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

Then why does the cam tower problem still exist after over a decade of production? It is a mind-numbingly easy problem to remedy.

 

I don't know the inner workings of Toyota HQ, but if I had to guess: Toyota probably hasn't "fixed" the cam tower problem for the same reason that Ram hasn't "fixed" the transmission lag problem with their diesels.

For every one person who complains that it's a serious and widespread problem, there are quite a few more who are having no issues.

This is the same engine that's used in the LC 200. I've heard mention of this issue in the LC 200 circles; I have not heard that it's a major problem.

 

Best of luck to you and your flawless Tundra. Keep spreading the good word to the masses and make sure to shun all of those evil internet forumz. Preach on brother!!!

 

Lol...I'm giving my own opinion and experience on this issue, similar to how you gave your own.

But if you need more proof, I can go find 3 other people in my town with anecdotal stories about how their Tundra's have been flawless

 

First post in this thread has a petition. 1,625 people have signed it. Yes, an extremely small percentage compared to the number of perfectly crafted Tundras running around out there, but a large enough number to not be dismissed - especially when the problem could be remedied simply with the addition of an actual gasket.

 

Well now we're getting somewhere.

"Extremely small" doesn't even begin to describe how insignificant that # is. Considering that over 1 million 2nd gen Tundra's have been sold since 2007, those 1,632 signatures represent a fraction (very small fraction) of a percent. That could be indicative of a manufacturing deficiency...it could also be indicative of the possibility for errors that is inherent to any manufacturing process.

Plus, has anyone actually verified that all of those 1,632 signatories are actually having oil leak problems? Are we sure that some didn't just sign up not because of a problem they were having but because they saw others were having "problems" and felt bad or angry about it?

If the # of signatures, and verified cases of cam tower leaks, increases significantly, then and only then I think there might be a case to be made.

 

Fine. There is no problem with the Tundras. The cam tower leak doesn't exist.

 

don't be a titty baby, he's got a point.

check your oil people, and top it off should it need and you won't have any issues. every vehicle leaks at some point.

 

You keep alternating between sarcastic responses and serious ones.

You gave the # of people who have signed an online petition regarding this issue. I'm explaining why that #, even though it's not small, needs to be viewed with some context.

Also, I never said the problem doesn't exist for some owners. I am questioning how many owners have actually experienced it....there's a difference.

 

Yes, I know how the statistics works. You don't need to explain it to me. That is all fine and dandy as long as you are in the 99% crowd. But if you are one of the 1% crowd, then it sucks.

 

Thanks, jackwagon.

A vehicle shouldn't leak at 14,000 miles. Ever.

And topping off your oil won't prevent a cam tower leak.

 

I agree with Atomic city Tundra, mine leaked at 21k and no I couldn't just top off as it was going onto the manifold and burning off thus allowing the fumes to enter the cab of the truck.

I researched before I bought my Tundra and read about the cam tower leak, before I signed the papers I even told my wife the only thing I will have to worry about on the truck is a cam tower leak, but hey that's only a handful of people on the internet. Wrong, not even a year later I have the issue. Its more widespread then people think and should be a NON issue.

 

Is this a leak? The seal looks wet, but only nearest the engine.

 

any time, but my name aint Jack

 

Doesn't look like a leak to me.

 

thanks!

 

I will chime in as someone who has been looking at Tundra's for the past year, coming from GM products. I currently drive a 2005 GMC Z71 with 182,000 miles. I wanted to replace the GMC with a truck that would give me many trouble free years of light duty towing etc. Well, I cannot find that truck now. I thought the Tundra would be it (and it still might be the best choice), but a couple of items have delayed my purchase.

1. I have researched the Cam Tower Leak extensively, and it is just plain wrong that it is still an issue. Not just with Tundra's but any 5.7 Toyota motor since it was developed. The issue can be repaired if it leaks, but who wants to tear down a perfectly good running engine? It is not just a valve cover leak as the entire camshafts (and chains) need to be removed. This tells me that Toyota does not care ( I also own a 2015 4runner limited) and that worries me. If they did care it would have been fixed years ago during assembly. It has been a "KNOWN ISSUE" since 2008 for crying out loud...........

2. After I decided to possibly take the chance on the leak, because the Tundra is such an awesome truck, I read about all of the safety sense issues. Now people are having to take the brand new 18's in for dashboards lighting up, trucks applying brakes on their own etc. I will continue to wait more I guess.

Just a potential Tundra buyers opinion. Love the truck, but I am not an apologist for any manufacturer. They all have issues, which is why I am still driving my 05.

Edit... I guess now I can add the bed creaking issue.

 

@Rosco: an example of someone who has no direct experience the 5.7l v8 or the cam tower leak and yet provides negative feedback on that issue because of what he has heard on the internet.

This is why I'm inherently skeptical of online polls and petitions.

 

and yet it's affecting his purchasing decision....

Are you really this dense?

 

Not trying to debate, but it seems you have me mistaken. I actually spoke with the service manager at 3 separate Toyota dealerships concerning the 5.7 Camshaft Tower Leak. One dealership actually had a Tundra in the bay for the exact issue and showed me the truck. That is when I saw how far it had to be torn down. Just what kind of experience do I need? Buy a 50k truck and have it leak?

So please tell me anywhere in my post where I am wrong if I am just "hearing" things on the internet.

Does the Camshaft Tower Leak exist on a Toyota 5.7? YES

Does the 2018 Tundra experience TSS issues? YES

Are there now complaint of a creaking in the bed of these trucks? YES

Please stop being a Toyota apologist. I stated in my post that I still like the truck.......

 

Anyone that is searching forums for issues with a truck will absolutely find them. I don't care what truck, motorcycle, side by side, boat you look at, after reading forums about whatever it is you're looking to buy, you won't buy it. Forums have generally one purpose, it's a place for people to bitch and complain, people want to vent, so you'll see and hear it. I'd be willing to bet that the issues here are actually sub 1% of total production run. Does it change the fact that it sucks that it happened to you? Nope, not at all, but accept it for what it is, you're part of the acceptable failure rate. Welcome to being an adult.

 

Based on the evidence that has been presented thus far (or lack thereof), it really shouldn't be affecting his decision.

Go read what @Jengel451 said.

I'm not denying that certain Tundra's are having problems.

I am questioning how many Tundra's are having those problems.

Just because you see a truck in the shop or hear someone complain on a forum does not mean the problem is widespread. You need to figure out how many Tundras are having these problems and compare that to how many are operating just fine. Once you do that, then we can have a conversation about the Tundra's true track record.

Until someone does that, people here are making a mountain out of a molehill.

 

So, if may ask for guesses from my toyo bros and sisters, what is the ratio of 5.7s having this issue with the cam tower seal vs. Those that do not? 1 out of 20? 1 out 100? 1 out of 10? Is it all of them? Almost none?

 

Impossible to know without having a database hook into toyota's information. Based on Forum info? Probably 50% of all trucks based on what you read here. But the reality is absolutely different, and anyone saying they know, or guesses on it are purely speculation based on emotion.

 

I noticed a burning oil smell from my '08 at 125K(ish) miles. lifted hood and saw oil around the seals. Cost me $1200 but replaced the spark plugs and timing belt at the same time which needed to be done and mechanic said the water pump was starting to go out but I traded in before replacing it. Three of the TPMS sensors had gone out as well. Other than the faulty canister the only other repair I had to do on it was replace the alternator at 115K miles. My 18 will most likely be last my vehicle ever purchased as long as it's kicking and going, unless I decide this 5.7L is too much of a gas hog.

 

Best and most accurate post I’ve read in a long, long time. Thank you.

 

the leaking cam tower is a hit and miss for tundras. some will have it, and some wont. its just the inconsistency in the machines that were programmed to seal them.

 

Call me crazy, but I kind of feel like, for near $50k dollars, the gd thing just shouldn't leak fluids...shrugs...

 

I just bought a new to me 2013 Tundra with the 5.7 and 155k miles on it. I knew about the leak before looking at the truck and was prepared to walk away if I saw it. The passenger side was fine but it appears the drivers side did have a slight leak. I ended up buying the truck anyway because the engine bay was filthy so I could tell this leak wasn't major like some of the posts here. I'll keep an eye on it but as of now I don't plan on making any changes.

Could a switch to a higher viscosity oil help? Say a 10W-30?

 

No. Just.....no.