Timing Cover Leak - fix it or leave it?

Too old to be CPO.

 

I didn’t realize it was still under warranty , I recant and say let them fix it

 

If I recall this is more common on 2016-2017? My understanding is it’s a lengthy (motor out?) job which is why it is costly. No guarantee it will seal things better and could occur again. How long you can live/drive with it leaking, is questionable.

 

It’s not as common as you think. Maybe common in these type of forums. It’s same all years. It’s only that those early years has more mileage. It’s found even on some newer 23’s with low mileage. It’s just a hit or miss .

 

Update:

I had a long visit with the dealership yesterday and they are now telling me the 90 day “powertrain” warranty only covers break downs not leaks. They offered to split the cost, still costing me over $1500.

I spoke with the shops service manger who has 40 years Toyota maintenance experience. He told me he did not think it was worth the money or the risk to repair such a small seep. He has techs that have 20 years experience in the shop, but conceded that any time you pull an engine and perform that extensive of a repair, something else could go wrong. He said the seeps normally do not get much worse

I am going to monitor the seep for now and maybe give the permatex route a try.

Pretty disappointed in the dealership since they tout how thoroughly they go through their vehicles and then not going very far to make it right if there’s an issue. I learned my lesson and will be getting my own inspections on anything I buy going forward.

The final offer the dealership made me was for a 5 year /60k Toyota platinum warranty for $1710. I am currently deciding if that is worth the money. The manger told me this would cover the timing cover if I decided to fix it later.

 

Always get used to vehicles looked at by a neutral shop or a well trusted mechanic.

It doesn’t matter if it’s coming from a dealer or not. If it’s not a certified preowned with a full warranty, you were just rolling the dice.

 

YMMV, but for me, there's no way I would leave that be. Other than cost if not covered under warranty, what are the downsides to fixing it?

 

they already mentioned that. Chances of other issues. Chances of studs breaking upon each engine removal

 

I’ve heard from some techs that this is absolutely becoming more of an issue in 3rd Gen’s. Not widespread, but not unheard of either. Depending on the leak, if the seal is compromised only an inch or so, they do NOT have to remove the engine to fix. Can be accessed through the passenger side fender wall.

I’m curious what corporate would say if someone’s leak was so bad it compromised the motor and the owner wanted a new engine ?

 

Because of this thread I decided to check mine, and sure enough, mine has a small leak. I just bought it 2 weeks ago (2020 TRD PRO with 19K). These forums will be the death of me because all they do is cause undue anxiety because I am so anal about car maintenance. Very disappointing to see this on a Toyota, but evidently after much research it is very prevalent on this engine, the 2GRFE as well as the 4.0l engines. Wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't such an invasive problem to fix.
Mine is not leaking as bad as the OPs but I'm sure eventually it may get to that point or worse. I do have a lifetime warranty, and it should still be under the orginal powertrain warranty so I may put it in the shop and see if they want to fix it and what their confidence level is with the fix.

 

I agree. I will note, mine is also just barely seeping. The first pictures I took are right after I bought it, before it was cleaned. I figure it had been leaking about 30000 miles or so and that’s why it looked caked on there.

I am going to keep watching it, but now it’s not even hitting the ground.

The prior owner was religious about changing his oil every six months as reflected in the Carfax so I am confident and never got low enough to harm the engine.

 

shop the extended Toyota warranty, you do NOT have to buy from the dealer you purchased your truck, but you do need to buy BEFORE factory warranty expires.

as far as the dealer you purchased from? It sounds to me, like they are trying to make lemonade out of your lemon. In other words, rather than actually helping, they are solely turning it in to another profiteering expedition to benefit themselves.

 

Your timing cover leaking ?

 

They likely degreased the area prior to sale.

Timing cover leak was far more widespread on the 1GR. Your 2007 if V6 likely had it worse. One of the reasons I avoided used 2nd gens (and 4th gen 4Runners) when shopping for a commuter vehicle last year.

 

They are going to warrantee a 2016 Toyota until it’s 12 years old or 2028 ? Seems fishy AF
I bet you it’s the same shit they pulled on you already. And their warranties aren’t worth a damn cent.

 

no, I was quoting OP


(Chew knocks on wood)

 

It was clear they didn’t degrease prior to sale, I just didn’t see the spot until I got it home unfortunately.

When I brought it back they cleaned it up and I have been watching it since. Very small seep.

The warranty they are offering me is the Toyota platinum warranty, not a dealer warranty, at the discount. Still $1700 bucks though, I am molling this over.

 

their is an argument from most dealerships you should be prepared to hear. See below

 

His Factory Warranty has long expired already on a 2016, but agree that he could buy something outside of that Dealership.

 

I’d like to see the fine print. No oem covers their vehicles past year 10 or even close to it. Your truck is 8 model years old … this will in no way extend anything until it 12-3 years old.

they pulled a fast one on you already …