I just changed the oil in my sons 2013 and noticed some oil around/above the filter housing. I traced it back to this part. Does anyone know what that is and if it’s just a matter of replacing the seal/gasket?
Is that the timing chain tensioner? Is it as simple as removing it, replacing the gasket and reinstalling it?
That is most likely a timing cover leak. If you zoom in, you can see that the timing cover has been resealed before since there is black rtv. The factory rtv is grey. Someone also used rtv on the timing chain tensioner gasket which is not necessary (or desirable).
^ That, even though this is the first G2 I've heard of with this problem. It's usually more of a turd gen problem. Simple, repair - or NOT. Is it leaking, oozing, seeping, weeping, or dripping? If you're not actively LEAKING then smart money says leave it be. Especially in a geriatric car.
It's a gen 3 (2013), I thought I posted in the wrong section. I'd say it's seeping. The car is not leaving any drips on the ground and the oil level is staying relatively stable. It's my sons car so I can't verify the frequency of checking the level when he's away. When I recently changed the oil I noticed some oil wetness coming from above the oil filter. If it's not leaking to the point of being an issue I'm inclined to just have him keep an eye on the oil level and top it off as needed.
most just keep an eye on it, but i have never read where it develops into a real problem. to repair, the engine must be jacked up, around $1,700. at a dealer, they are happy to do it.
You could Gunk it down real well, hose it off, then drive it and check every day to see where it's coming from....
@OC63RAG can you explain where you were when you took the picture, what's the angle/orientation? Are you looking up from below, down from above, which end of the engine, that sort of thing?
Thanks, good to know. Can you get a semi-decent pic of the same area from above? If possible, 'cus it's a lot easier for responders if they can just pop the hood and see the same pic.
Yeah, I was thinking that too. If it's the timing chain cover, this might help, if you go with an independent mechanic or DIY:
I call this the "corolla triangle" - it's the juncture where the timing cover, cylinder head, and block all meet. (I see more Corollas than Gen3 Prius) I have tried resealing the chain tensioner on a couple but it hasn't helped. Could be the timing cover, could be the head gasket. Given that it is usually just a minor seep, no customer has decided to have me pull and reseal the timing cover to try and fix this. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
If it’s not leaving drips to the ground i would leave it be. My Gen3 timing cover also leaks a little (no drips to ground). Toyota mechanic reported the leak at last maintenance with a remark ”let’s follow-up”. Old cars are old cars
I ended up replacing the timing chain tensioner gasket. It was easy to get to and easy to replace. I ran it for a bit and haven’t seen any leakage. I’ll keep an eye on it just to be safe.
Check the "head gasket replacement - Repair Manual excerpt" link in my sig. There's one pdf in that link, for timing chain tensioner install, suggests to turn the engine crankshaft slightly (counter clockwise IIRC) after putting the "cocked" tensioner back in, to get it to release.
