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

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by jacob.jons.jj, Jan 5, 2018.

  1. Dec 10, 2021 at 5:13 PM
    #2701
    Kentuckytundra

    Kentuckytundra I love spam calls, we talk for hours

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    Darn. Guess I'll keep an eye out. Might look at how much an extended warranty costs and weigh the cost of repair vs the extended warranty.

    I'm curious if the repair they do is any more durable than the original sealant.

    Thanks for replying.
     
  2. Dec 10, 2021 at 6:17 PM
    #2702
    Wynnded

    Wynnded What MPG...

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    They use a different product for the repair. At the bottom of the webpage there is a list of products discussed, that's the stuff. If there are any reoccurrences, they are few and far between.
     
  3. Dec 10, 2021 at 6:22 PM
    #2703
    Kentuckytundra

    Kentuckytundra I love spam calls, we talk for hours

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    Thank you. Good to know. I half wish I didn't know about this thread lol though ignorance wouldn't stop the would be leak.
     
    Tundra_361 and Wynnded[QUOTED] like this.
  4. Dec 10, 2021 at 6:48 PM
    #2704
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    It seems like the repair is very good. I think there are a few that have complained the repair is failing, but the general consensus is it holds up.
     
  5. Dec 10, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #2705
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    Check it when you change your oil and don’t stress about it. Some get it early, others after the truck had a lot of miles and lots have never had an issue. Many also just drive their truck with the problem and watch their oil level.

    It sucks, but nothing we can do about it
     
  6. Dec 10, 2021 at 7:05 PM
    #2706
    Kentuckytundra

    Kentuckytundra I love spam calls, we talk for hours

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    Everything is a trade off when it comes to which truck/manufacturer to go with. All things considered I still think there's less overall issues with tundras than other trucks.

    I'll check for it on oil changes and look into extended warranty prices. Hope for the best have a plan for the worst. For what these trucks cost I'd be lying if I said it's not annoying. Same can be said for other trucks and their issues as well.
     
  7. Dec 11, 2021 at 6:36 AM
    #2707
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    I have a 2017 Crewmax and noticed the FIPG appear to glisten on my driver side area with a flashlight but have no oil loss and no leaking, as others have indicated onto the manifold. I am sure it may leak eventually but don’t regret buying it for sure. I would suggest changing the oil more often, like every 5 months or 5K miles. It seems that the Tundras perform better in my opinion, with frequent oil changes and there is less of a chance of pressure build up, which can contribute to blown seals. Also, with fresher oil you will minimize potential sludge or carbon build up if you change it more often. Not to mention cheap insurance and peace of mind. More expensive per year but better than an engine tear down.
     
  8. Dec 11, 2021 at 2:34 PM
    #2708
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    way more than 5 %. most people don't know about it when it's really minor
     
    BuckWallace[QUOTED] and Rw429 like this.
  9. Dec 13, 2021 at 5:43 AM
    #2709
    ACGUY_409

    ACGUY_409 New Member

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    Hi, New member. Know nothing... I was looking at buying one of these trucks, (a nice silver 17 with Mammoth XP package for $30K, deal almost closed) but after reading this thread, I'm not going ready to get burnt again. Just been thru the whole $4K transmission rebuild on the Z71 at 60K miles, and this Tundra Cam Tower Seal Leak issue just looks like another episode of "Vehical Mfg Screwing Loyal Customers". Exactly the same as the transmission. Although the torque converters ALL explode/fail, I had to "out of pocket" for all of it at 60K. My only smart move I made was to take my trans to a speed shop, and build it strong for racing as opposed to building back to OEM junk level. I think, considering how this is going, I will just hang on to my junk, before I buy more junk. I know, that didn't sound good.....
    I signed the petition for you guys though.....
     
  10. Dec 13, 2021 at 6:05 AM
    #2710
    wexttxco

    wexttxco New Member

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    You could just not check for it and drive the tundra a couple hundred thousand miles..
     
  11. Dec 13, 2021 at 6:23 AM
    #2711
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    wish i did that
     
  12. Dec 13, 2021 at 6:29 AM
    #2712
    Kentuckytundra

    Kentuckytundra I love spam calls, we talk for hours

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    In today's truck game it's a matter of choosing the lesser of evils, choose what failures you would like by choosing which company you go with, they all have failures. Some more often and more serious than others. I like to believe toyota is the lesser of those evils. Considering even with this failure as long as you change the oil it will basically run forever assuming it doesn't develop into a more serious leak (which as far as I know, it almost never does).

    For what it's worth I'm a new toyota owner and not a fan boy. Just my 2 cents. Good luck with whatever you ultimately decide.
     
    equin and Cpl_Punishment like this.
  13. Dec 13, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    #2713
    sbxx312

    sbxx312 New Member

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    Ain't this the truth. I wish this thread never existed. Saw it, checked, and here we are.

    I'm getting both sides fixed in September/October after camping season. I'm scared the dealership will screw it up. But in year four of the powertrain, it has to happen. If surgery is successful, a Magnuson blower is next. If not, I'll look at the 2022s.
     
  14. Dec 20, 2021 at 4:35 AM
    #2714
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    6EC79B58-4281-4AC6-8F44-1705EF0C1D76.jpg F186021F-CD01-4EE7-A3B5-DDC223F169D8.jpg 6EC79B58-4281-4AC6-8F44-1705EF0C1D76.jpg F186021F-CD01-4EE7-A3B5-DDC223F169D8.jpg I have had what appears to be a “seep” in the cam tower / valve cover area on the driver side. I check often due to the paranoia this forum has caused. Lol. It’s weird that it has not worsened over the course of the past 10,000 miles or almost 1 year. Although it appears wet, not sure if it’s condensation or oil. Ugh. Anyone else have this similar issue? Thanks 6EC79B58-4281-4AC6-8F44-1705EF0C1D76.jpgF186021F-CD01-4EE7-A3B5-DDC223F169D8.jpg
     
  15. Dec 20, 2021 at 10:47 AM
    #2715
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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    I certainly wouldn't let someone pull apart my engine for that
     
  16. Dec 20, 2021 at 10:51 AM
    #2716
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    I'm not even sure I would call that a "seep", unless I'm just not seeing what you're referring to. I wouldn't lose sleep over it!
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  17. Dec 20, 2021 at 11:45 AM
    #2717
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    Thanks guys. That’s what I am thinking. Just want to clean it up but not deteriorate the sealant so it does not worsen. Any body know of a non-abrasive alternative? I heard about using brakeleen but worried it may aggravate the issue more.
     
  18. Dec 20, 2021 at 6:54 PM
    #2718
    Dalandshark

    Dalandshark Infected with 5G

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    I barely see a weep on the first picture. I wouldn’t worry about doing anything. But if you do just get the edge of a paper towel up there.
     
    Cpl_Punishment likes this.
  19. Dec 21, 2021 at 1:45 AM
    #2719
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    Much appreciated
     
  20. Dec 21, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #2720
    WAtundra4x4

    WAtundra4x4 Retired from active retirement.

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    I would not spray brakeclean on the engine. Use an engine cleaner if anything. Compared to a lot if cars / trucks I’ve had and seen in the past 50 years, yours looks great. So far my 2018 has been good..
     
  21. Dec 21, 2021 at 7:11 AM
    #2721
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    Thanks, this forum has me paranoid. I came from a new ( at the time) 2012 Ford F-150 FX4 and loved the truck initially, but had so many issues. From Alignment, tire cupping, EPAS steering issues. Most concerning was the transmission that led me to trade it in on my Tundra. Still no regrets as the Tundra is definitely a better truck in my opinion.
     
  22. Dec 21, 2021 at 5:27 PM
    #2722
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    I'm a recovering Ford owner too. Unlike Ford, you don't need more than one hand to count the number of issues your truck might have. This issue seems like a legit concern, but forums have a tendency to fan the flames. Lots of people just drive with it, so it isn't like the timing chain of death issues experience by other brands.
     
    Cpl_Punishment and Rw429[QUOTED] like this.
  23. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:46 PM
    #2723
    PNWTunrda

    PNWTunrda New Member

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    I have a 2016 with 70k miles and have been watching closely for this leak for the last 20k miles. So far nothing has showed up and there is a nice bead of the gray on the cam tower, however during my last inspection I found oil in the area towards the front of the engine and it looks like the timing cover is starting to leak. The certified used warranty has another year on it so I’ll have the dealer take a look at the next oil change and see how it goes. I’m assuming a leaking timing chain cover will be covered but we will see….
     
  24. Jan 5, 2022 at 9:02 PM
    #2724
    Motonoia

    Motonoia New Member

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    I am checking out a 2012 Tundra 5.7L tomorrow. Its got ~200,000 miles, single owner, but its at a used car lot. So I can't talk to the old owner. Is there anything I can do to assess the car on the lot (other than just check for a leak present at the cam shaft tower)?

    I was able to check the Toyota dealership service history for the truck (always serviced at the dealership), and it didn't mention any noted leaks. What are the chances that this truck is one of the ones not affected? Or will all 2nd gen 5.7L Tundras have this issue at some point or another? If I have to get it fixed (~$3,000), it changes the price from a "good deal" to "walk away".

    Does anyone know if 2007-2013 are affected in the same numbers as the 2014-2021?

    I hope to keep the vehicle for at least another 200,000 miles, but the cam tower leak is worrying me a bit. From what I gather, at least the AIP isn't a high frequency issue on the 2012 Tundras.
     
  25. Jan 6, 2022 at 2:52 AM
    #2725
    timsp8

    timsp8 Former Tundra owner for 13 years

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    There’s a chance for every 5.7 to be affected. Toyota used the same gasket material throughout 07-21. Just look at the engine with a flashlight. But if the dealer is shady, they could have cleaned it up really good and you won’t notice until it’s driven a few hundred or a few thousand miles. Equal chance the AIPs fail, but you can get a bypass for about $300 to fix that issue.
     
    Motonoia[QUOTED] likes this.
  26. Jan 6, 2022 at 3:27 AM
    #2726
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    Unfortunately, it affects ALL 5.7 engines. I have a 2017 Crewmax with a minor seep of the cam tower on the driverside. The dealer is aware and stated it was not a leak; However, it stays slightly wet in comparison to the passenger side that is bone dry. So my point is that the dealer will most likely not acknowledge a “minor” seep, but would have to address a leak that is an actual drip. Most owners on this forum never know unless they check under the wheel well with a flashlight like me. Some have experienced a leak, dripping on the exhaust which causes the burning smell. If you simply change your oil on time at every 5 k or 5 months. I believe it will help mitigate this issue. It has helped me at least and almost non existent at this point. Ensure you have the transmission checked on the year you are purchasing. The 2012 model had some issues that were resolved later. I hope this helps.
     
    Motonoia and Leo's first like this.
  27. Jan 30, 2022 at 8:49 AM
    #2727
    parkerbows

    parkerbows New Member

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  28. Feb 7, 2022 at 3:43 PM
    #2728
    bfunke

    bfunke Tundra Curmudgeon

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    There's a you-tube video by Sergei showing how to change the timing chains, guides and tensioners. He does a good job explain how to seal the cam towers as well. Looks like a do-able weekend job.
     
  29. Feb 17, 2022 at 6:29 AM
    #2729
    Kung

    Kung Dead sexy

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    As someone who came from a 2013 F150 XLT 4x4....don't be. LOL I've figured out quickly that aside from the VERY rare one-off person who has issues here, most of us are paranoid because issues like what we had with our F150's were so rare that when they do happen it's a major event, even with the small stuff. LOL

    I've got 30K on my Tundra, and I've had exactly one issue - an HVAC solenoid issue.

    I owned my F150 for 7 years and I had tons of issues (media system; EPAS steering issues; occasional 4x4 issues; left rear driver's side door would not latch; and I could go on). It never left me stranded, but the constant issues plus the sheer stupidity of the local dealerships led me to give up on Ford and purchase a Tundra. No regrets. (Ragrets? LOL)
     
    equin, Cpl_Punishment and WAtundra4x4 like this.
  30. Feb 20, 2022 at 7:41 AM
    #2730
    Rw429

    Rw429 New Member

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    Anyone try permatex or some other high heat sealant to seal cam tower leaks from the outside, versus taking apart the engine?
     

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