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Oil Leak

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by pasta4breakfast, Sep 28, 2024.

  1. pasta4breakfast

    pasta4breakfast Member

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2020
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    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    I had an oil change and tire rotation done today, 9/28/24, at my local dealership on my 2013 prius C with 156,312 miles. The last oil change was done on 3/9/2024 at 152,160 miiles. About a month ago I checked the oil level and it was perfect. I didn't notice any difference since the last oil change. After the service, the dealership sent me the following text messages and images.

    oil leak from rear of engine possible rear main seal
    potential high cost repair
    diagnose oil leakage ((possible timing chain cover )) $199 diagnosis
    recommend reseal timing chain cover ((due to oil leaking))

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I just paid for the oil change and took my car. My plan is to check the oil level regularly and if it doesn't drop, take the vehicle to an independent mechanic at it's next oil change and ask about it. Maybe I shouldn't even tell them about it and see if they identify it as an issue without putting it in their head. I have never noticed any oil on the ground under the vehicle or any change in the oil level on the dipstick between oil changes for the entire life of the vehicle.

    Any thoughts about the pictures or dealership's recommendations. I don't think it looks that bad for an 11 year old car with over 150,000 miles on it, but I am no expert.
     
    #1 pasta4breakfast, Sep 28, 2024
    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller and bisco like this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    boston
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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    Plug-in Base
    it's very common to have some seepage. it is a weak point in toyotas design.
    most here don't worry about it, but it's a nice cash cow for dealers
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 29, 2024
    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller and pasta4breakfast like this.
  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
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    Three
    Around here it is $1200 or more for a timing chain cover seepage. I would have your mechanic clean it up and then check back at the next oil change for a visual.
     
    #3 rjparker, Sep 29, 2024
    pasta4breakfast likes this.
  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Seepage on an older car is usually okay to ignore.

    When it progresses to something you could fairly call a 'leak' with a measurable loss rate? That's when action is required- but it might never get that bad.

    I think you're on the right track.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Sep 29, 2024
    pasta4breakfast likes this.
  5. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Third Rock from the Sun
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    This may be a small problem related to oil overflow.
     
    #5 MAX2, Sep 30, 2024
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