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

Well just did my second oil change since tower repair and I'm still getting junk in the filter. First change was 200 miles after repair and it was pretty bad, this change interval was 4500 miles. Those of you getting or have had repaired make sure your changing oil early. This change had more gasket material and what looks like a wire off a wire wheel probably used for cleaning the gasket surfaces. Hopefully no damage is going on internally with this stuff floating through my motor.

 

yep.. I would say shorter intervals after getting the job done for at least 3 oil changes. Got my first one around 200 miles post surgery then 3,000 miles and 3,000 miles. Now back to 5,000 miles.
cheap insurance and peace of mind imo.

 

I thought it was covered under the 60k warranty? Did something change? This is a big deal if Toyota has stopped covering these under the 60k.

 

5 years or 60K whichever comes first. His truck is a 2012.

 

Ok gotcha, I missed the year. Makes sense now, I wish him luck.

 

Thanks for the well wishes guys. At this point, it’s all out of pocket for me. Bigger project than I want to tackle after doing research and none of my local shops want to touch it.
So, after much arguing and stewing over it, off to the dealership she goes....
somewhere around $4K at completion is what I’m being told.

 

Looking at a repair bill like that for a oil leak, I seriously would be considering selling the ruck and getting into something else. That's just me tho.

 

Sorry to hear! That sucks!
Did you call Toyota USA? I can’t belive Toyota hasn’t fix this yet, this is their failure its only fair they fix it.

 

how much does it leak ? people been driving Tundras with leaks for thousands miles with no issues. just top off once in a while. I wouldn't fork $4K from my pocket for that.

 

I agree, 4k would be going towards a new truck if it were me as well. Sad that Toyota wouldn't even meet you halfway on the repair. It's a known failure that they haven't fixed, should offer you some type of compensation.

 

I would try a different dealership and call toyota HQ. This not a typical oil leak.

 

Have you considered trading it in? Not sure if you can be held responsible for any leaks or other defects on your trade after you make a deal on a new truck.

 

Agree

 

I am very close to signing papers for a new 2018 Crewmax -- I've only owned GM vehicles before -- but this cam tower leak issue has me spooked.
It just as worrying that the repair is so invasive, and apparently almost everyone is getting leftover debris & junk into their oil pan -- and a job that big seems to always end up with a few "extra" parts at the end, unless the mechanic is extremely meticulous -- Toyota's reducing the # of allowed billable labor hours seems a disincentive to do a careful job :-(

> > Does the 5.7L engine & drive train have a good track record for running over 200K miles without any problems?

After watching this "Cam Tower Leak Reseal" video, the general complexity of the engine's 4 overhead cams is scaring me: https://youtu.be/MiO9ARX9Lts?t=176 ,

I am used to 1 cam, OHV, small block GM engines, where it's normal for those engines to go 200K+ miles with never being opened up. My early 1990s Cevy SUV with 5.7L small block & 250K miles, is only now shoing a small coolant leak at the 3-way corner between the intake manifold, cyl head, and timing chain cover. Pulling manifold to replace gaskets is relatively non-invasive 4-5 hr job even for an DIY.
The 1-cam OHV L96, 6.0L Vortec engine in the newer Chevy 2500HD trucks also seems to be robust, having no fundamental design or manufacturing weaknesses (not to be confused with the L86 6.2L "Ecotec" engine -- a can of worms).

Maybe I'm over-reacting to the oil leak risk, but other than that , is the Toyota 5.7 engine and tranny generally trouble free for 200K+ miles ?

 

Man I am in the exact same situation! Almost pulled the trigger on a Tundra but this issue made me back out. I am still between the Tundra and the 2500HD with the 6.0. Hope to make a decision soon, but my 2005 GMC is still running ok.

 

If you do go 2500HD, you've probably already researched and found that some small fraction of the K2xx platform (SUV & trucks) has a virtually incurable high speed vibration: "chevy shake"
Seems "chevy shake" is relatively rare, like the Tundra cam tower leak, but at least the leak is repairable.
Personally, I'd do a high speed test drive of the exact 2500HD selected for purchase, before signing a contract.
Even though I've not read of any vibration issues with Tundras, I'm going to request same before signing.

I'm hesitating a little on the Tundra ... I watched some videos of starter & alternator replacement, and it's a nightmare on a 5.7L toyota.
I consider starter & alternator almost a consumable , they're going to get a little weak or fail after 8 yrs or so. On the Tundras that seems a 4-6 hour labor rate at the dealer -- easily $600-800 plus parts.
Whereas on my "old school" K1500, I can change the alternator in literally 10 minutes from the top of engine bay, and a compact, gear-reduction mini-starter is a 30-45 min job from the bottom & truck doesnt even have to be jacked up for access.
Government regulation, CAFE standards, and "nanny electronics" has killed the era of simple , easy-to-fix vehicles :-(

 

My 2015 had the oil leak. I normally lease so its not a biggie to me and I got ride of it half way thru to get my current 16 which thankfully does not have the leak. As mentioned its a roll of the dice but I have heard of many more issues with the big 3 than just a oil leak your mileage my vary

 

My 2012 just got diagnosed with the leak on friday morning, 15 june 2018. It has just just of 60k miles but is 8 month out of warranty. The dealer submitted something along the lines of a "good will claim" to toyota hq to have them cover is under warranty anyways. I got approved and hooked up with a free rental, but from talking to my dealer, if you call and raise hell with toyota of america, it will get paid for by them.

 

been checking my cam tower seals every time I fill up. just over 18,000 miles now keeping my fingers crossed.
glad to see Toyota is willing to fix the issue even after warranty is up though!

 

My understanding that the issue isnt a recall because it isnt a problem on every 5.7, its random. This is why they cover it when its brought to their attention, because they acknowledge it is a manufacturing issue.

 

Guys I need help...what is this ? Cam shaft tower or

This one looks okay

 

Thank you. Watt maker
I think the same too timing covers
This is cost the like cam shaft towers?
My truck 90k Miles out of warranty 5/75k

 

It should not cost near as much as the camshaft towers. It is not near as involved. If it is not dripping on the ground I would run it until I needed other work done in the same area.

 

unsubbing

 

Good to hear sometimes that's what it take to get stuff done. I am a Tech and actually had to argue with the field rep about may Martian green spots on my door panels. Get this a rep that tells you "Nope never heard or seen anything like that on the Tundras". REALLY!!!!!!

 

THE ONLY TRUE !!!!!AMERICAN BUILT!!!!!!!

 

How many miles were on that motor since you replaced chains and guides or two different motors.

 

If the technicians are doing the Product reports like they are supposed to then there is actually no reason to because Toyota knows about every documented case.

 

You are probably looking at at least $1000 in labor alone for that job.

 

Oh hell, umm idk. I have done one set of chains under 100k. And the others I have done have been around 200k five or take.