what to do about this oil leak??

I just had my 4 banger in for an oil change at the toyota dealer and on the complementary inspection sheet I have a timing cover leak listed. I haven't check to see if that is true but they listed it.

 

I wouldn't use anything but permatex. But that's just my opinion.

 

Early Porsche drivers will tell you, "If it's not leaking oil, there's no oil in it!"

I'm running right out to have look at my engine right now.

 

Oh goodie I knew there were good things to look forward to buying my 2013 toyota..

 

$1200 is cheap. Today had dealer quote $3300 (parts & labor) plus tax to fix timing cover leak behind pwr steering pump. Parts were almost $900 and labor was 22 hrs. Not dripping on ground and 3000 miles since oil change with no drop on dip stick. WTF!! (06 taco V6 2wd 79k miles)

 

Dealer tried to talk me into fixing this leaking cover on my truck when I was having the steering shaft worked on. Considering I can't tell any loss of oil in a 5000 mile OCI, I'll keep my $1500.

It has to be a pretty good leak to rile me up. My civic weeped out both main seals and burned oil, going through a minimum of two extra quarts per 3000 mile OCI (sometimes as much as 6 or 7 extra depending on conditions). I put 80k miles on that car and it never got worse, only better. Just put in a $15 set of spark plugs every spring, check the oil every gas fill, and I was golden.

 

The oil leak looks like it's coming from higher up than what the picture show. Usually start from the top and go down the motor to see where the oil starts building up form.

 

87,000 miles, I've had it (the notorious timing cover leak) for awhile and never noticed any loss of oil during my regular OCI. It isn't keeping me up nights.

 

There is no oil pressure behind it, so its just sipping oil. I would say forget it , and think about this as rust prevention, keep money in the pocket.

 

Does this mean you don't have any oil on your dipstick, or that you don't notice any drop in oil level on your dipstick?

 

Dip stick level is still "full" after 3000 miles! As others have stated, I classify this as a seeping not a full blown leak. So.... I think I'll monitor and unless it gets way worse, I'll keep my $$$$ in my pocket.

 

Replace the valve cover gasket. Common problem on these trucks, mine has been sleeping for a long time and replaced it with a fel-pro gasket and it stopped.

 

It’s been 9 years, I’m sure he’s got it sorted out by now or sold the truck.

 

Just discovered it on ours. Started a thread about it. Sounds like many of you basically just left it alone.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/any-assistance-would-be-appreciated.798757/

 

https://youtu.be/ACIzlSanS60

 

FWIW: I have had newer and old(er) cars all of my life. They all leak eventually. My threshold for any vehicle on leaks is: "The over-night drip test". Does it leave a new drip on the driveway? How long does it take? Every day? Two days? Three? How many drips? (estimate?) Dime? one drip. Penny? two drips. Nickle: three drips? Finally: how old is it? Leave it until it gets to quarter or half-dollar. (or the mrs gets crabby) Otherwise I just consider it "nature's rust-proof". I don't like oil leaks at all. Leaks that never reach the ground and just coat things a bit don't bother me. We're not talking "Medical Center" here. If one particular leak has reached the point where it's leaving multiple drips from different points: it gets fixed. If I can't see the change on the dip-stick, I can live with it: unless it's the drain-plug or the filter or any fitting or item under pressure: those get fixed: STAT.