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Oil Leak

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

  1. pasta4breakfast

    pasta4breakfast Member

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    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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    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
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  3. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    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
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    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
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  5. MAX2

    MAX2 Member

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    This may be a small problem related to oil overflow.
     
    #5 MAX2, Sep 30, 2024
  6. '12suMmerRain

    '12suMmerRain New Member

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    The dealership reported an insignificant oil leak on my last visit with my 2012 Prius c, with an expensive repair quote that I put off. Today I read about grenading GR86 and Subaru BRZ engines due to Toyota using RTV instead of actual gaskets in cars dating all the way back to 2013, resulting in a class action lawsuit. Would our situation be from the same manufacturing design issue?
     
    #6 '12suMmerRain, Nov 15, 2024 at 12:45 PM
  7. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    The 86 & BRZ have a completely different engine than your Prius.

    The most common "insignificant oil leak on a 2012 Prius" is the timing cover, and that is an extremely slow leak on most.

    I see nothing to worry about.
     
    #7 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Nov 15, 2024 at 8:04 PM
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    The first pic looks to be at the engine/transaxle junction, which is at the opposite end from the timing chain cover. Not sure where the second pic is.

    If you can see for yourself, say roll it up on ramps, or floor jack and safety stands, pull the engine undercover, you’ll be in a better position to assess what they’re telling you.

    Even just looking down the timing chain end of the engine, with a good light, you get some idea of that claims validity. Raise front right corner, remove that wheel, pry off a few of the plastic liner fasteners and flex it out of the way, you’re looking at the bottom of the timing chain cover.

    my take: the oil in the pictures looks relatively minor, could be the oil pan, or oil pressure sensor or timing chain tensioner. Maybe. Or a leaking valve cover. Again, it’s at the opposite end of engine from timing cover.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Nov 15, 2024 at 10:36 PM
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