'09 V6 front engine leak - 115k miles

Hey Guys, I just noticed a very small leak coming from my timing chain cover. But it looks like it's around the power steering pump. When I researched I found that the timing chain tensioner cover is a common leak point on the engine. But there is also a common leak between the timing chain cover and engine RIGHT NEXT to that little square plate is connected.
Somewhere around this youtube image I stole.


Does anyone have any experience with dealing with this and think which area it's coming from? I'd rather not have to take the entire timing chain cover off if I don't have to. I've got a bunch of Gunk on it right now trying to clean through all the sludge down there hoping I can identify the location.

 

That's a super common leak - I (and many others) treat it as a "monitor for worsening" item. Some people have had success degreasing the area very well and applying a bead of sealant to the exterior once the exact location of the leak is determined (degrease it like you're about to caulk it, then apply a dusting of talc/baby powder and check it once a day until you see the seepage tracks in the talc, then clean well before applying the sealant well beyond the apparent leak).

I would just clean it up real well when you're done in there and keep an eye on it whenever you get under the hood. Wipe it down during oil changes to keep a good judge on what's coming out over time.

 

I have that same spot on mine that seeps. 06 TRD off Road. I get a drop of oil on the driveway every so often. I'm not that concerned about it until it gets worse enough to do something about it. Also a clean PCV Valve may help with engine pressure in the 4.0 V6 and help to slow the leak....i got a new one from Toyota recently for $8 and it was really easy to swap. Good luck.

 

I bought a 2016 TRD OR last month with 55k and it is seeping from the timing cover. So this continues to be an issue on the 3rd gens as well. The proper fix to have it resealed is very invasive and often requires engine removal.

I am also doing what was suggested above and just monitoring. I will probably give the sealant a try and some point.

If it’s a small leak and there isn’t any noticeable oil loss between changes, doesn’t seem like it will harm anything.

 

I'll preface this reply by stating that I'm extremely prudent with PMs on my truck. You won't find a fluid that's neglected. I bleed my brakes every year. I drain and refill my power steering fluid reservoir every year. My diffs, manual transmission and transfer case get fresh fluid as needed. I check them every 20k or so by dipping a finger in, but if a little dirty they get changed.
I only say this because I'll be one that will say if it's not leaving a spot on your driveway, or you don't have to add between changes, I'd not worry about it.
In my opinion, this isn't one that will someday just start gushing, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
I wouldn't worry about it.

 

And yes, I'm drinking a little bourbon tonight, so my response may be a bit verbose......

 

wrong sub wrong engine

if it was me I'd start by looking at the P/S pump, hoses, and resealing that small square plate held on with 4 bolts in the pic, looks pretty easy. With clean and re-evaluate.

 

I am aware this was for a second gen. I was just commenting that the same problem continues in later years and that my decision was similar to what others were saying above.

 

considering folks do timing chain jobs in the car
I don’t think engine removal is required to do anything on a 2nd gen Tacoma

 

Do the de-greasing and talc application the next time you change the oil and watch it until the next one. Scrutinize that square cover with the four screws too. It's a common leak as well as the miles pile up and when it develops, it seems to be a worse leak than the timing chain cover one. Don't over do it with the de-greaser fluid. I would use carb cleaner, throttle-body cleaner, or MAF cleaner or even Simple Green in a spray bottle. No brake clean or starting fluid.

The the timing cover weep can show for thousands of miles without becoming an overnight drip on the driveway. When it's obvious that it has become a multi-drip leak and/or you're leaving spots everywhere you go, that's the time to address it. (IMO) If it remains as just the minor seep, I would do the cleaning and smear the area with caulk or make-a-gasket and monitor. Several folks in here have had good success doing this.

 

Thanks guys! I appreciate the info. THe Timing Chain Cover on the 2nd gen doesn't look too terribly bad to do, just time consuming having to pull the water pump, pulleys and such. But from ya'lls experience it sounds like it may be the tensioner pulley cover. Hopefully I can dig into it tomorrow and see what I'm working with. Cheers my taco friends!

 

these should be replaced regardless, if they're original

 

I had the same issue and did what Williston suggested. Not sure how, but my small leak has improved, to the point I don't think it leaks any more. If it is the timing chain cover, it is a big job to fix it correctly, and I don't think the risk of taking everything apart, time, and cost is with it for such a tiny leak (aka corrision protection).

 

Unfortunate mine went the other way and I had an engine bay of oil and had to replace it lol I also have double the miles