Poll-Have you had the dreaded cam tower leak? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter 40Man
- Start date
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mcgaskins
SILVER Star
FYI there was no 2012 model year. Probably the most appropriate buckets would be 2008-2011, 2013-2015, 2016-2017. Each of those 3 categories are largely the same within those year ranges.
- Thread starter
- #3
Oops, thanks for clarifying. Think it is too late to edit.
2013. 62k miles. So far no leak. Really no repairs at all, except the spring on the fuel door broke.
gaijin
GOLD Star
And yet your 2013 has the cam tower leak - how many miles on your rig?
Mine showed at 90k and started smelling it burning off the exhaust manifold at 95k. Has a little over 95k and change.
This has many people most likely wondering, is my truck leaking? Mine was just a little moist spot and got really bad almost overnight.
This has many people most likely wondering, is my truck leaking? Mine was just a little moist spot and got really bad almost overnight.
Last edited:
97k when bought and noticed the leak.
I found out last night that I had a timing cover leak, but I don't think that this is the same as the cam tower mentioned in this thread.
When referring to the "Cam Tower" are you referring to the camshaft housing sub-assembly shown on this drawing and therefore the gasket that would be between the assembly and the engine?
Thanks for clarifying.
When referring to the "Cam Tower" are you referring to the camshaft housing sub-assembly shown on this drawing and therefore the gasket that would be between the assembly and the engine?
Thanks for clarifying.
- Thread starter
- #10
You are correct. Here is a pic of a leaking cam tower as seen through the wheel well (Tundra but same concept).
Here's mine when it was leaking. This is the front of the engine, top of the right head below the valve cover. They couldn't tell if it was the cam tower or the front cover, the air flow could have spattered oil around. Either way, it was an oil leak.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
I pulled my motor apart, cleaned everything up, resealed with Toyota FPIG, and put it all back together. I just can't handle knowing even a drop of oil is seeping out of components.
But only my passenger side cam tower had the beginning of moisture build-up. My issue was a leaking timing chain cover.
mcgaskins
SILVER Star
So how hard was that compared to changing the cabin air filter or swapping map lights for LEDs?
You have some skills bro that very few on this (or any) board can claim!
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
I've got the biggest smile on my face right now brother! The motor work went perfect, but when I switched a map light to LED, it smoked and burnt up the fuse! So... I don't know what that says about me, but I bet it's not good.So how hard was that compared to changing the cabin air filter or swapping map lights for LEDs?
Honestly, it's not as bad as it seams. If someone was confident with replacing a radiator, and motor accessories like an alternator. Has used RTV with success before, then that's about it. Your don't need to set timing, you don't need to adjust the value train. As long as someone takes their time, marks where things are, and cleans things perfectly, it is really just time intensive. A Haynes manual and a good set of tools never hurt either.
Toyota did a great job on this motor, seriously, outside of my beloved 454, I think the iForce 5.7 is ridiculously good, especially when you get inside her (yes, I just said that) and see how much thought was put into this motor. Definitely not a throw away motor, like a Ford 6.4.
Well since I have no mechanic in me I am gonna take it to dealer and see what they say to me ?
I have a little bit of extended warranty left I hope it covers it
If not I am gonna think about trading the truck in
For a newer one mine is 2012 with 99k on it
I have a little bit of extended warranty left I hope it covers it
If not I am gonna think about trading the truck in
For a newer one mine is 2012 with 99k on it
What happens if you get a leak? Will this turn into a real issue or just remain something that is a nuisance like a few drops of oil leaking from time to time? I think a lot of people (like me) don't know much about this and want to understand how serious a leak might be or become.
Taco2Cruiser
Crazy American Off Road
With any leak, overtime it will let more and more oil escape. That said, it's going to take a while.
Best thing is to check your oil when the motor is dead cold. Make sure it is perfectly at the full line. The amount from the full to the add range is about 1 qt.
Then see how many miles versus oil loss you have.
I was at 6,000 miles with 1/4 quart oil loss. Would that damage my motor, nope. So in theory I was fine. Leaks don't kill motors, heat and friction does. But leaks can help get you more heat and friction.
As long as your oil level doesn't drop below the "range" on the dipstick. You are completely fine. It just comes down to how much topping of off oil are you willing to accept.
Like my $5 car from high school, yes... $5. Never lost the motor, but had to drop a quart of oil in it every 800 miles for 6 weeks till I got around to rebuilding it.
