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Unknown oil leak, cylinder head/timing cover?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by jtwags, Feb 25, 2020.

  1. Feb 25, 2020 at 9:47 AM
    #1
    jtwags

    jtwags [OP] Concrete jungle

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    2018 with 25k miles. I do have passenger side cam tower leak but while inspecting the other day after dealer verified cam tower i noticed a different leak towards front of the engine passenger side. The pics below are through the wheel well and the exhaust header is to the left and back of alternator to the right. My first thought is timing cover but also looks wet where head meets block, maybe just oil migration???

    20200225_114503.jpg 20200225_114326.jpg 20200225_114249.jpg

    20200225_113114.jpg
     
  2. Feb 25, 2020 at 11:13 AM
    #2
    mambo143

    mambo143 New Member

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    It could be what you think and it’s Probably not the case, but... have other people checked your oil level? It could be drips from dipstick spatter when checking the oil (without a rag at the ready.) If so, there would likely be other random spots in the engine bay?
     
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  3. Feb 25, 2020 at 2:02 PM
    #3
    jtwags

    jtwags [OP] Concrete jungle

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    I am going to get a better look from underneath with a mirror in the sunlight and see if I can trace it a little better.
     
  4. Feb 25, 2020 at 5:28 PM
    #4
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    IIRC, the valve cover extends out over the front timing cover. It may be leaking at the valve cover/timing cover joint as you said, and then migrating down and then back along the head/block joint. If you're having the cam tower leak repaired, all that should be removed in the process and resealed anyway. I doubt that it's leaking oil at the head/block joint; if it is, you've got bigger problems than you think.
     
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  5. Feb 26, 2020 at 2:56 AM
    #5
    plumber802

    plumber802 New Member

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    Toyota has known about the cam tower leak issue for years yet it's still happening. WTF!!! I'm afraid to look at mine...
     
  6. Dec 28, 2021 at 9:52 PM
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    JRP

    JRP New Member

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    Hello, I apologize for reviving an old thread. Unfortunately, I have found a leak on the same spot on my Tundra. Will you please help a brother out where the leak was coming from? Thank you in advance.
     
  7. Dec 29, 2021 at 4:33 AM
    #7
    T-Guy69

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  8. Dec 29, 2021 at 5:56 AM
    #8
    jtwags

    jtwags [OP] Concrete jungle

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    I decided to just monitor this leak, appears to be from the front timing cover. Another involved job. Already had passenger side cam tower resealed and it has been dry for last 20k miles. Service mgr and i decided to watch this one and wait and see, i purchased extended warranty so have time.
     
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  9. Dec 29, 2021 at 7:37 AM
    #9
    blanchard7684

    blanchard7684 New Member

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    That is called a T joint connection between block, head, timing cover. Notoriously difficult to seal on all overhead cam engines. I'd call that weepage but on the high side of weepage.

    edit: 25 k miles...yeah I'd be getting that done early.
     
  10. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:40 AM
    #10
    JRP

    JRP New Member

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    Thank you, gentlemen, for the quick response. Mine is a seepage and looked like an old oil. I’m planning to clean the area and observe until my next oil change. I still have my powertrain warranty that will expire on 08/2022 but I’m not sure if it will cover it. What do you guys think? Should I just bring it to the dealership and let them diagnose the issue? Or observe for now?
     
  11. Dec 29, 2021 at 8:45 AM
    #11
    blanchard7684

    blanchard7684 New Member

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    Clean it and monitor.

    If you get weepage in the next 2-3 weeks I'd get it addressed prior to 8/2022.

    Thinking ahead I'd also see if you can sweet talk the tech into changing tensioners and guides while in there. Or at least the driver side tensioner. The driver side tensioner is a bit of a weak point. Not sure if it is a design issue or related to long oil change intervals. But I'd try to get it changed out early if the opportunity presents itself even if you are only looking at 30 k miles.
     
  12. Dec 29, 2021 at 9:01 AM
    #12
    JRP

    JRP New Member

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    I recently replaced my serpentine belt, idler and tensioner pulleys and that’s when I noticed that there is an oil residue while I was under the truck. I was getting this annoying squeal every rainy morning so I decided to pull the trigger while I’m at it since it is not hard of a job. So glad I did or I wouldn’t be able to discover oil leakage under my engine. Thankfully, my cam tower looked dry on both sides (knock on wood) at this point of time. I have a 2015 5.7 V8 Flex with 76800ish miles.

    I really appreciate your advice. Stay awesome!
     

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