What is this Part?

Should I be worried about how rusty it is?

 

Thats just a cover plate. But Damn... Thats a crap ton of rust.

 

What is it covering? Can I take it off and replace/paint it?

 

Looks like it is some sort of cover to access something in the engine block? Maybe to get to the oil pump???

If the cover warps due to the rust, it is obvious that it may no longer seal up properly and you might develop an oil leak there and you don't want oil all over your belt. You should be able to find that part on a mechanical drawing at the parts counter at the stealership and replace it and the gasket. I'm guessing less than 20 bucks.

 

If it was mine, I wouldn't care about the cost. If that is covering access to internal components and it fails, bad stuff will happen. Fluids come out, dirt/rust/chunks go in. Think of what a nice 1/2"x 1/2" piece of rusty metal will do to a cam. I'd replace it, not clean and paint. Simply because if it is that bad, it is already weakened and even cleaning and painting may not prevent it from returning. Just next time, you won't notice it as fast.

 

That makes sense. Now I just need to find out what it is.

 

Since that cover is so rusted you might want to take a good look at your frame.

 

I have. It is in decent shape. I still am going to wire wheel the frame and spray it with rust reformer. Just so it doesn't get worse.
I don't really know why that cover is so rusted. The rest of the truck isn't that bad.

 

It does look rather odd.

 

The cover is in a high heat location. The factory paint probably flaked off years ago leaving bare metal which was left to oxidize faster because of the heat. (Heat speeds up chemical processes)

The block is aluminum I believe.

 

Looks like a timing plate cover. $7.24

Not listed as separate under the 4.0 for the Tacoma but it is listed as separate under the 4.0 for the FJ.

Part number 7 under the schematic.

http://parts.bernarditoyota.com/parts/2009/Toyota/FJ%20Cruiser/Base?siteid=216017&vehicleid=206683&diagram=8460140

 

On a side note:

I found it funny that it's $300 cheaper to order a 4.0 v6 engine with the tow package than it is to order it without.

$13,372.83 with tow package vs $13,637.45 w/o tow package.

 

That thing is beyond painting, that is a removal and replacement! lol that is if you can get the bolts out with out breaking them off in the block...

 

When you go to replace it have a replacement on hand with a new gasket and bolts.
Use allot of WD40 on that before touching it. wD40 is penetrating fluid, you need to let it sit for at least an hour before attempting to remove a bolt. Also have the tools handy in case a bolt breaks.

 

Yeah I will use PB Blaster. I have been soaking my nuts and bolts for my upcoming leaf spring and front coil install.

 

This seems like a no brainer but... I should replace this while doing an oil change, correct?

 

The plate on my 2009 looks just like that. Damn NYS and all thier salt.

 

I guess I will just do it when I do an oil change just to be safe.