Photos of oil leaks on 2001 Sienna. Bad news?

[Mac]

Vehicle: 2001 Toyota Sienna, 1mz-fe 3.0L. 250,000 miles.

So I noticed yesterday that my engine was losing oil, (almost to the bottom hash mark after being in the middle last time I checked, a week or so ago) so I topped it off and got underneath it today. I noticed 2 hot spots where oil had built up.

The first was just left of the harmonic balancer, and to the right of the power steering cover. It looks like it might be from the bottom of the timing cover, but there was alot of oil on the thing, in frame. on both of the bolts holding it in. I’m not sure what part of the engine that is, but it’s covered in oil all the way around. http://imgbox.com/abVxgBym

The oil has covered the belts as well, and splattered as far as the power steering pump. Both of those mounting bolts were covered in oil, and you can see a spot of liquid oil on that black rubber seam in this photo: http://imgbox.com/MuIz4qCt

Oil leak #2 appears to be on the bolts holding in the exhaust manifold on Bank 1: http://imgbox.com/5C66pWtF

Here’s a photo of the other 2 bolts on the other side. One appears slightly oily as well, but it’s harder to tell: http://imgbox.com/9BmZzn6c

Is there any way this is not extremely bad? What might be the potential issues going on here?

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[skim3544]

Only extremely bad oil leak would be leaking from rear main seal. Otherwise all of these should serviceable. Check the valve cover gasket first because it is easiest to check.

[zero]

https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks/engine-oil

The first leak appears to be the timing belt tensioner. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1307039&cc=1375297&jsn=422
Simply replace it next time you replace your timing belt.

[Mac]

Thanks guys. Does the timing belt tensioner leaking mean that there is a leak inside the timing cover, or does the timing belt tensioner bolts normally seal an oil chamber? I have 17,000 miles and/or 2 years before the timing belt is due for replacement, but if the oil could cause premature failure, I’ll look into changing it now, (instead of 1 month from now, after I move cross country).

I’ve been having a whining engine recently as well, kind of a whirring noise that gets worse when you give it RPMs,( even at idle) until the din of the other things overloads it, and you can’t hear it anymore. It’s pretty consistent when I give it any gas. seems to be coming from the center of the engine, not the power steering pump, and not (blatantly) the alternator, although the coils inside the alternator a little old and dirty/corroded looking.

Could this sound be related to either leak? Perhaps the oil pressure is less because of the leak, and that’s somehow causing the noise? I’ve also got delayed timing due to a faulty knock sensor, a catalytic converter with 250,000 miles on it, an A/C system low on refrigerant, a parasitic draw on my battery, and a clock that’s not working (boy it’s fun keeping up with an old car, isn’t it?)

[Author]

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