CAM SHAFT TOWER SEAL LEAKING ** PLEASE READ***

Good luck! Let us know how it goes

 

I think most folks would like to know the answer to this one. With all the folks around here getting the fix performed or have gotten the fix done a while back it would be nice to hear.

 

It sounds like it's just a one time fix. Once the new sealant is applied you should not have any future issues. The only problem might be if Toyota is only repairing one side and later on the other side starts to seep. I've heard that Toyota will only repair one side if that's all that's leaking, but I have also heard of a few members getting both sides taken care of by the dealer also...maybe it depends where you go and the willingness of the dealer.

 

Get a turkey baster and soak the otherside

 

I just took my 2015 DC to the dealer and had them check it out. Because I noticed it on the drivers side. Now granted I just got this truck haven’t made the first payment. It’s got just over 57000 miles. And the dealer says they are going to repair it and give me a loaner in the process. Says it will take a few days super nice. Awesome.

 

I just wanted to say if it wasn’t for this forum I wouldn’t have noticed it. Thanks for you guys putting the word out there. I am definitely putting the word out there. Thanks again

 

What major issues would happen if this issue would have not been corrected or repaired

Is always checking your oil and tapping it if its not in the recommended level?
Would do?

I know the oil leak would look meesy under the strut tower. But what if its only a little leak.
Would that be a big issue?

Ive seen other old engines with slugged of oil around it but still working like a charm.

 

Just depends how bad it is, little leak no big deal just check oil levels. Mine was dripping onto the heatshield and burning off and fumes entering the cab so I had to get repaired. If it was just seeping I would probably just leave it alone.

 

Is burning oil in the heat shield can cause fire? I do smell a burnt rubber or like brake lining burnt smell when I get down from the truck.

Nothing inside the cabin.

 

Bottom line whats the worst case scenario of this issue? Any reported major damage?

I love my Tundra. Even I hated the gas consumption then here comes this tower leak at 45K miles. I hate to consider trading it in for another gen 3.

 

Problem is trading it in on another gen 3 wont guarantee you wont have the issue again. I haven't seen any major damage reported, one guy claimed his caught fire but I'm not 100%. If it was to cause fires then Toyota would have to issue a recall on them since its a safety concern.

 

I know but this time I’ll be covered by warranty. Mine is already done since its a 2012 gen2.
I hate to beg Toyota and give me round around.
I can have it fix by a local mechanic would do it for 1.5K labor.

Its about 15hrs job. Approximately.

But honestly don’t see any big issues unless it really a big leak.

Mine is mostly moisture or seeping. But I know in due time it would collect and start dripping.

But my solution spray it with a WD40 degreaser. I hardly even notice any drop of oil in my dip stick. No oil leak on my garage for years now.

Is it worth my 1.5K to fix a small issue?
Or just continue enjoying my tundra?

 

I’ll have my dealer document the issue and document that Toyota denied the claim after multiple attemps to prove its a factory defect then if my truck caught fire in the process. I’ll be calling lawyers in NY and Chicago!
Lol

 

Anyone here had work done in Houston, Texas by a trusted dealer for the cam leak?

 

Is yours being serviced by warranty?

 

I called Toyota America and they where very helpful to accommodate my complaints about the issue.
The dealership will fix the issue on my truck with 20% cost on me.

Toyota American will take care of the 80%

To me that is already fair enough since my warranty is already expired.

Thank you Toyota.

 

That’s awesome! Good to hear!

 

I still think they should cover it all, its a known issue that they seem to have commonly reported to them. I had a 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, and anyone who was familiar with that generation of pathfinder knows there was an issue with the tranny cooler in the radiator and it leaking radiator fluid into the transmissions, essentially destroying it, and it became a national TSB and extended warranty of the components. at 110K miles, LONNG out of warranty, when I started exhibiting this issue, Nissan covered my radiator, transmission, and transfer case 100% no questions, concerns, or fight. The regional manager even said to me at the dealership "we dont expect a Nissan to break at 100K miles."

 

Not a bad deal, but could be better. How is the class action lawsuit coming along?

 

Did Toyota resolve this issue in the 3rd gen trucks? I have a 2019 and I'm wondering if I need to keep an eye on it.

Thanks

 

Judging from many of the posts on here, it doesn’t like the issue has been resolved.

 

Nope! My 2018 goes in tomorrow. I started smelling mine around 10K miles. I drove for another 15K to make sure it was a true leak so Toyota wouldn't try to tell me it's a "seep"

 

The issue not resolved, my 2018 had the leak, less than 2000 miles. Between that and the safety sense problems I gave up, I traded the truck in on a 4Runner. I didn't trust the dealers around here to do the work and I don't have the time to keep running back and forth.

 

How many miles do you have on yours? Mine has been leaking for a few years but I have a 2010 with 118k and warranty ended a long time ago.

 

I know this isn't the solution but would I be correct that if it is leaking, that checking the oil dip stick and topping off the oil every week would prevent any further damages until a proper fix is done? I only ask this because if there was a leak, I would want to completely make sure its a real leak and drive it around for a little bit. The only thing happening is that the engine is losing oil through the gasket, correct? Besides running an engine on extremely low oil, is there any other long term harm done besides having to change the gaskets?

 

Just check the oil everytime you get gas and you will drastically cut down on any chance of motor damage. A family member has it on their 08 for almost 60k miles and even though the leak looks bad it is seldom that he has to top it off. Of course everyones will leak a different speeds, so just keep an eye on the level.

 

Mine is a 2012 my truck now has 46K but I think it started leaking at 40K miles.

I td them my truck started smoking while driving up and down the mountain of NC it actually did. I smelled something thing burning I thought it was my brake I stopped and look at the engine where the smell coming from. Open the hood and smoke coming out of the exhaust driver side.

Now I learned its the oil dripping on the heat shield. I requested assistance to Toyota out of fear it might cause fire.

Though I know oil is not as volatile as fuel. But nevertheless its a big concern.

20% share of cost is better than GM or Ford would offer to there customers ending up paying 100%.

Im having mine scheduled next week.

 

Depending on the severity of the leak. Regular checking of oil will prevent damage.
But What bothers me is when I drive out of town for 6-8hrs. How much oil I loose is what concerns me.

But since I discovered the leak driving for more than 6K miles never did need to tap my oil up. Its a small leak but it’s annoying smelling something burning everytime I go out of the truck mostly in the driver fender wheel.

 

Ok latest news my Toyota Dealership called stated since Im a loyal customer of there dealership.

They will take care of the 20% fee that Toyata America will not cover.

Im glad with the turn out. They will cover the job 12 months or 12K miles for free.

 

Nice!!