Q&A

the leaky gasket. I can't figure it out. I may have misunderstood, but I did see some oil, though not a lot. I am thinking at this point I may have to get a new used car, this one is in need of so many repairs, but I want to hold on to it as long as possible, Have about 140K on it now - thanks

sorry, all I know is it's a V-6 if that helps. It's a 2000 Toyota solara

YES IT ALWAYS HELPS TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON. THE V/6 IS MORE LABOR INTENSIVE TO REPAIR.
THAT IS THE REASON I HAVE THE 4 CYL! NOW WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE THE LEAK IS. ASK THE MECHANIC TO TELL YOU
SO WE CAN BE MORE HELP. IF YOU ARE AT HOME, HOW IS THE WEATHER? I AM NEAR ROANOKE VA..

thanks I appreciate it. All I know so far is that the engine has to come out so it will take at least a day to repair it (?) At this point I am just trying to fix the worst problem (seems to be the ignition switch) so one thing at a time I guess ........the weather up here is cold and rainy and a little windy but not that bad. I hear it's going to get worse as the day/night goes on, we'll see!! Do you have snow down there?

I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ON ONE THING AT A TIME. THE LEAK CAN WAIT JUST KEEP A CHECK ON THE OIL.
NO SNOW YET, JUST WIND AND RAIN BUT THEY SAY IT WILL GET WORSE LATER.
STAY SAFE!! THE CAR CAN WAIT.

ha! will do, you also. Thanks again

I agree with your mechanic #5

Well for one thing , lifting the engine out certainly makes it easier to get to the oil drain plug , without bending over , if you don't have a lift.

Wow you guys are really helping me.........and being mechanically challenged, I accept all the help I can get. I have really good "marching orders" now and will ask for everything in writing and an explanation. With so many possibilities as to what the problem could be, that's a good way to go. Valve cover gasket sounds likely but then again i don't know. Wish one of you guys were local and could fix it, some honesty and knowledge is great to have. Thanks to all who responded!! Sandy is gone thank God what a B)(*& she turned out to be. But not too bad here in Northern VA. Hope all are well and above water -

THANKS, WE MADE IT THROUGH WITH JUST WIND AND RAIN HEAR IN SOUTH WEST.
I AGREE WITH YOUR ACRIMONIOUS DISCRIPTION FOR THAT ---- STORM!! CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL FOR THOSE NOT AS FORTUNATE.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE REPAIRS!!

hope you get back to us to let us know how you made out good luck

Thanks guys, I will try to remember to check in once I get enough cash to get something done.....probably sooner than later... but of course now it's a starter/ignition issue that probably takes first place in my order of emergency car care LOL. Still checking into that, will advise. Be safe all
Good night

this is a little late in reply but i also own a 2000 toyota solara it also had an engine leak at 150,000m. i checked around different places and different mechanics that friends referred me to. the roundabout estimate for just that one problem was $300-$500. every mechanic i went to for a quote told me it was a valve cover head gasket which has to do with the engine leak. when i first checked this problem out i rarely ever caught a wiff of the oil smell and they told me it was very small leak at the time but given 6 months to a year from then that it would become major. it has been about 8 months since they told me that and they were right. as of today i got it repaired. but toyota solara is a wonderful car its not worth getting rid of just cause of that problem in my opinion. as for how bad your leak is try to remember how long it has been since you first smelled it or saw it leaking and then you'll know that you have about 6 months to a year until it needs to be repaired. keep tabs also on the oil level. it should be a small yellow loop beside the engine in front that you can pull out and look at the level the oil is at. it should show you by the two dots how much is there and checking it often will show you how fast it is leaking.

abbydab,
thanks so much for your input - it's kind of what my brother just told me, so I am going to be careful about checking the oil frequently. So far it seems to be less of a problem than the mechanic would have me think. (what a shock) I think my first priority has to be fixing the ignition switch so I don'[t have to wonder if the car will start or not. So far it does, after a few tries, but I think the key is worn out. I started using a spare key and it acts better when I use that one, but still doesn't always start on the first try. I am so glad to have this site where I can get honest appraisals of what's going on with my car!! Feels good to be "armed" when I go in to get it fixed. I print out all your answers so I have something to say about it!! Thanks again
Gailfriend