200 series used vehicle checklist

[Brett19648]

im going to check out a 2009 LC later this week and was wondering if theres a checklist of things to make sure I look over. I know I've seen them around for previous generations... anything of the sort floating around for the 200 series?

 

[MScruiser]

Inspect radiator and water pump for leaks.

Check for driveshaft thunk, and vibrations in pedals and steering wheel at various rpms

 

[TonyP]

Cam tower leak
Brake pads go quick apparently
Starters are known to s*** the bed around the 150k mark

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

^^^ yes, check cam tower leaks like @TonyP said

And that KDSS set screws can turn.

 

[Reckless]

Check 4WD Lo for functionality

 

[Reckless]

Cam tower leak
Brake pads go quick apparently
Starters are known to s*** the bed around the 150k mark

Should I preemptively replace my starter if I am at 140k?

 

[TonyP]

Should I preemptively replace my starter if I am at 140k?

I've heard of people doing it as preventative maintenance, especially on the Tundra forums. The starter issue isn't insanely common but it's been known to happen a fair bit in the earlier 5.7s. A search on tundratalk will yield quite a few results.
I'm planning on doing mine early at some point. Just for peace of mind.

 

[DougKTexas]

You might want to check the cabin air filters behind the back wall of the glove box. Not a big deal in its self but it gives an indicator on how the vehicle was maintained. Also check the roof for any dings.

 

[Brett19648]

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[mcgaskins]

Cam tower leak
Brake pads go quick apparently
Starters are known to s*** the bed around the 150k mark

Where is the easiest place to check for the cam tower leak? I did a few searches and found the results inconclusive. My 2014 is still under bumper to bumper warranty for another 4 months, so I want to find anything I can that could be covered (yes I realize the powertrain warranty is longer than the bumper to bumper).

 

[TonyP]

Where is the easiest place to check for the cam tower leak? I did a few searches and found the results inconclusive. My 2014 is still under bumper to bumper warranty for another 4 months, so I want to find anything I can that could be covered (yes I realize the powertrain warranty is longer than the bumper to bumper).

Inside the wheel well looking at the engine, towards the front you'll see caked oil or "spillage". I guess it can happen on either side but most cases (including mine) are on the drive's side. It's easier to see from the wheel well or underneath but you can still sort of see the oil leaking/caked from the top of the front of the valve cover area if you look hard enough.
Here are some other people's pics from a quick search. If you have it I'd get it taken care of under warranty before the powertrain runs out. Otherwise you're looking at a $1800-$2000 job. My dealer quoted me 11.5 hrs. It's super common on the 5.7. I could easily do it myself but that's what a warranty is for. But they change the oil and coolant too so bonus free fluid change.

Edit: They can creep up anywhere from 10k miles up to 100k. No real rhyme or reason.

 

[Brett19648]

If a vehicle has the cam tower leak issue and it is repaired, is there a high rate of recurrence, or is it typically good to go?

From the limited reading I did, it didn't sound like all Toyota dealerships were familiar/competent in performing the repair.

 

[TonyP]

If a vehicle has the cam tower leak issue and it is repaired, is there a high rate of recurrence, or is it typically good to go?

Nope. I read somewhere it was a defect during the engine assembly or the gasket sealing process.

Should be gravy after repair.

 

[mcgaskins]

Inside the wheel well looking at the engine, towards the front you'll see caked oil or "spillage". I guess it can happen on either side but most cases (including mine) are on the drive's side. It's easier to see from the wheel well or underneath but you can still sort of see the oil leaking/caked from the top of the front of the valve cover area if you look hard enough.
Here are some other people's pics from a quick search. If you have it I'd get it taken care of under warranty before the powertrain runs out. Otherwise you're looking at a $1800-$2000 job. My dealer quoted me 11.5 hrs. It's super common on the 5.7. I could easily do it myself but that's what a warranty is for. But they change the oil and coolant too so bonus free fluid change.

Edit: They can creep up anywhere from 10k miles up to 100k. No real rhyme or reason.

Thanks. Those are pics I found too but the written description helps. I checked mine and it looks bone dry there, so I should be good for now at least for now. As a side note, it seems odd there engine is so exposed from the wheel well for things like water crossings. Most of the vehicles I've had in the past have significantly more coverage from the wheel well liner to the point you can't see the engine at all.

 

[TonyP]

Thanks. Those are pics I found too but the written description helps. I checked mine and it looks bone dry there, so I should be good for now at least for now. As a side note, it seems odd there engine is so exposed from the wheel well for things like water crossings. Most of the vehicles I've had in the past have significantly more coverage from the wheel well liner to the point you can't see the engine at all.

Yeah, I'm not sure what the engineering reasoning was with the exposed engine. I'm sure there's a reason though. I know when I spray out my wheel wells I keep the engine running and I'm careful not to blast water directly at the engine.