Timing Cover Leak….4300 miles…..

I would be more hesitant to add "stop leak" to a new motor, then to just have it repaired for free by the dealer.

 

These new stop leaks do not harm engines there’s several videos of testing on YouTube on that topic. Just saying man that’s how I’d feel about it. Now if it was a valve cover or cylinder head something like that I’d feel differently .

 

I've been the stop leak route using the lucus power steering stuff when the rack was leaking badly in my old tundra. It slows the leak for a couple weeks then its as bad as ever. I must of used close to a 1/2 gal of that stuff before eventually biting the bullet, and installing a new steering rack.

 

Sorry I’ve been sick with Covid the past two days and haven’t got a chance to update…..

I talked to Toyota Corp yesterday but that was a futile effort. She basically said that it was documented on file in case the issue arrises in the future and to call back if it does.

I also reached out to an attorney for clarification on the “lemon law” aspect. They said that because I’m on month 14 of ownership it negates the lemon law application, even with 4k miles. If I would’ve checked it at month 11 it would apply and I’d be eligible for that. Hindsight is always 20/20. They did offer to take the case under the Magnuson-Moss act at no cost to me. That would entitle me to 10-20% of the purchase price for diminished value. I’m hesitant to do that, A) because I’m not sue happy and have never had to pursue legal action in my life and B) I’m afraid that would blacklist me with Toyota. If I would need future assistance if it leaks again I’d probably be screwed. He said there’s no retribution aspect but I don’t trust attorneys lol.

So at this point I think I’ll just let them fix it and go from there. March 21st it goes in the shop….I’ll update after. Thanks to all again

 

Just let them fix it I went down the later route before too and it back fires. Toyota will shut down and will not cooperate your better of dealing with then directly trust me

 

Agreed. I understand the aspect of it being exactly what it is too, a small oil leak. If it sent a piston through the block with 4xxx miles I’d be on a warpath. It’s just frustrating more than anything at this point but there’s always the positive side that I don’t have to pay a nickel for the repair. Gotta stay positive!

 

Far from my original point. Some folks are just going off the deep end implying the engine is a trash ticking time bomb. Definitely get it fixed when it's under warranty but if my 22 ends up with the same issue in 8 years and the leak doesn't even make it to the floor nor is there a measurable amount on the dip stick, it will annoy me but I won't be shouting from the roof tops about it.

I'd be more concerned about it using oil rather than leaking oil. Yes it'd disappointing that a my Toyota could leak more than my old Harley did.

 

It seems a little insane how crazy people get with stuff like this . Oil leaks like this happen all the time . The only thing that you can really be pissed off at Toyota ( and most companies ) is not allowing access to certain things for repair . Even things as small as spark plugs are a pain in the ass to do . They never design anything with service in mind . You look at an old school Chevy 350 the timing cover was a couple of hour job. I mean I get it why the cover on a 3.5 is so big but maybe in those areas they could have made it with a removable plate with a separate gasket if it were to leak in that area . I know the cover is different on the Tundra motor . So does that fix the issue ? Maybe

 

Just an update for all as I’ve had multiple people reach out with the same issue…

The dealer was pretty good in getting it fixed, Toyota Corp was a joke. The dealer provided me a loaner vehicle for the week it was in the shop. I vented my frustration to Toyota Corp through the main number. The response was subpar. Basically they said “thanks for calling” but couldn’t extend my warranty for reassurance or anything else.

I’m completely understanding that shit happens. Some trucks will leak oil, yes, but it’s not acceptable for a truck to leak oil prior to it’s first oil change. That screams manufacturer error and subpar assembly processes. The whole ordeal pissed me off enough that I’m going back to Ford via a Ranger Raptor.

 

Lol they fixed it ? You honestly think Ford will be better. All big corps are hard to deal with.
Doubtful but hey you have to do you .Any product from any company can have an issue
That’s what warranty is for .

 

Agreed. Ford is not exempt from issues, especially lately.

With that being said I’ve had three F-150s in my lifetime with three different engines (4.6, 5.4, 6.2). None of these engines leaked oil, even after 200k miles.

I wasn’t looking for Toyota to purchase me a new truck. What I thought would be a reasonable solution would be to A. Acknowledge that the issue I was having was a significant problem that makes quality look substandard and B. Extend the powertrain warranty out a few years. I think that’s a reasonable solution. Now I have to wonder if the truck a few years down the road will leak again and I’ll be responsible for a huge bill because of the process it entails. No thanks.

Instead all I got from Toyota was essentially, welp sorry, better luck next time. I jumped to Toyota as they were deemed the king of the midsize market and known for being ultra reliable. That reputation, at least in my instance, was not earned.

 

Hi,
I am late to this but did anyone see if the bolts were loose?

 

Bolts weren’t loose. There wasn’t enough RTV sealant applied when the truck was built causing the timing cover to leak.

 

If it was fixed probably. Which I’m sure it was it won’t leak again . The 2GR is a good motor and the trans even though quirky sometimes is also very reliable . Change your oil on time and take care of it and it will take care of you . Then you can enjoy down the road when you sell it the great resale value they have .

 

If I'm not mistaken, the RTV is applied by a robot at the engine assembly plant in Alabama & or Kentucky. I guess no one to visually inspect for quality control?

 

unfortunately that's what they have evolved to.

 

I bought a 2016 a couple months ago with 54k miles in really great condition. Unfortunately, when I got it home I found it had the timing cover seep just a couple days later. Dealer would not cover it with the “90 day power train warranty” that came with the purchase.

I didn’t know this was a thing as my quick search on 2016 Tacomas beforehand didn’t bring up anything and my 07 Tacoma was bulletproof. Now I learn it affects all years with the 3.5.

The shop manager at the dealer in my area who has 30 years Toyota experience told me he didn’t think it was worth the money to fix such a small seep. He has confidence in his techs, but conceded any time you open up an engine like that and take apart that many things, there is a potential for other issues, all to chase a small oil leak from splash lubrication that usually doesn’t get worse.

He suggested cleaning the area and applying permatex. Many on the forum have had good luck with this fix. I plan to give it a shot when the weather warms.

 

FWIW....I thought I had the same issue but on closer examination I discovered that the leak was coming from my power steering pump.

A MUCH CHEAPER repair option than a timing chain gasket leak.

 

That should have 100% been covered under a 90 day warranty.

 

i have a 16 and came from 'Bullet Proof 08". I had the famous "Crossover pipe leak" behind the motor.

plastic motors = bullet proof is a thing of the past.

i fee like spending some real $$ and getting a LS put in it.