Timing cover leak? --Newly bought used 2016 Tacoma Limited

Thanks, Grossomotto. I guess I have to get into this mindset. So far, I have done all the fixes myself. But this timing cover leak (if it is really in the engine block) is definitely more than I can handle. I am hoping that the leak is just at the access panel. I will do that first to see whether it fixes the problem.

 

Was it certified pre-owned? That extends the warranty to 100k

 

No, it is not. So, out of warranty for sure -- I checked with the dealer already.

 

Thats rough, man. Sounds like you're just having a spell of bad luck

 

I've got the same deal on my rig. Out in California my dealer is trying to charge me 5100$. I think I'm going to have to approach this on my own. This should be a recall!! Older yotas, 2nd gens, and even 3rds now have this problem my truck had this going on around 33k miles as far as I know because I saw residue around the time but it didn't phase me, I thought I spilled doing an oil change and it got dusty over some time and I just spotted the actual leak with more fresh looking oil now at 69k

 

Happens at a joint where engine block, head and timing cover meet. Service manual specifies to use extra rtv in this area.

 

OP, you ever get this resolved/fixed?

 

I found my 2016 Tacoma leaking from the timing chain cover last year. I took it to the dealer and they repaired it since it's covered by the powertrain warranty. It takes about a week to repair since they have to pull the motor to do the repair. According to a mechanic I spoke to, the timing chain cover doesn't have a gasket and is sealed with something similar to permatex at the factory. Apparently the cover is slapped on and tightened before the sealer has time to harden a little causing it to smash flat and allow a small slow leak. He told me that it wasn't an uncommon problem but most customers don't go under the truck themselves and will never know about it. Because it is such a time consuming repair, no one says anything about it to the customers.

 

Just got a call from the dealer because mine is now having this issue as well. 2016 with 135k. No telling how long its been happening at this point. I think they quoted me around $4000 to fix it.

 

My truck's mileage is pretty low at just a little over 50,000 miles and I found it when it had less than 40,000 miles on it. I think they said the powertrain warranty was good up to a 100,000 miles.

 

I think mine ended up fixing itself, I changed the oil 2 months ago with Castrol synthetic with a dab of Lucas oil leak stop and put another 1k miles commuting in my rig. I cleaned off the remaining oil from the last leak and I haven't seen anything yet. I'm hoping for the best that it doesn't leak anymore I also only put 6 quarts this interval instead of the recommended 6.2. One thing I believe is overfilling it could be a factor because I've always done 6.2.
Standing by for the results but I won't be driving it as much because I got my Ram 2500 As my local commuter on the road now

 

For me they said the standard powertrain warranty is only good up to 65k and that it wouldn't cover the timing cover leak. Only if I purchased the extended warranty on the vehicle it would be fixed at no charge. Other than that it would be 5k to fix it.

 

Did you get it fixed? Or waiting for a TSB? I have this issue also, I prefer to wait for a TSB. It’s a slow leak and isn’t really doing any harm. I’d rather buy a new engine if this shit breaks down.

 

Hit or miss on some GR motors to leak.

 

(Update) my tacoma sat for a month or two since I've been using my dodge lately for short commutes to work. I changed the oil in the Tacoma at 72k and it's currently still leaking. Even from just sitting. I think I'm ready to move on from the truck I'm not going to spend 5k on fixing a truck with only 72k mi on it. I'd really love to still have my second gen

 

2nd gens did this as well, just cheaper to fix.

 

Neglect and lack of cleaning off corrosive salts will make any reliable vehicle have failures like you've seen so far.

 

I “fixed” mine by removing the power steering pump, degreasing the area and applying FIPG from the outside. Still holding up 25k miles and 2 years later

 

Exactly.. cheaper to fix and easier to do yourself. Just saying the only thing that sold me on the third gen was it just being new and it looked cool. But I've had lots of Tacomas and never thought I'd have an issue like this

 

I have done nothing to fix it lol. I looked under there and I dont think it is leaking anymore so hopefully its fine