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Oil leak via timing chain cover

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by vnhk, Jan 6, 2011.

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  1. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    Hello,

    I have seen this minor oil leak on the left engine side that facing the firewall for sometimes, but just found time to bring to dealer. After some searching on Internet, I suggested to them that it might be leaking from the timing chain cover.

    After some inspection, they called me and confirmed that it's from the timing chain cover, and ordered part to replace it. I will get the car back sometime today, will post if anything new.

    Just a head up so you guys can check it. You have to look with the flashlight on the left side of engine facing the firewall.
     
    #1 vnhk, Jan 6, 2011
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Thanks for the heads up. On our Kia van, nearly all the seals failed and had oil all over. They fixed it though.
     
    #2 spiderman, Jan 6, 2011
  3. GSW

    GSW PRIUS POWER

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    +1 on the heads up. If you think about it, try to ask them what parts they replaced. Its a little early to have oil leaks, especially if its the camshaft seal inside the timing cover. (thinking about an extended warranty).
     
    #3 GSW, Jan 6, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  4. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    Got the car back, hopefully it's fixed right.

    Dealer diagnose and fix - Timing chain tensioner leaking, replaced new T chain tensioner gasket.
     
    #4 vnhk, Jan 6, 2011
  5. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Glad they fixed it. Just checked mine and no oil on the engine anywhere. What is the build date on your Prius?

    I would suggest anyone noticing oil lose check this out.
     
    #5 spiderman, Jan 6, 2011
  6. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    My build date is Nov 2009. It would be a bit hard to spot this minor oil leak as it facing the firewall. Since I'm a DIY person, I do my own oil change and stuffs, and often pay attention to details under the hood.

    When I was at the dealer, I also had them replacing the rear right taillight as it has some condensation inside as well as rear brake shim (sometimes squeaking when backing up)

    Hope to find and fix most problems under warranty. I still like my Prius :)
     
    #6 vnhk, Jan 6, 2011
  7. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    Hmm, I checked this again, and it seems to leak again in the same spot. Dropped it off at dealer. I told them to check and make sure why it is still leaking.

    I remember that there are some people with Gen II Prius also had this kind of leak. Anyone has any comment? Thanks.
     
    #7 vnhk, Mar 30, 2011
  8. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Yes my 2009 Prius engine was diagnosed by fellow PCers to have a leak in the timing chain cover seal. I haven't gone to the dealer yet. Waiting for slightly warmer weather. Here is the link:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...86222-oil-droplets-backside-engine-block.html

    What are the mileages of the first dealer fix and when you find it leaking again?

    The leak is minuscule (no drops on the ground) and won't show any loss on the dipstick.
     
    #8 2009Prius, Mar 31, 2011
  9. vnhk

    vnhk New Member

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    Just got back from the dealer, and they said they could not see the leaking. I went to show them, but they already cleaned the oil residue around the damn area (sneaky dealer, I suspect they did something but don't want to admit it since they actually replaced the seal before on 1/2011).

    I could not convince them on anything except told them to put the dye in so I can monitor the leak in the future.

    Yes, the leak is very minor. I don't even see droplets, just oily residue on wire harness and small area on engine block near the timing chain tensioner cover. I know it's leaking becuase I cleaned that area before just to make sure.

    2009Prius, you should have the dealer fix your issue, it seems to leak more than mine.
     
    #9 vnhk, Mar 31, 2011
  10. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Next time take pictures before taking the car in to the dealer so you will have some evidence at hand. Good luck!
     
    #10 2009Prius, Mar 31, 2011
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    On a few previous cars we've had minor leaks from timing chain cover, valve cover and/or oil pan. They've never gotten worse, ie: got to the point of dripping. I just let them be, since they were minor. Worked out.

    The only exception: we had a leak into the timing belt area from the cylinder head. Got on top of that right away: the oil will contaminate a rubber timing belt.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Mar 31, 2011
  12. california_drivin

    california_drivin New Member

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    I took my low-mileage (37K) 2005 Prius for scheduled service last week. They told me it has a timing cover leak. They noticed oil leaking out by looking from underneath when the car was on the lift. I can't see any leaked oil in the engine compartment, and it hasn't dripped on the garage floor (yet?).

    They quoted $1,600 to fix the problem (ouch!). It seems there are a lot of engine components to detach and move out of the way before fixing the leak. The power-train warranty is expired, so the cost is on me. That amount can buy an awful lot of engine-oil top-offs. Naturally, I’ll get a second opinion before authorizing a repair at that price.

    Is there anything I should know or do in advance to better navigate this situation?

    Thanks.
     
    #12 california_drivin, Apr 27, 2011
  13. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    If there is no drip on the ground and the warranty is expired then I won't worry about it. In this thread
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...86222-oil-droplets-backside-engine-block.html
    I posted some pictures if you want to go under the car and see the small droplets collected. If you see the same thing then you can wipe it clean and see how long it will take for the droplets to come back.
     
    #13 2009Prius, Apr 28, 2011
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  14. Ozzyprv

    Ozzyprv New Member

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    Is there something in the air causing these leaks?
    LOL.

    Just came back from the dealer....
    "Timing cover leaking see estimate".
    --------------
    Estimate:
    Part #
    1xTO90311-25021 Seal, oil $11.66
    1xTO11213-21011 Gasket $25.30
    4xTOC009---120-WA Coolant, super $25.00
    1xTOC050-00103 Silicone Gasket, seal $14.09

    Labor $716.80
    Parts $76.05
    ---------------

    You gotta be kidding me. My Prius is just 67k kilometers OLD!

    Should I worry enough to pay $800+ for this at the dealer?

    Thanks - I had to vent.
     
    #14 Ozzyprv, May 25, 2011
  15. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Understood it's frustrating to get a big repair bill not long after the warranty ran out. How quickly do you lose oil or do you see drops on the ground at all? If there is no oil drops on the ground then I won't worry about it.
     
    #15 2009Prius, May 26, 2011
  16. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    Interesting that you used the word vent. Toyota does not specify any routine checking or cleaning of the Prius crankcase ventilation (CV) system, but it does accumulated deposits over time. If the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve or any other part of the CV system becomes restricted or clogged, high pressure in the system can cause oil leaks.

    On other cars it is easy to pull out the PCV valve and clean or replace it periodically; not so easy on the Prius, but still a good idea to do every 30,000 miles or so as preventive maintenance.
     
    #16 Den49, May 26, 2011
  17. fos4110

    fos4110 Junior Member

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    Howdy -

    Just got the same response from my dealer - very slight leak (advisor told me it was beading on the (cover, I would assume). They told me 1900 dollars. I drive 7K per month as my courier vehicle. What would you advise?
     
    #17 fos4110, Jun 24, 2012
  18. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Yikes, how many miles do you have?
     
    #18 The Critic, Jun 24, 2012
  19. fos4110

    fos4110 Junior Member

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    #19 fos4110, Sep 3, 2012
  20. CivicQc

    CivicQc The world needs more prius

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    The dealer just noticed a small leak via timing chain cover on my 2010 Prius. Will get it fixed under warranty. The mechanic said this problem was seen sometimes on the Prius and a few other Toyota models.
     
    #20 CivicQc, Nov 1, 2012
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