First Tundra Buyers Advice - Cam Tower Leak

Hey All,

Glad to see such an active forum. I've been spending a few hours here.

I've never owned a Tundra, but am now looking for a 2nd generation. I've read a lot about the cam tower leak and wondered if I could ask a two general questions:

It sounds like this leak is pretty common. I'm okay with seeping, but not smelling burnt oil. What are the chances of finding one that won't require the surgery? I've been looking at those with around 100k miles.

Attached are some pictures of a 2012 with 80k. How bad would you say the leak is? I doubt the dirt has been cleaned off for quite some time. It's hard for me to tell if it would drip, or just seep. Also, I suspect it's a guessing game as to how bad it will get over time.

I appreciate your experienced opinions!

 

that looks like a pretty good leak to me imo.

 

Looks like the valve cover is leaking. Not too big of a deal.

 

Looks like the valve cover and cam tower to me .

 

Yikes. I saw a few of these while tundra shopping in May, and that one looks like its been leaking quite a bit for a long time.

I kept shopping till I found one with ZERO evidence of oil leaking anywhere near the VCs and also the bell housing (where engine and tranny meet).

Now they had clearly detailed the engine bay, but I've seen nothing develop in the past month and a half of ownership.

I would keep looking unless you are pretty comfortable removing (and reinstalling) the cams and phasers AND work out a killer deal to make it worth all the trouble.

The market is still pretty ridiculous for used trucks and I ended up paying what I think is a premium for what seems to be a very well kept truck.

Keep your ear to the streets and the right truck will come along.

 

As a seasoned Toyota Master Technician that’s done dozens and dozens of these reseals, I’d say that is a substantial leak. That being said, I believe it’s worth fixing - you just need a competent tech who will do a good job. I’ve never had one come back with the towers leaking after the repair and I did the reseal on my personal truck about 60K miles ago and it’s still good.

 

Thanks all. This is the worst leak of the trucks that I've seen, but I wasn't sure what was normal. It was one I was considering buying, but don't think I can get a good enough deal to make it worth fixing if I don't own it yet.

Are there other things a first time buyer should be aware of?

@Brian3UR - Thank you for your input. If we find a truck we love, it sounds like the fix is long term and worth it. We will have to look you up! ha

 

Looks like a decent leak…it could be a good bargaining tool.

However, if it was me after having to reseal mine, I wouldn’t buy a 5.7 unless it was very clean and not leaking, and get a visual on drivers side tensioner, and make sure there’s not a bunch of varnish under the valve covers. But that’s me.

 

I would take it in to have a pre purchase inspection done. Also leaking any thing is never a good thing to leave leaking.