Timing Cover Leak….4300 miles…..

Hello all,

I’m a recent Taco convert after owning Fords my whole life. I traded in my 12 Raptor for my 21 Tacoma a year ago. Since my oil hit the 12mo mark recently, I decided to change it myself. While doing that I noticed a small pool of oil near the power steering pump. I thought it was coming from that but the dealer confirmed it was out of the timing cover. It’s pretty disappointing with only 4300 miles. I have an appt scheduled later in March for them to pull it apart and reseal. Any advice on things to look out for?

Thanks!

 

Yikes….that’s not reassuring haha. Is this something that’s covered under the 5 year powertrain warranty if it leaks again? I didn’t get the extended warranty because I normally do all my own work, but if that’s not something that the powertrain warranty covers maybe I should. Or should I just reserve a Ranger Raptor? Jk jk! This truck has been fine until I noticed this leak. Even though it wasn’t a significant leak but my OCD wanted it fixed.

 

Should be covered under powertrain too I believe. If I were you I would politely ask for a free extended warranty from Toyota. Telling them I've lost faith in a truck that needs to have a major repair done so early in its life.

 

That would certainly be a welcome relief. My jaw would hit the floor if they actually did that. Maybe this “Ole Ford guy” would be a Toyota lifer. I totally understand that each manufacturer has their own problems. I’m a LEO in PA and our agency purchases new Silverados and Tahoes every year. Every new vehicle purchased, 2018 and newer, has had significant transmission issues. It’s almost laughable. We’re not talking a small sample size its over 30 vehicles.

When trading in my Raptor I wanted a truck that my wife was comfortable driving back and forth to work so I decided on midsize. The 5G rangers looked god awful imo. The Tacomas were known to be bulletproof and held their value well. To say that it’s a bit disconcerting that a truck needs major engine work before it’s first oil change is an understatement.

I appreciate the replies!

 

i would ask how many they have done to get a feel if they have been there done that and have the experience to do it right.

 

@NEPA
Can you provide several pics of this ‘oil leak’?

 

The dealer’s tech took pictures today and I should’ve asked for a copy and I didn’t. After I dropped the skid plate I noticed a pool of what I thought was power steering fluid laying on the crossmember at the 1000 position (if the oil filter would be at your 1200 looking towards the rear of the truck). I shined the light around the pump but didn’t notice a leak. Took the truck to the dealer, they acknowledged a leak too but weren’t exactly sure where it was coming from. They put dye in the system and I took it back today and that’s when they saw it was the timing cover. I don’t doubt their diagnosis, it makes sense to me because that’s why I didn’t notice any fluid around the PS pump. I can ask the service advisor for the pictures if you guys want to see them or upload the diagnostic sheets if you’d like.

 

IIRC engine comes out for the work.

Not done right will leak again or excess sealant enter the oil system causing restriction and toasting the engine.

Neither is frequent yet both have been reported here.

So. Request their A team. Request a Toyota extended warranty. If you are of a mind and mechanical, request permission to visit the shop and discuss progress with the lead every couple of days. Take him some good coffee and danish.

 

Yeah, but I would not take their fucking word for it either. It's not like they said you need a new air filter, this is pretty major surgery.

 

I grease the tech before my rides enter the operating room.

 

Appreciate the replies, some good common sense information. I’ll keep ya’ll posted as we progress through it. I’ll be calling Toyota tomorrow to voice my concerns. We’ll see what they say. Is this the number for their customer service? 1-800-331-4331. That’s the only number I could find on the website.

 

Take a look at this video. Although its a Highlander and is transversely mounted, it will give you a good idea of what is involved to reseal the timing cover. Notice that he mentions that its a "common problem". I would be sure to mention that when talking to Toyota corporate if you go that route https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5qMtnTHZik

 

I would agree it’s a somewhat common trend here to see failures. Then again the same thing can happen on a lot of vehicles so it’s not unique to our v6.

 

Common problem and they fix it all the time. Had it on my 2017. Let them fix it and you will be fine.

 

This is what they will do to your almost new truck.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timing-cover-oil-leak.619880/

Technology is getting too complicated these days to afford the repairs.
The seal looks feet long btw.

Hopefully the crossover pipe lasts or they will have to pull it again.

 

How was the Raptor experience for you? Those first gen Raptors have a reputation of being pretty bulletproof thenselves.

 

This isn't a bad idea.
Tell the service manager you want to interview the tech.

 

Yeah that looks like a major PITA. I’ve always done maintenance and repairs on vehicles I own but my philosophy after seeing the leak was that Toyota will be fixing it for multiple reasons.

 

Best truck I’ve ever owned (no offense to anyone here haha) It only had 39k miles too. Never had a sniff of a problem. The 6.2 was one of Ford’s best engines. The new ecoboost engines they put in the current gen Raptor are good initially but they have issues with higher mileage. Not a fan…..

Having our first child, I wanted to get something a little more economical and practical for my wife to drive. Her car is terrible in the snow and the Raptor drank gas as fast as you could fill it up. The rockers were starting to get iffy with some rust so I dumped it for this Tacoma. The Taco has been fine up to this point. My only complaint is the room in the cab but what can you expect for a midsize truck. I liked the idea of a non turbo’d engine and the Tacoma reputation was stellar. Still think it’ll work itself out….hopefully….ship happens. What’ll p me off is after they complete the repair if it leaks again. I will dump it for the Ranger Raptor at that point lol.

 

Again, I appreciate everyone’s input. I’ll be sure to update after they complete the repairs.