The infamous timing chain cover leak...

Seems like your educated about these trucks. Will it actually damage anything if not fixed? Seems like such a small amount leaking. What would get damaged?

 

The leak is from splash lubrication. So it is minor for the most part at first. Over time as the engine ages and crankcase pressures increase, it will get worse. If regularly cleaned off it would be an annoyance... but shouldn't harm anything. If it were left uncleaned it could get on the belt or other rubber components in the engine bay. Oil typically destroys rubber components... Possibly the right front brake in a severe case.

 

In your opinion, is this inevitable on ever 3rd gen eventually?

 

Negative. Chevy's had/have the same issue with the 3.6 and similar (upper oil pan) with the 2.0. As mentioned earlier with manufacturing related to sealant running low, the reason we got and could see was the robot applying it didn't overlap it's start and end because everytime it leaked it was in the same exact spot. Sometimes it gushed by 10'000kms and other times at 80'000kms. I don't recall seeing one start leaking past 150'000kms.... maybe one. Typically the warning signs came soon and if you had no sweating by 50'000kms you'd be fine. Usually it took 20'000kms to go from sweat to leak but if you were close to warranty ending we'd "find it leaking"

 

What worries me is I have a friend with a 2016 Off Road who's had the problem 3 times. Doesn't give a lot of confidence...

 

Over time... possibly. I have 96,000kms on my truck and I drive it like I stole it... I have zero signs of any leaks. I even changed my plugs recently and removed the upper intake to make the job easier... the intake runners were clean and oil free. The plugs looked perfect for the kms. I am not worried about it. Is it a perfect engine... nope.. there isn't one out there.... it does the job I need it too. And knock on wood, is leak free so far.

 

As much as I'd like to be a hater, since I'm currently having this issue, that definitely is not the case. It seems most people have success after getting it repaired once also. I mean they should... it's just a RTV seal after all..

I know on the 2GR FE there were some spots where techs were instructed to add a heavier bead. I don't know if this is the case with the 2GR FKS though.

 

My argument isn’t that it’s not happening or even an issue. I’m just stating that I believe it’s a very small percentage of Tacomas. Admittedly, this is speculation like a lot of comments in here. It comes up enough on here that you’d think we’d get a pinned post for voting so we can at least see how many on the forum have been affected. Maybe that would put the rate of occurrence to rest.

 

Tbh I feel like thats due to the workmanship... or if it's in the same spot everytime i'd be skeptical if they were even doing it. If you were and it's still in the same spot then they're not doing their job properly to see why it's leaking. For example could be a rough cast, uneven surface or even just touching the surface after you've cleaned it. If you properly clean everything and work purposefully with installing the cover, before the rtv skins over and don't smear it either then you should be pretty well good for life against that leak.

 

To give an update on this post I created...

I brought my truck into a different, larger dealership yesterday. From the start, it was a completely different experience than the previous dealership I visited. The service advisor intently listened to me and she took down detailed notes. She even had me read over her work order to ensure everything was described correctly. An hour after dropping my truck off, I received a video text from the technician confirming that my timing chain cover is leaking.

My service advisor called me 30 minutes after that to let me know that they can immediately start on the repair, that their head master technician will be doing the repair, and that my truck will be available to pick up either later today or tomorrow morning. This dealership is so on top of it that it has restored my faith in these service centers a bit and they now have a lifetime customer. I pray that the repair holds up, and I will give an update on that, as well.

 

That is great. What are they giving you for warranty on the repair. I would hope that it is extended beyond the factory 5 years. My local dealer is a joke. Several times my visit ended in an argument with their "best master tech". I was always treated as if I was a 90 year old woman with zero mechanical knowledge although I had 4 years of auto tech training and have serviced vehicles since the 1970's. I do not claim to know everything about cars but I also know the difference between a body bushing and a sway bar which that "master tech" apparently did not know. It is nice to hear that good dealers still exist. I doubt, except for a recall or warranty repair, that I will ever step foot in another dealer service department.

 

No additional warranty is included and I frankly didn't expect one. I was a first time customer at this dealership and they weren't the ones who sold me the vehicle, so I'm ultimately just happy they treated me the way they did. My truck has 8,500 miles on the odometer and I purchased it in April this year, so I do have a lot of miles and time with the factory warranty.

The other dealership I was using treated me like how you describe. I listened to my gut and cut all ties with them. I described in complete detail where my oil leak was and my original dealership couldn't seem to locate it while their heads were in the sand, who would have thought lol

 

Great decision on trying another dealer. Toyota is a great company, but I feel like what a lot of customers forget is that the dealers are independent franchises. Some run a great operation and they remember that they are there to take care of the customer and work WITH the customer to solve any issues. Some, don’t try as hard to accomplish that. I see that where I work. It’s all about having the right people in place and having good people. Which is very difficult to do these days. Advisors are beat down most days, so to have one that does a great job, is getting rare. My advice is to cultivate a great relationship with that dealership and advisor. Even bribe them with food or treats. It seems trivial, but it will go a lot further than you realize. Glad you are getting taken care of.

 

True story, it shouldn't have to been this way but i've seen some of our nastiest advisors turn into complete sweethearts and go to lengths like giving them their personal vehicle as a loaner until repairs were done because a customer built a relationship with them via talking to them about basically anything but their vehicle being broken, bringing the drive-through a box of donuts one time from tims or even just a shitty compliment to brighten their day. So when you find a good dealer especially, treat them like your neighbour and you'll be amazed the service you get. Even paying for a set of wipers or oil changes outside of warranty will pay off 10 fold when you least expect it

 

My service advisor was a gem. Such a nice lady and she's going to get a well deserved 5 star review also

 

Did they tell you where the leak is?

 

I was only told that there was an oil leak on the timing chain cover. No particular area on the cover was mentioned.

 

I have picked up the truck and just got home...Truck is running good. I checked for the oil leak and boy does it feel good to not see any oil dripping! I am going to keep a close eye on it for awhile though.

 

My 17’ OR is about to roll past the extended warranty (119K KM / 120K KM) so I pulled off the skid plate to take a look underneath. I’m not the most mechanically inclined but it sure looks like there’s an oil leak, and based on what I’ve found in TW, it likely could be the timing cover. Pictures attached.

I’ve got it scheduled in for 160 point inspection in a few days but just want to get some more insight/ opinions from the community here incase they have any push back for whatever reason. I have also read some folks opinions about weighing the pros and cons of having this repaired/ selling right after because they have to pull the engine.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks!

 

Thanks for keeping this thread updated. We all appreciate this. Great to hear you received good, proper service. Let's hope the leak never comes back. I'm loyal to no service center. I'm very sensitive to poor service. however, I try and get a feel for a shop and build a positive relationship.

I do have realistic expectations tho. Everyone is human and have good and bad days. I take all of this into consideration. I treat others like I'd like to be treated myself. If I ever sense there is something really wrong or not right at I'll move on.

I have a great relationship with a trusted mechanic and a reasonable dealership to work with.