper was clear/clean. I don't suspect it to be coming from the motor at all. Because there is no trace of oil in that area. Where on the diff could the oil be leaking from?

SChema

iTrader: (2)

Gear oil has a completely different smell compared to oil. If you know what gear oil smells like, you'll definitely know right away.

Specaiist

iTrader: (3)

I could very well be gear oil. But where could it be coming from? And why does it only leak when under pressure? Is there a pressure valve on the diff.?

SChema

iTrader: (2)

If it is indeed coming from the differential it would make sense that it's leaking at speed. The faster your car is going the faster the diff. is going to spin, which equates to building up pressure. Check the diff. for leaks around the pinion gear (front), inspection cover (rear) and output shaft seals. If it's coming from the right side (passenger side) I would think it may be leaking from the passenger side output shaft seal.

Sc4Jr24

baby powder it. ive learn if you don't know where a leak is coming from clean up the area throw some baby powder were you suspect it take a quick drive and it will show. I do it on aircraft engine if i cant find the leak.

Specaiist

iTrader: (3)

Great info... You guys are awesome! I will be checking all that has been suggested. I will definitely be applying the "baby powder" technique. Thumbs up "junior24". "3Rotor" you have just given me a "duffel bag" full of info and a good starting point.... "good2go" thanks for getting every ones wheels turning on this issue.... Nuff respect!

I'll will update with what I come up with once a get a chance of putting it on the lift....

EUROJulian

Before you do anything check oil level in the diff. As far as leak goes, diff have vent on the top. Make sure is not clogged.

stockhatch

iTrader: (12)

No doubt! If it has any kind of mileage on it, it smells like a a rotting corpse Skunky gear oil is NASTY!

Drewbeeee

sure its not transmission fluid spraying onto the exhaust at high speeds ?happens to me once in a blue moon...still havent figured out the problem why its happening (my car is white so i see the color of my fluid and its red)

EUROJulian

Same problem, check your tranny vent. I would also change fluid that may be foaming

Specaiist

iTrader: (3)

Greetings to all that chimed in with valuable information. I went to Toyota and had my differential oil changed last week. I asked the tech to check the diff and it's components for any leaks. The only thing that he had to say was that the old oil was "OLD". It seems that the oil has never been changed. I have 160k miles. The only thing that he could suggest was that there is a type of "pressure blow off". He wasn't sure which oil though. So I'm waiting for him to check "all data" and get back to me. I will update as soon as I obtain any valuable info. Thanks again CL family... You guys are a ton of knowledge and then some...