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For those who’ve had cam towers repaired

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by JWS95, Dec 13, 2022.

  1. Dec 13, 2022 at 7:20 PM
    #1
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    I’ve noticed since I got my truck a little over a year ago that the passenger side cam tower was slightly leaking. It’s very slowly getting worse so I’m still just monitoring it when I change my oil.

    I’m an auto tech so when the time comes I’ll be doing this job myself on a weekend. Anyone that have had this done or DIYed it have a parts list with part numbers? Planning on doing plugs, all 4 tensioners and possibly water pump while I’m in there too.
     
  2. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:18 AM
    #2
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Search cam tower leak in upper right, there are several detailed threads with lots of info that will be helpful to you.
     
  3. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:20 AM
    #3
    Fotnot

    Fotnot SSEM #69; LRCS#1

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    Swimmers gonna swim
    JWS95[OP] likes this.
  4. Dec 14, 2022 at 7:50 AM
    #4
    MedCityMoto

    MedCityMoto SciTech Nerd

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    Oh hey, is it really just a weekend job? I thought it was way more involved than that. I suppose you've got a better equipped garage than most, being in the profession, but what I as a total layperson heard, you have to pull the engine?
     
  5. Dec 14, 2022 at 7:56 AM
    #5
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Nah, it's all on top.
    I got both sides fixed under warranty and it took the Master tech about a day and a half.
     
    MedCityMoto[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Dec 14, 2022 at 8:08 AM
    #6
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Seems like I have seen something about the easiest way is to lift the cab off.
     
  7. Dec 14, 2022 at 8:14 AM
    #7
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    Heck no, it's not a Ford! :rofl:
     
  8. Dec 14, 2022 at 8:30 AM
    #8
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Screenshot_20221214-102853.jpg Screenshot_20221214-102853.jpg
     
    JWS95[OP] likes this.
  9. Dec 14, 2022 at 8:33 AM
    #9
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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  10. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:03 PM
    #10
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    Awesome thank you!
     
    2mchfun[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:09 PM
    #11
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    I honestly thought about it. I’ve had cabs off a few fords for timing chains but the key word to that is fords haha. Think I’d leave it on for this one though. Think the only way I’d lift the cab on the tundra is for engine removal.
     
    2mchfun[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:12 PM
    #12
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    Yeah my family owns a shop so I’d have free rein in the shop. Plan would be tear the thing down on a Friday after work, back together on Saturday and maybe button it up on Sunday if need be.
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  13. Dec 14, 2022 at 6:53 PM
    #13
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    OP, have you considered doing hp valve springs while you are in there? Maybe Manley's or something comparable?
     
    HulkSmurf14 and JWS95[OP] like this.
  14. Dec 14, 2022 at 7:10 PM
    #14
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    Not particularly. Just depends on budget at the time. I saw somewhere that someone was making upgraded cams for a 3urfe, That interests me. I’d go that route and Manley’s springs for sure if I could afford it and based what I could do without needing the PCM reflashed to keep the light on.
     
    2mchfun[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Dec 14, 2022 at 8:02 PM
    #15
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    There are likely hp cams out there, but I think that would lead to needing special pistons in order to have proper clearance for the valves. Regardless, good luck with the repair, hope you get it knocked out without any issues.
     
    JWS95[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  16. Dec 15, 2022 at 2:53 AM
    #16
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    Probably right. We have a customer that’s a big cylinder head guy. He was actually involved with NASCAR at one point. I thought about if I ever come across a set of tundra heads to let him take a look and see what he could do if he’d be interested that is.

    And thanks! I’m probably changing my oil this weekend so I’m going to see how bad the leak truly is and go from there.
     
  17. Dec 15, 2022 at 3:28 AM
    #17
    Silver17

    Silver17 Used, but returned and sold as new member

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    You could try switching over to 5w30 and see if that helps. I made the switch on mine, and I like the results and will continue to use it on the future changes. My truck had the cam tower leak fixed under warranty right before I bought it, 15k miles later and it’s leaking again. If it’s not dripping on the exhaust or ground I’d honestly just leave it if it were me. My 2010 and my current truck both had some seepage but it was never consequential. No drips, and no oil loss between changes. If anything it’s just a stigma thing for future buyers if you resell who don’t truly understand the issue.
     
    JWS95[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  18. Dec 15, 2022 at 11:02 AM
    #18
    blaserdude

    blaserdude New Member

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    Could not tell from the video, but does the AC condenser have to be removed?
    Thanks,
    bc
     
  19. Dec 16, 2022 at 2:36 PM
    #19
    737fixer

    737fixer New Member

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    Look, devil's advocate here. This is a big job. Well beyond your average mechanics garage setup. I kinda like the YouTube Toyota mechanics view on this. "Mechanics call in sick/take time off knowing this job is waiting for them".
     
    JWS95[OP] likes this.
  20. Dec 18, 2022 at 1:05 PM
    #20
    blaserdude

    blaserdude New Member

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    I never contemplated doing the job myself. Way over my head. I was just curious if the condenser had to be removed. From the parts list, it appears not necessary. My 2019 has a leak on the drivers side. I still have 3 years of Platinum warranty left to decide what to do.
    bc
     
    JWS95[OP] likes this.
  21. Dec 18, 2022 at 5:15 PM
    #21
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    To me it doesn’t look like it would have to be removed unless someone would feel the need to work all through the front. I’d pull the radiator for sure though. Gives a good bit more room. Unless I’d lift the cab.
     
  22. Jan 19, 2023 at 3:11 PM
    #22
    hotchops777

    hotchops777 New Member

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    Im needing this done, and the quote from the dealership was outrageous. Found someone local that quoted 14 hrs for a total of $1900. What yall think?
     
  23. Jan 19, 2023 at 3:35 PM
    #23
    NWPirate

    NWPirate Tesla kool-aid connoisseur

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    The quote sounds right to me, for both sides. I would be dang sure the mechanic is confident doing this. You need the Toyota sealant AND the correct amount or it could leak again.
     
  24. Jan 19, 2023 at 4:11 PM
    #24
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Ask for a reference of others he/she fixed with the same problem. It's a major project.
     
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  25. Jan 19, 2023 at 5:09 PM
    #25
    JWS95

    JWS95 [OP] New Member

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    Haven’t done this repair yet. Still kind of monitoring it. Wouldn’t mind tackling one at work just haven’t had the opportunity yet.
     
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  26. Jan 20, 2023 at 6:08 AM
    #26
    hotchops777

    hotchops777 New Member

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    Good to know! Thank you, I will ask about the sealant and if he is confident with this repair. Hes a toyota certified mechanic but still ya never know.
     
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  27. Jan 21, 2023 at 6:48 AM
    #27
    DB Cooper

    DB Cooper New Member

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    I watched this guy’s video. He has made probably the best YouTube video talking about tundra “issues” or what actually fails on them. Most of the perceived “issues” are basic maintenance items but there are a few things like the cam tower leak. He was talking about how this job kills your back and that you better buy the technician some coffee
     
    itsallgood101 likes this.
  28. Jan 22, 2023 at 7:54 PM
    #28
    DB Cooper

    DB Cooper New Member

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    such said video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2OAHImTgA8
     
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