The infamous timing chain cover leak...

I was also out by time but not mileage. I did all my service at Toyota which helps your case. Was able to convince corporate to pick up half the cost. I was satisfied with that.

 

Dang, I did all the service on my own after the complementary services ended. Doubt they would do much for me then.

 

You've got nothing to lose by asking. Different brand but I was able to get VW to pony up half the cost of water pump replacement in a Golf R when I missed a replacement campaign by a couple months, just by asking.

 

Try what other people have done , clean and apply sealant on the outside of the cover

 

X2. Just gotta make sure you get it clean clean CLEAN!! And scrape off as much of the old sealant around that spot as you can. I would like to assume those that had it leak again didnt do this well enough. Probly just liberally cleaned the oil and didnt scrape the old rtv off. But idk, I may be wrong and its just prone to leak again at some point. Im hoping not. But im about 3k miles in so far with mine and still bone dry. Just checked it again recently.

 

Clean is the main word for sure . And it makes sense . The rtv needs to adhere good to seal . It’s splashing oil in that area under no pressure so it really should work if done with care .

 

I know it's been asked before. is there a permanent fix for this issue by the dealer?

I have the exact same Taco as above with almost the same milage. but I need to crawl under and check it out.

 

Permanent is how the dealer would describe the fix, but if that were the case it wouldn't have leaked in the first place, right? Nothing is different in the 'fix' from how it came from the factory, no different parts or methods that I know of.

I got a 12/12 warranty for the fix at the dealer. Hopefully it lasts much longer than that before leaking again.

You can check for the leak by popping the hood and looking down the front passenger side of the engine. No need to get under it.

 

now I need to double check mine

 

I still can’t see anything from the top view passenger side.

 

You might be good then.
But its not as easy to see from above. If its leaking in the usual spot, the seam behind the ps pump, itll leak down the passenger side of engine onto the ps pump. If its fairly bad, itll look like your pump is leaking. It collects on the bottom of it. Itll also leak down the engine block and spray backwards on engine and frame.
Can see it better from underneath especially if you remove the skid plate.

If youre really determined, you'll need to move the ps pump out of the way and look behind it at the source. I would suggest anyone in doubt about this leak to do exactly that. Do an initial inspection and clean the area up. Its not difficult at all. The first time I did it, took like 30 minutes. Unhooked belt, passenger wheel and splash guard off, unbolt pump, spray foaming cleaner, spray with pressure washer/hose, reinstall. Drive for xxx miles, do process again to inspect and find leak. With the intention of taking the time to properly clean it and apply some rtv while youre in there. AND to let it sit so the rtv can cure.