Possible Timing Cover Oil Leak

Op's pics appear like toyota's anti-corrosion system is working well. Frankly, I'd just keep an eye on it, and live with it. How much longer can you expect this engine to last? Even one toyota tech has told me they are basically a 250k mile engine.

 

Theres a decent amount in 2nd gen forum. We inherited the leak from the 4.0.

Here's a couple of examples. I for one would try this on a 200K mile truck or just live with the leak unless it was gushing oil.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timing-cover-leak-easy-fix.714515/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/timing-cover-gasket.418708/

 

Those are all 2nd gen posts and the leaks are typically in a different spot. Kind of comparing apples to oranges. Theres also only like 2 or 3 posts about it.

I'm failing to see any posts where RTV worked on a 3rd gen timing cover leak. It was stated that there are a lot of posts about it but I'm not seeing any.

 

So there is an article on Toyota Nation where someone goes through, in pretty good detail, how to use the sealant to fix the issue.

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/when-to-address-front-timing-cover-leak-on-2grfe.1757495/

He explains that he did this on his Highlander, but unless im mistaken, it shouldn't matter too much what motor it is. The timing cover is not pressurized and so the basic concept is that the sealant will fix the issue with the only downside being having to remove it. As long as the leak is more of a seep, the sealant would suffice and be a semi-permanent fix. I'm just curious, what exactly is your take on this? You seem very against the RVT fix but haven't really stated why. I know you have said in this thread and others that no one with the 3gr has posted this working (though i have seen a few while going through the depths of TW), but i feel like that is because the 3gr is newer and less people have ran into this issue and had to fix it as compared to the 2gr.

 

@fourfourone since no one has actually sent you a thread stating that it works for 3gr, here is one. Not being a dick, I just noticed no one has ever actually linked a thread where someone said it worked on their 3gr.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-timing-cover-leak.751777/page-5

 

Some people just cant live with themselves if they "shade tree fix it" versus the "right way"

 

I just read that thread and don't see where it worked. Maybe I red the responses wrong but it looks like a small cover was leaking, not the typical spot.

 

The issue is the shade tree way hasn't really been proven to work.

 

and maybe it wont, although there are threads on TN where it does. What is the harm in trying, versus having a toyota hack remove your engine and emptying your checking account?

 

I agree with trying it on a 200k mile truck. I just don't see these post about it curing the leak on a 3rd gen. I have yet to see one, but people are claiming there are a bunch of posts/threads about it.

I'm just genuinely curious.

 

he is one of the anti-3rd genners, that shit posts here to disrupt, so his intentions are to make the problem sound as bad as possible. Just add him to the ignore list like many here have.

 

I like my 3rd gen. I value facts over opinions. Especially when it comes to $5000 dollar repairs.

No need to be so sensitive. People are claiming that RTV can fix the issue but yet have seen where it actually does.

Why come on a forum and tell people how to fix something if there is no truth behind it?

 

Tons of people mention that they are going to do it or someone they know did it, but there doesn't seem to be any follow up. Could mean that it worked and they never thought to come back to mention that, could not. Flip side of the same coin, I haven't seen a post where someone has said that it DIDNT work, but I have seen tons of posts where someone took theirs to the dealer, paid $3500+, leak came back and they ended up having more issues because the mechanic messed something else up during the repair. Seems like the safer bet in this situation is actually the "shade tree fix" over the "right way". Probably one of the few times where its safer to do it the wrong way.

 

Also, thank you to everyone who posted here. Started off very concerned about having to drop $3500 plus on a truck I just bought, but everyone has been very helpful and I at least have a plan moving forward on how to fix it. Ill be sure to come back and post whether or not the RTV fix is an actual fix.

 

It would be a home run for people if it does work.

 

The leak is in the same spot; behind the power steering pump. The issue carried over since they're in the same family. You don't see it as much in the 3rd gen world yet just because of time. Most trucks are still under warranty so no need to do this "fix" or the leak just hasnt happened yet.

Once these get older and people aren't willing to shell out big bucks to fix it I bet this becomes a more common fix. This leak is above oil level and isn't under pressure so no reason to think this wouldn't work.

 

There have been a TON of posts and threads about 3rd timing cover leaks on this forum.

 

Yes but what he said is the "fix" isn't as common because most are under warranty. And that is true. I had to really skim through to find the ones not covered under warranty so I could see what other people are being quoted. Seems like 90% are under warranty and they take them in and the rest is the "fix".

 

I have 107K+ miles on my 17....am changing my oil this weekend, I will be scrutinizing the PS area. Maybe I should be a trend setter and add a smear even if I find nothing...

 

Preventative maintenance is the best maintenance. If you do, kindly take pictures. Still not sure how I am gonna get to the problem area. Through the front passenger wheel well seems like the easiest option.