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Help identifying leak

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by hudhawk, Feb 14, 2012.

  1. Feb 14, 2012 at 7:40 PM
    #1
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    Ok, so this evening after parking my truck in the parking garage for the night, I decided to climb underneath and have a look around. I noticed some wet spots on my skid plates so I decided to take them off and look for the cause. As soon as I removed the front skid, I noticed a large oil leak on the front of the engine. I have no idea where it's coming from but it looks like its coming from behind the crankshaft pulley or somewhere in that area. Im thinking its the crankshaft front oil seal, but i dont know enough about these engines to be certain. Im away at school right now, or else id get my dad out here to look at it. Please, if anyone can enlighten me or help me in anyway it would be greatly appreciated. Here are some pics that I took.

    a6934e0a-2876-05ad_2259482d2fe35c4daa2b1479d55a9a3bcf9f360d.jpg
    a6934e0a-289c-b149_6b292f2d5e2e3c6312c0ec10c2b84f3477bf076e.jpg
     
  2. Feb 14, 2012 at 7:47 PM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    The timing chain cover was known to have a leak on some vehicles. That could be it.
     
  3. Feb 14, 2012 at 7:49 PM
    #3
    06BLUEDBLSPORT

    06BLUEDBLSPORT Well-Known Member

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    Yup I had the same problem with my old 06, the timing chain cover had a serious leak and was covered under warranty, you definitely want to get that fixed asap
     
  4. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:25 PM
    #4
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    How do I know it's the timing chain cover and not the crankshaft front seal? Are there any specifics to look for?
     
  5. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:32 PM
    #5
    Fractured

    Fractured FPS-a-holic

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    Where does the leak start? If there is oil about the crank seal, its probably not that.

    Oil follows gravity.
     
  6. Feb 14, 2012 at 8:33 PM
    #6
    06BLUEDBLSPORT

    06BLUEDBLSPORT Well-Known Member

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    Never...Ever question Chris4x4's knowledge

    jk

    if i was you i'd bring it do a dealership cause when it comes to a leak you never want to wait around and see where its coming from before its too late, best to get it taken care of asap
     
  7. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:11 PM
    #7
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    The leak literally starts right behind the crankshaft pulley, thats why i think its the crank seal. Oil follows gravity, that's good to know:D
     
  8. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:14 PM
    #8
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    Actually, of you were me you wouldn't take it to the dealership, cuz of you were me you wouldn't have enough money just for them to tell you what the problem is, let alone have enough money for them to fix it. I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm just saying that everyone doesn't have the means to rush their vehicle to the dealership for every little thing.
     
  9. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:15 PM
    #9
    Fractured

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    Steam clean that BAMF then look after 2 miles or so.
     
  10. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:18 PM
    #10
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    Sorry for the idiot question, but where would I go to steam clean it? I was contemplating getting some heavy duty engine degreaser, spraying it down, the washing it all off, you think that will work?
     
  11. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:21 PM
    #11
    BlueT

    BlueT Well-Known Member

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    Think positive, crankshaft seal is easier to fix then timing chain cover. :D
     
  12. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:29 PM
    #12
    Fractured

    Fractured FPS-a-holic

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    One of those self wash places. Don't let a worker see you though, it's frowned upon. Go easy on the degreaser though. It's only for thick heavy muck and grease.
     
  13. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:37 PM
    #13
    ROGU3 PR3DATOR

    ROGU3 PR3DATOR Space Shuttle Door Gunner

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    Also, something to consider is that if it is still under warranty, it shouldn't cost you anything to have the dealer fix it. If its not... Well thats another story.
     
  14. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:41 PM
    #14
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    It's a 2005 with 140k miles on it, warranty is long gone. I wish it was that simple.
     
  15. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:42 PM
    #15
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    I'll be a ninja when I do it, lol.

    That's my theory, think positive!
     
  16. Feb 14, 2012 at 9:46 PM
    #16
    ROGU3 PR3DATOR

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    Ooooooohhhh.... Yeah.... Scratch the stealership then. Hope someone is able to help you figure it out. Although worst case you could always have the stealership just diagnose the problem and see if you can't fix it yourself. Wouldn't be free, but much cheaper than throwing parts at it till its fixed.
     
  17. Feb 14, 2012 at 10:16 PM
    #17
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    Yeah, the stealership is full of a bunch of asshats anyway. Every time I'm forced to go to a Toyota dealership they look at me like I'm from a different universe all together. Repeating myself to the guy behind the counter gets old real fast. That being said, if I absolutely can't figure it out, I'll have no choice.
     
  18. Feb 15, 2012 at 6:59 AM
    #18
    BlueT

    BlueT Well-Known Member

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    Try to take better pictures of the area. Maybe few from top of the engine (pass side and driver side) Right now that looks like crankshaft seal which is fairly easy to replace. Hardest part is taking crankshaft bolt out and tightening to spec after replacing. Seal I think is like $50 You may want to replace belt and check idlers and tension er while you there.
    One word of coution that crankshaft bolt needs to be tightened to spec
     
  19. Feb 15, 2012 at 2:22 PM
    #19
    hudhawk

    hudhawk [OP] #texasforever

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    I'll try to get some more pics tonight. I have class all day today and I park my truck on the opposite side of campus.
     
  20. Feb 15, 2012 at 5:02 PM
    #20
    bigmooze

    bigmooze Well-Known Member

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    Last year I had my truck in at the dealership for an oil leak from the front crankshaft oil seal. Not nearly as messy as the OP's, but oil was dripping down the front of the block right underneath the pulley. I drove several thousand km with the problem without issue. Discovered at about 94500, fixed at 98200

    Work order from the dealership shows 90311-A0005 as the oil seal and 13470-0P010 as the crankshaft pulley. Apparently the pulley is a better-fitting part.

    My truck is an '09 SR5 but I hope you can use what I found to fix your leak.
     

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