Is this a deal breaker?

Hello new guy here needing some quick advice. I’m about to buy a 15 trd 5.7. I live in rural Alaska as in I will have to barge truck in and not have access to dealership. I’ve scoured this site and all the talk about the cam tower oil leak has me spooked. The truck I’m buying had 82k on it and I’m buying it sight unseen. I did have a friend go test drive it but was not aware of cam tower leak issue. I’m a big Toyota guy currently own 3 and have always wanted Tundra but now second guessing. Any advice appreciated

 

Don’t second guess! Buy it! It’s a Toyota, any other vehicle is going to have issues as well! Every model of truck has their issues. Only difference is that Toyota’s have less of them.

 

I don’t think the cam tower leak is a deal breaker at all. I want to say it’s a case by case basis but I’d buy a tundra 100 times over without hesitation.

 

Are you saying you didn't check it out for a cam tower leak or you found out it is leaking? If you aren't sure, can your friend go check it out again? It's pretty easy to spot with just a flashlight and a peek into the wheel well. It is an expensive fix if it's out of warranty (which this one probably is unless there's an extended warranty), but it's not a crippling issue either.

 

Of course you don’t want the Cam towers leaking but that wouldn’t cause it to leave you stranded anywhere either.

 

How many owners are just living with the issue? I plan to drive this truck a loong time and if it seeps a little oil at some point I can live with that as long as it's still safe/dependable to drive. We have very limited options for mechanics and I wouldn't want any of them attempting this repair.

 

I wonder the same. I just checked out a Gen 2 in my local Lowes parking lot. It was leaking far worse than any I have seen here. Clearly that owner is not concerned about it enough to get it fixed.

 

Some owners have had the leak out of warranty but worked it out with the dealership/toyota national to have it covered at no cost to them. Of course, you'd have to pay the cost for getting it to the Toyota Certified Mechanic, but it's worth a shot if you do find it.

When you get the truck it should be clean. Check it periodically and decide your best course of action. Based on what I've read here, it's best to wait until its actually dripping when not under warranty. if it takes a week of regular driving to develop a slight buildup on the seal, you're probably better off to wait (if out of warranty).

This is just based on what I've read on this site. I'm not a mechanic, and I haven't had to deal with it yet (2017 5.7 CM with just over 17k on the clock)

I say, get the truck. This seems to be the worst problem people have... and all things considered, it's not that bad. easy to keep an eye on, and you've likely got some time before it's an urgent fix.

 

definitely not a deal breaker for me. It's just something you'll have to keep an eye on.

 

It totally depends of the price of the Tundra. If the price is right and I meant right!!! Then, the risk is much less from a cost-benefit analysis. If you were living in any of the lower 48 states, I would say go for it hands down. However, living in Alaska makes it a much different situation all together. Nevertheless, yu can't really go wrong on a Toyota Tundra. I would still do my homework before buying the Tundra......do a Carfax, get a vehicle service history report, and have the truck taken to a dealership and have them do a 160 point inspection before you make the purchase.

Good luck.

 

I think percentage wise your chances of ending up with a seal leak is very low.

 

run the VIN through toyota owners website. maybe the repair was done already or there is a note about it. Quick 5 min check if you have the VIN handy.

 

I tried running vin on Toyota site but it says it’s a nonvalid vin? It worked in CARFAX though. I’m gonna buy it. Had guy take pictures of cam towers and looks dry

 

PM me your VIN. I can check for you.

 

Sent

 

I wouldn’t worry too much about the cam tower leak. Chances are you won’t have any issues and even if you do, an oil leak isn’t gonna leave you stranded.

 

I bought mine @99998 miles. I drive it like a mad man. I’m the “asshole” riding your asshole. Every truck is different. Chances are you won’t get a leak. But you may. I have owned Toyota vehicles except for one Ford Explorer that was gifted to me. None had leaks all were driven hard. Remember these are designed by humans. Some will last a long time with no problem, some the opposite. Luck of the draw.

 

Think of an oil leak as the gift that keeps on giving. When guys restore old cars, sometimes they are relieved to see it had a major oil leak for many miles, the oil got slung all over the frame, floor pan, firewall, etc and kept the metal from rusting.

 

Every time I've received a request from a "creepo", I've sent all requested information. LOL