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What could this be?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by Muntazir, Nov 19, 2017.

  1. Nov 19, 2017 at 3:01 PM
    #1
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    Hello,

    I just got a 2010 CM Limited and I made sure to get a pre purchase inspection and the exact comments of the mechanic were "This thing is mint bro". Needless to say, I purchased the truck.

    I noticed this black OIL around engine and I am trying to identify what this could be. I took a picture and I am scared that it looks like a cam tower leak. Could you guys and gals please share your opinions/comments?

    i don't smell anything burning and the truck rides just fine. The only issue that I have experienced is that sometimes the truck experiences a "flicker" right after I start it. The only way I can recreate the issue is to turn the key again while the truck is running.

    Thanks a million.

    CamTower.jpg
     
    TheBeast likes this.
  2. Nov 19, 2017 at 3:26 PM
    #2
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Cam tower leak
    If you’re starting the truck, when it’s already running, you’re going to burn through a starter. The flickering you described is like initial startup. That’s the battery running through
     
    Sunnier and TXRailRoadBandit73 like this.
  3. Nov 19, 2017 at 3:42 PM
    #3
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    cam tower leak. Pretty common issue in the Tundras. how many miles on the truck and any warranty ? I cannot believe a mechanic told you it's mint when that leak is that apparent.
     
    kenomouth64 and 4x4_Angel like this.
  4. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:05 PM
    #4
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    I purchased the truck 2 weeks ago and it has 94,000 miles on it. I am pretty frustrated now. First my brand new ford focus gave me hell and now I purchase a Tundra thinking it will be reliable and I got this problem. I want to go to the mechanic and smack him into next week :(

    How pricey is this fix and is this an indication of things to come? I was really hoping that this truck will last me 10-15 years :(.

    thanks for all of your help. The support on this forum means a lot.
     
  5. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:07 PM
    #5
    tacomawv

    tacomawv New Member

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    Bad news. It is not cheap to fix. Sorry.
     
  6. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:08 PM
    #6
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    You just got it. Was it purchased from Toyota? Call in the morning and have them fix it warrantied as the mechanic failed to check this. Was it a pre-certified Toyota?
     
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  7. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:10 PM
    #7
    TheBeast

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    I had mine fixed about 2,000 miles ago under warranty. Check the forum, multiple threads on the issue. Once its fixed you should be good for many years. It's a 2 to 3 days job at the dealership. Roughly $3K I would say.
     
  8. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:11 PM
    #8
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    I purchased it from a Private party. The gentleman is a police officer. Unfortunately the inspection was not done at a Toyota dealership. I took to a locally owned mechanic because I try to support local/small businesses :(. No good deed goes unpunished :(.

    How soon do I have to fix this? and whats the average cost of having something like this done?
     
  9. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:15 PM
    #9
    TheBeast

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    the sooner the better but it's probably been leaking for thousands of miles already so I'm sure you can wait a bit. It's a 18 hours job so multiply that by the dealership cost per hour + parts (mostly gaskets and sealant so not that expensive). I would say roughly $3K, probably less. Get it done at dealership and have it documented. who knows, there might be a recall some days and Toyota will refund you.
     
    Y0TA PR0 likes this.
  10. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:15 PM
    #10
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    It’ll be close to $4k to repair. These are covered under the powertrain 5/60, but you’re def past that.
    In regards to long term, I’m not sure.
     
  11. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:17 PM
    #11
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    There goes my Christmas!

    Thanks guys! I will keep you all posted.
     
  12. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:19 PM
    #12
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Long shot, but call the seller and see if anything can be worked out
     
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  13. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:21 PM
    #13
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    I might do that. If I was the seller and the buyer experienced something like this, I would definitely pay the bill but those are my values. I truly hope he is ethical enough to help me out.
     
  14. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:23 PM
    #14
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Idk if I would cover it all being the seller, but maybe meet half way or something. I’m sure it wasn’t intentional that he was aware of it.
     
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  15. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:27 PM
    #15
    TheBeast

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    to add to the conversation, issue has been seen from years 2009 to 2017. It can start happening at low miles or at higher miles. This is one of the most common issues with Tundras. Some had the fix for 40,000 miles plus with no issues and some had to go back to the dealership after 2,000 miles. You gotta find a good Toyota mechanic I would say.
     
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  16. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:28 PM
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    TheBeast

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    kenomouth64 likes this.
  17. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:29 PM
    #17
    TheBeast

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    Other than that and AIP failure they are great trucks.
     
  18. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:42 PM
    #18
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    So I just spoke to the seller and he said that whoever thinks that the cam towers are leaking is full of crap and while he owned the truck, It never burnt an ounce of OIL. He also indicated that he sold the truck well below the market value (which is not true, I paid him the blue book price) and won't be able to help me out if there is in fact an issue.

    I might try the OIL dye and UV light method now.
    I just want to say, You guys are great! The fact that all of you are taking your time to suggest different things and help me out is just amazing! so thank YOU ALL!!! I am not gonna let this problem keep me from loving my truck.

    wish me luck!
     
  19. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:51 PM
    #19
    Quartermeter

    Quartermeter New Member

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    So it's an OIL LEAK. Why can't you just keep adding OIL?? How bad is the leak??
     
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  20. Nov 19, 2017 at 4:54 PM
    #20
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    Its time to confess that I am great with Computers but not so great with engines. I don't know a lot so if you recommend that I just keep adding OIL and keep an eye on the OIL, I will be glad to do that as long as this problem doesn't get worst or harm the engine.

    I am assuming its the 5w20 OIL that goes in the motor right?
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  21. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:03 PM
    #21
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    That is a cam tower leak. Plenty of discussions on it.
     
  22. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:05 PM
    #22
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    thank you for the link.

    Its funny You should ask, I was just on the phone with him and he indicated that he will be buying another Tundra in future.
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  23. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:12 PM
    #23
    Quartermeter

    Quartermeter New Member

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    Has nothing to do with the question. We are asking if you have a CAM TOWER LEAK;
    1) WHY CAN'T YOU JUST KEEP ADDING OIL?
    2) HOW BAD USUALLY IS THE LEAK?
     
  24. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:15 PM
    #24
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Ha. I tagged @smslavin on Live on that. Let me know what you think!
     
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  25. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:15 PM
    #25
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    If mine leaks after the warranty ends, I’m just going to leave it until I either smell burning oil, notice a drop in oil level, or I get a drop of oil on my driveway. :notsure:
     
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  26. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:17 PM
    #26
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    [​IMG]
     
  27. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:20 PM
    #27
    Quartermeter

    Quartermeter New Member

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    Yeah he is asking too. No one has an answer. Your posts were not an answer.
     
  28. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:21 PM
    #28
    Muntazir

    Muntazir [OP] New Member

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    hahaha This forum is addicting! especially now that I am also a tundra owner. I wish I could treat you all with beer for your help and good humor :D

    I have planned to do the following.

    • use the dye method
    • if the leak is present which is the most likely outcome, I will use this forum to get recommendations for a good Toyota Mechanic
    • get a quote
    • work Over time for a month
    • get it fixed
    • Pray to God that it never comes back
     
  29. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:22 PM
    #29
    Quartermeter

    Quartermeter New Member

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    I'll park it in the grass...Or over a piece of cardboard. $3000 buys alot of concrete.
     
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  30. Nov 19, 2017 at 5:25 PM
    #30
    Quartermeter

    Quartermeter New Member

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    Not yelling. Auburn didn't comprehend my question when asked the first time. So I enunciated it...
     

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