Identify fluid leaks

I have a 2000 Tundra 3.4L V6 manual with just under 200k miles. I would like to identify the various fluid leaks around the transmission. I know that the valve cover gasket is leaking, which I plan to fix. I also see leaks around the transfer case and transmission, but I am not sure what exactly is causing the leaks (see the attached photos). I plan to clean things up to see where the leaks are occurring; I'll post those pictures later. Can someone give me an idea of what repairs I need to do to fix these leaks? Do I need to remove the transmission?

 

Thinking you may have a couple of leaks, one of which is your valve covers. I don't know a ton about the V6.

 

Valve covers for sure. (The 3.4 is famous for it) Transfercase might need to come off and replace the seal between the case and trans.

 

Thanks. Neither sounds bad. What about the transmission?

 

Gotta clean everything real good, then look for ‘fresh’ leaks. They’ll lead you to the seal that need work.

 

That must smell like ass after driving with how much oil is leaking onto the manifolds/manifold shields from the valve covers. That's pretty significant, even with a much smaller leak from my valve covers, I lost a quart over the period of about 5-6 months. That should be enough risk alone to warrant fixing.

Gunk makes a pretty decent foamy engine cleaner, it's like $6/can at my local chain parts store: https://gunk.com/product/gunk-foamy-engine-cleaner-feb1/

Get a stiff bristle brush like what's pictured below unless you have something better that'll get around things and into tight spots. Hit it with foamy gunk cleaner and let it set for a bit (read the instructions on can). Then carefully but firmly hit it with the brush.

 

I'm pretty sure it is your blinker fluid

 

The smell is not pleasant. I just bought and vehicle and I only drove it home and to get it inspected, now it's time to fix it.

My mechanic took care of the blinker fluid leak for only $300, which I thought was a good deal. He said it would have cost $200 but they had to turn the truck upside down to completely drain it.

 

Looks like the tcase needs seals, and VC’s. Gotta make it clean before we can find the juicy bits through pics.

 

Pictures after cleaning to follow. Gunk and brush ordered - thanks for the tip, shifty.

 

Clean, wait a day, clean again. Let it dry and drive 50 miles before pics.

 

Welcome!! Based on this reply you should fit in just fine around here.

 

I thought the rule was you have to be a member at least a week before you're allowed the snarky comment upgrade. Welcome @mbb

 

That's not a leak, just normal seepage on a 22 year old truck. Are you really going remove, take apart, reseal and replace the transmission or transfer case just to save a few bucks of fluid per year?

 

Agree with this. What you have is auto-rust prevention. It’s slowly applying a rust blocking salve from the available reservoirs. Until I can’t make it between oil changes, I’m not worried about it.

 

You and I think alike. If I want all new I have to buy every day. Even then its old after I drive off the lot

 

Good points above. My plan is to replace the valve cover gasket, which is not a small oil leak. Then clean everything to assess what else is leaking, how much, and the amount of work needed to fix. I am also looking for reasons to hangout in my garage...

 

If your valve cover gaskets are leaking a lot, be sure to check your PCV valve. You can also retorque your valve cover bolts until you get the new gaskets put in.

 

@KNABORES I plan to replace the PCV valve while I'm at it.

 

I think the next time I go on an interview to practice my interviewing skills, I’ll wear a plaid sports jacket just to see how they react.

 

Polyester leisure suits. Where the pants dont match the jacket.