Possible Oil Leak?

Hey all,

I changed my oil today (40k miles)and while I was changing it I made a not so good discovery. Yes, shame on me. I found that I was low on oil by about 3/4 of a quart or slightly more. I do get on the gas, I’m not afraid to rev her up but would it burn that much oil in a 10k oil change span? Started looking around the engine bay and I saw some “seepage” that may be a culprit in my low oil level as well? What do you guys think? It’s pretty dirty around the power steering pump. I plan on taking it in to have it looked at. I did buy the Toyota extended warranty so I’m not worried about it being denied if anything needs fixing, especially if it’s the power steering pump. I’d appreciate any feedback!

Thanks!

 

yup, thats oil all right.. need to clean it off with brake cleaner... take it for a "spirited ride" and narrow down on where its coming from.. lot of that looks old.. most likely a valve cover gasket leak..

 

That’s what I figured, but it seems like it’s heavily originating from the pump? I’ll clean up the engine bay with some degreaser and check it after a good joy ride to see. Then I’ll be on my way to Toyota! Seems like it may be the well known oil leaks in the front of these engines.

 

would be nice to get in there with a borescope.. (they sell cheap $35 ones on Amazon (got myself one, works great))...

$37 DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Samsung -Black(11.5FT)

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Wat...rds=borescope&qid=1566427348&s=gateway&sr=8-3

this one was recomended by a master BMW auto tech.. perfect size for looking into spark plug holes, and cramped areas.. its useful for lots of things.. even around the house..11ft is more than enough.. I made the mistake and ordered one with over 20ft... the LED lights and 90* mirror it comes with as well as a magnet, and a retrieval hook make it invaluable..

 

Plenty of info already posted here on TW, including:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/another-timing-chain-cover-leak.556242/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-saga-continues-poll.604396/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timing-cover-leaking-oil.484372/

 

Also, I wouldn't clean it up. Take it to the dealership and let them see the leak. That way, it's documented. They will probably clean it up then have you return for a re-inspection in a couple thousand miles. It's covered by the powertrain warranty if it's the timing cover leak.

 

It’s definitely oil seepage and they’ll most likely cover it because you are the one who brought up the concern. As a side not I don’t recommend 10k mile oil change intervals. Go with 5k or even better 4K. How much did your vehicle cost? Don’t you want to protect that investment?

 

I’ve read into the engine cover leaks, I just wanted a second eye as to whether it could more than likely be the power steering pump and not the engine cover. Thanks for the feedback though, I’ll be scheduling an appointment and leave it as is so they can see it and then track it. Thank you!

 

Their engineers gonna say its normal....

 

Probably, seepage not an active leak
Ford does same shit

 

It's a timing cover leak.

Some dealers are pressured to make fewer warranty claims, some are desperate for work, you have to talk to them and be nice.

 

PS pump. Front seal. Take it in and don't clean it.

 

Everyone should go check, a ton of guys are having the exact issue and Toyota is denying the work claiming seepage is normal and NOT considered a leak

 

@Rustytaco71, listen to @Bishop84 and @SD Quicksand

Did an independent lab test your oil and recommend you to cut your OE OCIs in half?

 

I’m just offering some tried and true advice. I’m not going to waste money on a lab test.
Let me rephrase this even if it’s an unwanted opinion, it is my personal opinion that a vehicle can’t be over serviced but it can be under serviced and I’ve seen many vehicles build sludge from oil intervals at that range.
But im a ford tech and not a yota tech. I’ve owned several Toyota camrys and have always changed at 5k miles. First Tacoma though.

Not trying to hijack your thread. I hope that your leak is covered but ford does the same thing and will deny a warranty claim stating that seepage is normal and not an active leak.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone, definitely nice to get a second set of eyes to give an opinion! I’ll post updates, probably won’t make it in until next week so I’ll update everyone as soon as I get something.
Thanks all!

 

Unless it hits the ground, it's not considered a leak. Toyota and Ford are not the only companies adhering to this rule.

 

Oil seepage is an integral part of the front frame rust-through prevention system (R-TPS).

The salesman explained it to me. Great guy.

 

If someone from Toyota tried to tell me that "seepage" is not a leak, I'd rub their nose in this:

1. the act or process of seeping; leakage.
2. something that seeps or leaks out.
3. a quantity that has seeped out.

Source: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/seepage

Ed