Timing Cover Oil Leak?

I discovered this oil leak today. It's not big enough to leave spots on the driveway. I replaced the valve cover gaskets last March so I don't think that's the issue. I believe it is the timing cover causing the issue. I am currently at 117,500 miles.

If I do end up repairing it, I might as well do a new water pump, pulleys and a serpentine belt.

 

If it's an '08 with >100,000 miles, consider yourself lucky you're only now experiencing the timing cover leak. There was a TSB somewhere. Most people on here just leave it because it's usually a very small leak, plus its a big job (expensive if you have someone else do it). If you're inclined to tackle the job yourself then I'd definitely change the water pump while you're in there. I had it done with my frame swap last year. Good luck.

 

Looks to me like the oil I see in the 2nd and 4th photo are coming from above the timing cover. 4th photo looks like a valve cover leak. Oil on the a/c hose in 2nd pic could be coming from a leaky valve cover gasket.

You changed VC gaskets 15 month ago. That does not mean they aren't leaking. Gaskets could be defective, slipped out of channel, or over-torqued

 

This could be the issue. I did not use a torque wrench for re-applying the covers. I just snugged them down, which I can pretty much guarantee is more than 17 ftlb. I will get a smaller torque wrench and re-torque and see if that fixes the issue.

 

Source.



Visible gaps in mating surface.








Clean area behind pump. Apply externally with your finger. Let dry.



Or remove the whole timing cover and enjoy that chore.

 

Thank you for the response. I saw your fix last night after doing research. So for this fix, I would remove the serpentine belt, move the PS pump out of the way to have better access to the area?

 

Correct.

 

Thank you! It seems to be a much more manageable task than removing the entire timing cover. I will try properly torqueing the valve cover and applying the gasket sealer hopefully this weekend. I need to properly de-grease the area before I start as well.

 

In addition to retorque, I'd install new VC gaskets. If you did over-torque, merely retorqeuing won't stop the leak if this is indeed the problem.

 

I guess a $25 piece of mind isn't too bad.

 

Pretty sure I found the source of the leak today. It appeared to be coming from the valve cover. I replaced both gaskets and cleaned up the engine with some degreaser. I will keep and eye on it

 

That happens normally as soon as the valve covers are removed.

I did notice in the first picture that there isn't any silicone, at the point where the timing cover mates with the head, under the valve cover. That could also be a source.

 

Well shit........ I noticed it being present on the driver's side. At lease the passenger side is easy compared to the driver's. I will keep an eye on it.

 

subbed

 

How much did you save by having it done with frame swap? I'm in the same boat, and my frame is getting ready to be replaced.