Timing Chain Cover-Tidbit of Info +Simple Question

I was at the dealer parts dept, getting oil filters and i asked the counter man how many 3rg gen 3.5's have they fixed the timing chain cover leak on. he replied " too many to keep count of".
I also asked about the plastic coolant crossover off the back of the heads, by that time a 2nd worker got in the conversion and they both said very few.
my 2016 extended warranty runs out mid Oct. he sad get it inspected to get it fixed if it is leaking under warranty.
to inspect it do i remove the skid plate and flashlight up from the bottom? also the same for the plastic coolant pipe?
i have shined a light down there from the top and all seems dry. tried to check behind the heads from the top can't get a visual.

 

You likely need a mirror on a stick or a USB camera extension for your phone to make it easy.

 

A very quick easy search https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/check-your-3-5l-coolant-pipe.531758/

 

but but but everyone on here says timing cover leaks aren't that common...

 

I work at a Toyota dealer, Timing cover leaks on the 2GR is NOT that common. But with hundreds of thousands of them on the road. I'm sure there are quite a few leaking. But no one comes on the forums to brag about how they don't have a leak. You only hear about the few that are leaking.

 

There are 1,500 Toyota Dealerships in the US. If each had 20 timing chain cover leaks, that would be 30K in the US. So, 30000/1500000=.2 tenths of one percent.
Is that a lot? Not statistically.

 

Oh man! With those numbers, we're all doomed to failure!!! I am parting out my truck right now!

 

You can't pull a random number out of your ass and use it as a fact lol.

That is purely an opinion. Sorry but that brings nothing to the table here.

My service manager friend told me. "They have done a ton of them". From 2016 to the current year models. He works for a high volume dealer.

Me trying to but a number on it would be nothing more than my opinion but regardless, it's not very comforting to hear. Especially when Toyota isn't covering the $4k plus repair bill.

 

It's difficult to see the coolant leak.

To see the timing cover leak just find your power steering pump. The oil runs down and collects on it. You'll know if you see any oil on that pump that's where it's leaking from.

 

Toyota is covering them, IF you are still in the 5/60. The common issue I keep reading on here. Is that people don't take their trucks to the "stealership" for anything. Then want to get mad that Toyota won't cover their leak after the warranty has run out. I can tell you from experience, that IF you have been a good customer, spent money at the service department, Toyota is more likely to Goodwill the repair. But if you haven't done anything but your free services, then Toyota will deny the Goodwill claim.

 

In all reality in 60k miles all you are really doing for maintenance is oil changes at 10k miles. So, most people are just an oil change customer at that point.

There have been people on here who have purchased multiple Toyotas and spent $$$$$ with service and still get denied. While some get it covered after never spending any money on Toyota service.

Same issue with the Flaking white paint. It's really a roll of the dice if Toyota is going to help or not.

In my opinion Toyota should offer an extended 100k mile warranty on the timing cover leak.

 

I'm speaking from the experience at the dealer I work for.

At 60K, you should be doing spark pugs. And most of us are in the severe use category for our trucks. So at 30K you should have done, front and rear diff fluids and transfer case fluid. And probably ready for front brakes.

So yes, if all you are is an oil change customer every 10K. Don't expect a lot if help. Especially if you have a ton of declined service lines on your tickets.

 

Let's be honest here. Your average Tacoma driver is not adhering to the severe schedule. Most Tacoma owners use their truck as a basic daily driver.

 

maybe math wasnt his best subject?

 

@hiPSI says it means 20... Apparently, he knows the magic number.

 

he must have quit counting after 10.

 

Nah, you have to know how and where to look when you are under the truck and use a really bright flashlight.

 

Then make it 200 per dealer which would be 2%. Still not significant, and that's my point. It sucks if you are the one who has problems. To most who own a Tacoma? They will never know of timing cover leaks because it will not happen to them.

Trucks are not humans. Trucks are not alive. Trucks are simply a tool that are mass produced and contain around 10,000 parts and countless assembly instructions and processes. Perfection has not happened in over 2000 years now and Toyota is not going to achieve it either.

 

Did he have all 10 fingers?