2017 Timing Cover Leak

I dropped my skid to do some maintenance and noticed oil around the power steering pump. I jumped on here to see if anyone had issues with the PSP and find out it could be a timing cover leak behind the PSP. I only have 47000 miles and warranty runs out 2/15/22. At the dealership today to see what they say and sure enough it’s the timing cover and they will repair under warranty. 5 to 6 Day job, they have to pull the motor. By the way the truck is lifted and they didn’t say anything about it.

 

Glad to hear that it's covered under warranty. I was thinking that if they have to pull the motor for repair, would it be wise to spend a couple hundred to have the rear coolant crossover pipe replaced? Any thoughts?

 

Is there an issue with the rear coolant crossover pipe?

 

Its plastic. Can crack and leak over time. I think its relatively rare, but a PITA repair.

Personally at 47k miles I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe just ask the dealer their opinion.

 

They'll just replace it with the exact same one

 

Sorry to see that OP. Big bummer but at least it's being covered under warranty. What was the maintenance history like? How hard is the truck pushed in general? If this happens even when recommended maintenance is performed on time or ahead of schedule, that sucks extra. Just bad luck of the draw part failure? Scary for something of this magnitude, necessitating engine removal.

 

This is a common issue that affects a significant number of the trucks in circulation. less luck of the draw and more "when" not "if", at least for the earlier years of the 3rd gen. Time will tell if the later years have the same problem

 

I have seen it mentioned on here before; I suppose specifically I’m curious if the reason for the leak has been addressed. I don’t know if that cover is sealed with FIPG or a form fitted gasket. I would wager the vast majority of 3rd gen owners would not be okay with having to do this repair every few years. I certainly wouldn’t. I enjoy working on my old truck but this sounds like a giant PITA. If once it leaks and it’s repaired properly the chances of a repeat failure go way down, that would seem reasonable to me.

 

I'm very anal when it comes to maintenance, I do it myself because I don't trust the dealer. I change the oil and filter every 5000 miles with Mobil One and the truck is my daily driver and never ran hard. I do tow some of my small cars that weigh about 1600lb and thats the most it sees as hard driving. My first Toyota truck was a 1985 (last year for the straight axel) and I'v had gen 1 and gen 2 with little to no issues. This gen 3 is a big disappointment!!!!!!!!

 

From what I have read there is a gap between the head and block they filled with silicone. I hope to get in the dealer when the motor is removed and I can see the area its leaking.

 

Picked up the Taco today, was at the dealer for 9 days to fix the leak. They also fixed the 3rd break light for the recall of leaking, I never had an issue but why not go ahead and do it. Very disappointed with the gen3.

 

Hey dude, just hopping on to your post cause I saw you reply to my issue with the PS pump actually being the timing cover leaking. I'm glad you got it taken care of within warranty. Mine cost $4,000 and change and took them nearly 3 weeks with parts (but I had some rust from being a northern Taco). I did ask if this was something I'd have to do every 60k miles... cause if so I'd sell.... but they said no I should be absolutely fine. Yet I've had it back 2 days and I hear some weird rattling. Not really sure what to think. My '10 Taco was a beast, and my '16 has been nothing but a nuisance. I almost hate to say that cause I love tacos, but damn...

 

Why isn’t this a recall? Seems like a lot of people are having this issue.

 

The 2nd gens had a TSB covered for this. The 3rd gens don't have one yet. From what I have read that this is a part that toyota has cheaped out on again... and put the burden on the customer... Will they create a TSB for their negligence? My truck is a pavement princess. I don't drive like a formula 1 driver either. Anyone who tries to convince me that its the customers fault for a timing cover leak is wrong. I can't reach that area and change anything in that area if my little brain even tried. I stayed up to date with my oil changes. So I'm still waiting. GL with your truck.

 

Update: took the truck in and they said it was a rear main seal that was leaking. Unfortunately I am out of warranty. The dealer quoted me $2,200 to replace. I called around to other Toyota dealerships and found one that would do it for $1,100. I can’t believe that they can have such a difference in price from one dealer to another. They started the job on Monday hopefully that fixes the problem. I will update when I get it back. I am thankful that it’s not the timing cover that is leaking because it would have been way more expensive. Thinking about getting rid of the truck before that happens and maybe getting in to a 4runner.

 

Recalls are typically safety issues. Not leaks.

Why did you suspect a timing cover leak? A rear main seal leak is on the opposite end of the engine.

 

Why did you suspect a timing cover leak? A rear main seal leak is on the opposite end of the engine.[/QUOTE]

The oil was all over the place due to highway driving. Didn’t know if it was leaking up by the timing cover and making it’s way down or not.

 

I think my timing cover is leaking as well. 2020 with 26k miles. My 4th tacoma, first 3rd gen. Very disappointing. Ill take it in this week and have it looked at.

 

Chalk up another Leak. My 2021 with 18k is leaking out of the timing cover.

 

I’m at 70,000 miles and have a timing cover leak. Waiting for authorization from warranty inspector (have to take vehicle back in for inspection and photos). Glad I have extended platinum warranty to cover the $2800 estimate to repair. To fix, mechanics have to pull motor out.