Do I need to worry about these leaks?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Calloudyeah, Jan 12, 2026 at 11:41 PM.

  1. Calloudyeah

    Calloudyeah Junior Member

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    When i was doing an oil change, i noticed oil stain on the sensor and the bolt above the filter. Can someone tell me Is the leak from the senor itself or possibly from somewhere else, and what sensor is it?

    Is that bolt leaking too? and why is it look like half threaded?


    PXL_20251107_170859920.jpg PXL_20251107_170906361.jpg PXL_20251107_170913868.jpg PXL_20251107_171023662.jpg PXL_20251107_171031042.MP.jpg
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    It would help to have a long shot of the area for reference. First an "oil stain" is no big deal and could be from a small spill in the past. The thing to do is use brake clean or just soap and water and clean the area well. Check back a day after driving and look for a leak source, if any.

    Common active leaks are the timing chain cover where horizontal engine block sections meet and the sealant has slightly failed. Less common is the oil pressure switch or timing chain tensioner gasket. Don't crank the oil pressure switch down or you can break the aluminum it threads into.
     
  3. Hayslayer

    Hayslayer Active Member

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    I'm not a big Gen 3 guy, but that looks like an oil pressure sensor. They typically have a pipe thread as the attaching point and screw directly into an oil passage. Pipe threads are tapered, so once they tighten up, there's always going to be some left over external to what it screwed into. If the threads are not sealed well, they will almost always experience some minor seepage at some point in life. Unless you see it dripping, I wouldn't worry about it. If you're really concerned, spray it with some cleaner and keep an eye on it.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Agree, and some description of the point of view.

    With a little bit of head-scratching: lower left corner of the pics is the oil filter housing. OP's shot is from below, looking up past the oil filter and right side drive shaft.
     
  5. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    My second timing chain cover leak:

    This was an aftermarket oil pressure switch I swapped thinking the leak was from the switch
    IMG_0191.jpeg
    It was not the oil pressure switch

    Your device
    IMG_0193.jpeg

    The actual leak site after cleaning the oil and test driving. This view is from the firewall. IMG_0199.jpeg
    It was a poor timing chain cover reseal. Rinse and repeat.