Any assistance would be appreciated!

2012 Tacoma SR5 V6 4WD DC long box with 292,000kms. Located in Southwestern Ontario. Daily driver.
I’ve searched this site, YouTube etc.
Looks like old oil and not coming from that typical cover plate.
It’s not dripping.
Oil level seems fine since the last change.
Doesn’t appear to be having any issues.
I’m not a ‘car guy’ or ‘shade tree’ mechanic.
Vehicle is serviced regularly at the dealership.

 

Looks like valve cover gasket leak to me

 

With that kind of corrosion and age I wouldn’t bother retorquing the VCG bolts. The gaskets are worn out.

easier to start with that then clean and re evaluate.
Doesn’t look like a significant active leak hence why your oil level is stable.

but do you really want to wait for it to turn into a drip? And have to rely on constantly manually checking the oil level out of paranoia?

I’d hope these trucks come with a low oil level sensor to trigger a warning light on the dash in the event of low oil like cars do, to let the owner know to check things and top off. But I imagine the Tacoma doesn’t have that.

it’ll let you inspect the cleanliness inside the engine, install cam gears while you’re in there if you want to. It’s not the hardest job but you need to be careful removing all the plastic harness tie down things to avoid breaking them.
Can also do plugs, PCV valve, inspect and lube the coils while you’re in there. Don’t forget to first clean out the spark plug bores of debris before removing them so nothing falls in.

then long-term you can keep an eye on it to see if anything else has signs of leaking like the front timing cover.

 

That’s what I’ve been thinking after I researched it a bit. Looking for confirmation and advice now I guess. Thanks!

 

@TacoTuesday1 I’m not waiting for it to drip. Just want folks willing to help know that it seems like an old leak.
There is a low oil warning available on the dash of this model. It’s not currently on.

 

https://youtu.be/ACIzlSanS60

 

The oil light on 2nd gens is not a low oil level warning light it is for low oil pressure, by the time it comes on it's usually too late as it doesn't come on until oil pressure falls below about 5-7psi.

 

I’m an idiot. Thank you!