Timing Chain Tensioner "O" Ring Under Warranty?

I think you're being scammed. What the heck is an "o ring tensioner"? Did they top off your blinker fluid, too? Seriously, we need more info.

 

I think the o-ring tensioner is connected to the muffler bearing...

Seriously though, I have never heard of that. Maybe it's the timing belt tensioner o-ring? Sounds like it may be fairly common on Toyota's? toyota timing chain tensioner o-ring replacement - Google Search

I think there are some threads on timing cover leaks that you might want to search.

 

Mine just started seeping from the same area, but I am at 125k. FYI- the newer 1.8s use a chain tensioner gasket, but the older ones had an o-ring that was built into the tensioner assembly.

It's difficult to tell whether the leak is from the timing chain cam tensioner gasket versus the cover itself. I am going to replace the gasket on mine and see if the seep is resolved.

 

could be the timing chain tensioner o-ring that he's talking about. I'll check mine and let you guys know.

If this is what you're talking about, it does look like it has a gasket, I'm not sure if it has an o-ring in the shaft area but I'm sure there might be one with it. It's held on by 2 10mm bolts, and you will have to remove it from the bottom to replace the o-ring and the gasket if its bad. Make sure when you are replacing it and have it installed, you have to crank the crank pulley bolt until it clicks into place so that the chain tensioner is holding the timing chain in place.

 

if it is, then it is a common part that gets replaced. I've done quite a few of these before on different toyota vehicles. You can check the video we did on the Toyota Corolla.

 

Yeah at 55k, that's not common, but defects does happen. I've worked on Camry, and Scion's that had low mileage with leaks there. I don't know about Prius though.

 

why does the timing chain need tensioning? never heard of it being done.

 

that's how it gets rid of all the chain slack, its like the timing belt tensioner, but this is for the chain.

 

from the 2010 engine diagram I've seen, I only saw one timing chain tensioner... can he specify where the other one is at and take pictures to show us?

Here is the engine diagram of all the parts. Not sure which one he's talking about.
2010 Toyota Prius Parts -
#17 is the timing chain tensioner.

 

how often does the chain slack need taking up? never heard of anyone doing it.

 

no problem, keep us updated. Maybe others have this problem as well and it'll help them in the future.

it's not the slack that is the problem, but the o-ring over time becomes flatten and oil leaks out from it. Rubber overtime get's old and get broken down by the oil and so it tends to leak out from the o-ring.

 

i understand the problem, i'm just wondering why it's there in the first place, if the chain never needs deslackening.

 

the chain does need deslacking... its just a chain, it needs the chain tensioner to get rid of any slacks in the chain or else it'll run like crap lol. Unless I'm confused of what you were asking...