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

It has me in a pickle. My gear head side says never crack open a factory engine. My OCD side is pissed to have a $45k truck with 6200 miles that has an oil leak. I HATE letting an hourly mechanic touch my vehicle. I have built many race engines over the years. The ones I put together held up way better than crate motors. I clean the shop spotless prior to assembly. I know there are great mechanics out there, but what are the chances that I'll get a good one? I wish I could go and watch.

 

Well, I called my service advisor and he's putting me down for Saturday morning for them to take a quick look at it. He said they have had a few come in for the Cam tower leak, but it's not that common. . I'm going to try and get some better pics from underneath as well as take some close ups for my own records. It's usually dark out when I leave for work in the morning and dark when I get home though....

 

I agree with you completely. I worked as an auto mechanic back in the mid 60s for a few years. I did the best I could to be as much of a perfectionist as I could (clean gasket surfaces, proper torque, no bits left inside the engine, etc.). These were back in the cast iron, everything wore out early days (water pumps, generators, alternators, starters, carburetors, fuel pumps, you name it). But we were on a time schedule, couldn't get as careful as I wanted to.

My Dad (aircraft tooling specialist for Lockheed) was an absolute perfectionist, no time limit for repairs or maintenance. It didn't go back together unless everything was as perfect as possible. I carried this attitude into my current career as an R&D Mechanical Engineer. But shops have jobs lined up end-to-end and even the most careful mechanic (or team) won't take the time to do everything spic-and span. There is another thread here where a cam tower leak went bad, the dealer basically admitted it but wouldn't fix it. The owner got disgusted and worked out a trade-in for a new Highlander.

I've done dozens of engine builds myself, some of them very custom. I can relate to your concerns.

Dan

 

I have my 14’ Tacoma basically sold and joined a couple days ago to find this. Now I’m worried about the 18’ TSS Offroad I want to purchase..

 

I am so glad I joined this group! Mine started leaking last week.

2010, 120k miles I thouhht I had a valve cover leak but this makes more sence. So I looked it up and it is tje same picture I have and the same description.

 

Respectfully, I’d suggest proceeding with your plan. While I’m certainly not suggesting that an oil leak on an almost-new vehicle is ok...it’s an oil leak. It can be dealt with. Stack up this “issue” with Tundras against the litany of problems that other half-ton truck owners have, and it’s a risk worth taking. I guess what I’m asking is “if not a Tundra, then...what?”. Brand new F150s losing power at freeway speeds with a trailer in tow. When viewed through that lense, I’ll take the oil leak, please and thank you...

 

F250, but I want reliability.. I’ve never had issues with my Tacoma but I’ll prob get the tundra and get extended warranty.

 

Update on my Tundra: took it to the dealership yesterday. They definitely saw the leak but couldn't "identify" if it was a valve cover gasket or cam Tower. They put dye in it and said drive it , when you see the same results bring it back and we'll fix it. Fingers crossed they do it right.

 

Good luck. At least they didn't tell you it's normal and blow it off. I'm taking mine in Saturday at 7am for them to look at it as well.

 

I hate the stupid dye test that they do. I can understand doing it on an older vehicle that has grime and makes it difficult to see the source of the leak. But on a brand new vehicle - it is usually pretty obvious where it is coming from - especially for this cam tower spot.

 

Good luck to you my friend. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your dealership doesn't try the"it's normal" or "not that bad" crap with you.

 

So I’ve looked at mine before, even posted pictures here showing no leak.
I went out today with a brighter light, as I’m at 59,800 miles. Sure enough both sides leaking.
Is it bad that I laughed?
If this truck made it to 60K and these wet spots are my only worry, I’m a pretty happy camper
I called Toyota and just left a message (service is closed at 8pm). I’m not sure I even want to go through the hassle.
My rig has probably been like this for 30K miles and I never noticed.
Probably won’t notice in another 100K to be honest.
If Toyota says they’ll replace for free, I’ll be really Fing surprised. Every other MFG would tell me to pound dirt.

 

I'd probably deal with it now while it's covered by Toyota. You don't want to pay out of pocket for this bill....

 

I know how expensive it is - but I don’t think it will ever be needed.
This has just recently been a “big exposed issue” but the issue has been around for over a decade.
But we don’t need to get into that. LOL

 

I was wondering the exact same thing...maybe a discount on labor?

 

One of the reasons stuff like this doesn't get corrected by the manufacturer. People don't care as long as their vehicle still runs. They don't care if their vehicle has an oil leak - even it the vehicle is fairly new.

I'd rather hold a higher standard instead of just shrugging my shoulders and accepting mediocrity.

 

I just got back from the dealership. They asked me to come back into the service area to show them the leak. Several Techs were back there and they greeted me and shook my hand. I showed them where the leak was and they are ordering the parts for a future fix.

Now I know that there are some or many of you that think those with leaks, seeps, weeps, or whatever, may be over reacting. I can tell you this much of my scenario; I went back and forth with this and even spoke to my wife and two of my buddies regarding this issue. I didn't really want to fix it. The thought of working on my brand new truck, other issues arising, or scratching it while it's in the shop. However, the right thing to do is get it fixed under warranty so there will be no issues down the line. And now it's documented so if there is another issue with this same area or something else related to it; I'm covered.

I LOVE my Tundra and every Toyota I've ever owned. I feel Toyota not only makes the BEST vehicle for me, but has always stood behind their product(s).

Cheers!!!

 

good job!!!, Toyota stand by there products.

 

2015 CM w/ 78k miles, no leaks or seepage on either side that I can tell. Appreciate this thread stressing me out though as I find myself looking about once a month... LOL

 

lol
I saw the 2019 owners manual the other day and it says before starting and driving the car:
1- Check the tires
2- make sure no pets or kids behind the car.
3- Check for cam tower leak.
4- seat belts on.
5- adjust your mirrors.
6- ...

Exactly in that same order! Was kind of surprised Toyota put that in the new owners manual!

 

Stresses me out too. Didn't know about the issue until after I bought my truck and was spending more time here. I don't think I would have known otherwise.

 

Well I’m getting mine fixed under the factory warranty. If I was you I’d do the same, my .02

Love mine too, that’s why I’m fixing her. Can’t have oil all over the driveway

 

If mine ever starts leaking to the point it’s dripping, that’ll be the day I post a pic Of my new truck.

 

I guess I should post a pic of my 2018 with 6200 miles dripping... I ain't buying another new truck!!!!

 

Mines been at the dealership since Monday they called this evening said it was done so I’m picking it up tomorrow morning. Wish me luck! I agree with you Atomic, I know my Tundra is an order one(07) but it’s in VGC with only 68,500 miles and that’s the way I want to keep it even though it cost me $3000 it’s still cheaper than buying a new one. I plan on keeping it for a long long time plus I like not having a big payment.

 

Good luck. My previously repaired side is still holding up after 60,000 miles.

 

Did they fix both sides while in there?

 

If you had to pay out of pocket I would be on the phone with Toyota for reimbursement. You shouldn't have to pay for there mishap that they know and have known about for a very long time now.

I'm with Atomic as well, I hope everyone seeing this thread takes there's in for repair. Its the only way Toyota will ever actually fix the product at the production level or offer some type of extended warranty for existing customers regarding the issue. The more this hits them in there pocket the more willing they are going to be for a solution.