Timing cover leak? --Newly bought used 2016 Tacoma Limited

You need to put some mud up under there so you can't see the oil leak!

 

My 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road developed an oil leak. Took it to the dealer. They said Timing chain cover and engine rear seal leaking. They said they got to pull the engine and it will take about a week. Cost is $5200. The way the wind blows under the truck the oil accumulates on the exhaust pipe in the middle underneath the truck. Truck has 137,000 miles.

 

This is just my worthless opinion but no way I'd spend 5200 bucks to get that fixed. I'd check my oil once and while and just add as needed. For the oil on the exhaust I'd use that as an excuse to buy a skid plate and let it collect the oil if it bothers you.

Side benefit is that oil leak may keep your frame from rusting as fast!

 

Did the same method on a horizontal split of a Harley engine case, still holding 6 years later.

Happen to still have pics of the area you applied sealant?

 

You must live in the same area as me.. that's what I got quoted too! I told them "doesn't it cost around that much to replace the motor?" They said yeah but that wouldnt be necessary. I said, yeah because the seal might leak in the new one too right...

 

Had mine fixed under warranty by the dealer and it's leaking again. This will be fun arguing with them to fix. Less than 2 years and 25k miles ago

 

That's what I mean after you pay the 5200$ when your truck isn't covered by warranty.. doesn't it have to come right back because it will be leaking again?? Would you have to pay the same price again? Or would it be be covered by some bs Toyota coverage that's limited.

 

I'm going to call the dealer tomorrow. Sure there will be some push back, but less than 25k miles? I think there is some sort of warranty (2 yr/25k)?

 

Please let us know. This is ridiculous.

 

Just got back from dealer. Confirmed there is a leak and they will be happy to take care of it for $3800.

 

I would try the FIPG sealant first. Remove the pump , clean the area and put the sealant . It’s a small seep leak on a timing cover . In reality it should work. Then keep an eye on it here and there . I really wouldn’t go to crazy just yet over this . Years ago all motors leaked oil and every where. I remember working on cars in the seventies and eighties and being covered in oil. It’s just how it was back then

 

That's the path I will take. If it gets worse, I will pull the pump and do the FIPG.

 

Mine has the leak as well (2016 SR5). The leak must only be a small weep because the amount of oil lost can’t be noticed on the dip stick between changes. So I just keep it in the back of my head and check the oil monthly during cleaning. It has never left a spot on the ground yet.

 

I’ve had 5 Gen 2 trucks and they all leaked, but rather than freak out I found none of them leaked bad enough to leave a spot on the driveway. In fact it was not even enough to add oil between changes and I’m on a 5k oil change interval using 5w30 mobil. If you have several thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket then by all means get it fixed. I’d keep the money and monitor the oil seep but that’s just me just for the record this is one of the Toyota quirks which dates back to Gen 1 models. The most humorous thing I’ve seen is people freaking out and selling the truck over a minor annoyance such as this.

 

I agree it's not worthy of freaking out over, but I do think it's worthy of a RECALL as it seems to be common.
Mine is a 2016 3.5 liter and it's been babied since birth with only 96k kilometers. In miles that's only about 50K. I'm not happy about it! I expect this truck to be bullet proof. I will monitor the oil loss and if it doesn't get worse I will live with it rather than pay the cost of 25 hours labour plus gaskets plus tax.

 

At 70,000 mile oil change, my dealer is reporting discovery of the dreaded timing cover leak. I feel lucky to have purchased an extended platinum warranty at this point. I have to go to dealership again tomorrow to have the warranty company rep visually verify the leak to get the estimated $2800 repair authorized. They are saying 3 days and an engine pull to fix it. My warranty covers a rental. We will see how long it takes to get the garage time scheduled.

 

All fixed, $3200 charged to extended warranty company.

 

damn. Maybe I should start taking those calls from those guys who want to discuss my vehicles extended warranty

 

I looked up what all was involved with this repair. What a horrible process. And there is still an outside chance it’s still going to leak. Requires FIPG carefully applied to many surfaces. All surfaces need to be cleaned immaculately. What a PITA. I think I would just monitor and live with it if I was out of warranty.

I skimmed this vid. The fellow performing the repair is a little unorthodox.

https://youtu.be/zqpson0oIf4

 

Did doing this fix your issue? I just noticed the same thing that you have on your truck. I’m hoping all I have to do is replace that seal in that rectangular part. Is that what you did?