Timing Cover Oil Leak
03-16-18, 01:20 PM
#31
Super Moderator
I wonder if I am starting one of these leaks. Powertrain warranty expires in early May so will likely take in within the next two weeks. Even if they charge me a diagnostic I want to get on record in case it become worse after warranty expires so it will at least be on record in case I need to deal with it in the future.
I've noticed a tiny bit of rubber burn smell that comes and goes.
Drive belt looks fine and I see no leaks from the back to front. I haven't fully scoped rear of engine but did find what could be the issue around the AC compressor. It might just be the front area of valve cover but not sure. The one damp area I found could easily hit the header if drop flicked off after growing to a certain size.
I guess synthetic oil smells like this on exhaust and gives off different smell than what dino smell likes when burned.
I've noticed a tiny bit of rubber burn smell that comes and goes.
Drive belt looks fine and I see no leaks from the back to front. I haven't fully scoped rear of engine but did find what could be the issue around the AC compressor. It might just be the front area of valve cover but not sure. The one damp area I found could easily hit the header if drop flicked off after growing to a certain size.
I guess synthetic oil smells like this on exhaust and gives off different smell than what dino smell likes when burned.
Last edited by Acrad; 02-19-22 at 12:26 PM.
03-16-18, 06:49 PM
#32
I didn’t notice a smell before when Lexus informed me of this but I now smell it when I run the the truck hard in S-shift and stop. I occasionally smell the brakes with aggressive driving so maybe no reason for concern. With pushing the GX or any car hard with higher RPMs I assume this would cause any engine leaks to push out more fluid due to heat and stress.
03-17-18, 08:35 AM
#33
Super Moderator
Did you ask them to show you or snap a picture of the area they claim is leaking? I would take a look first and contact Lexus to consider it under warranty.
If you are a DIY person you may be able to seal the leak using some liquid gasket without taking it apart by applying a thin layer onto the surface and let it set. It depends on where and how much it leaks.
If you are a DIY person you may be able to seal the leak using some liquid gasket without taking it apart by applying a thin layer onto the surface and let it set. It depends on where and how much it leaks.
Thorough cleanup of existing oil would be important with some brake cleaner.
https://www.permatex.com/products/ad...t-leak-repair/
"A sprayable sealer that forms a durable rubber barrier that stop leaks in minutes. The wicking action seals hard-to-reach leaks without the need for disassembling or removing parts. Designed specifically to target low pressure leaks in hoses, oil pans, differentials, transmission pans, fluid reservoirs as well as plastic, PVC and metal pipes, their connections and much more!. Eliminates the need for liquid additive sealers that can swell and foul internal seals. Resists common shop fluids. Note: In many cases, more than one coat will be needed to solve the problem. "
Suggested Applications: Engine and transmission leaks, hoses, oil pans, differentials, transmission pans, cooling systems, thermostats, water pumps, valve covers, tubing connections, electrical harness connectors, plastics, and PVC.
03-17-18, 03:40 PM
#34
Super Moderator
With 57 days left on my Lexus powertrain warranty I've made an appointment this week to address issue. I need to quickly check spark plugs this week to make sure no leaks in that area as well. I let service manage know I was coming in. He promised me a top off on the fuel tank after the airbag recall feedback I gave him.
03-18-18, 01:45 PM
#35
Super Moderator
I haven't dropped the front skid to see if more apparent underneath but if one is curious if they have this leak they could probably use a flashlight and a flexible shaft mirror.
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch...aft-97217.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch...aft-97217.html
Last edited by Acrad; 02-19-22 at 12:27 PM.
03-18-18, 02:32 PM
#36
Same here with smell being my only problem with this. No leaks visible in my garage but the smell makes me feel like I am driving a clunker.
03-18-18, 02:58 PM
#37
Super Moderator
03-19-18, 02:39 PM
#38
Super Moderator
For looking for leaks I guess this camera isn't that good after all. It makes engine dirt look oily, glossy and wet and everything is just dry dirt. I spent some time looking at this today and I can't see any leaks. I believe the smell is from tar and some grease off the drive shaft that looks like it was flicked onto exhaust. There is still some of it down there on the catalytic converters. Relieved but seemingly worked myself up for nothing. I'm good with that... wasn't looking forward to having someone tear into the engine.
06-05-18, 06:27 PM
#39
Pole Position
Just to add: I was also told at my 70k maintenance that my timing cover had a slight leak that I should monitor. Today, while in for the 75k maintenance, oil change, and air bag replacement I was told that the leak needed to be fixed and quoted $2,400 for the repair, including a serpentine belt and water pump replacement.
I will probably, at the very least, get a second quote. I'm not sure if the repair is critical but since I'm having an independent shop replace my tires at some point soon I may ask them to check it out as well. If it was under $1k I'd probably just do it but at $2,400 I want to make sure it's really necessary.
I will probably, at the very least, get a second quote. I'm not sure if the repair is critical but since I'm having an independent shop replace my tires at some point soon I may ask them to check it out as well. If it was under $1k I'd probably just do it but at $2,400 I want to make sure it's really necessary.
06-05-18, 06:51 PM
#41
Pole Position
06-05-18, 06:56 PM
#42
Funny how they always note these things just as warranty lapses...
they should cut you a break, just for good will...
of course my dealer wouldn’t either....
they should cut you a break, just for good will...
of course my dealer wouldn’t either....
Last edited by User21c; 06-05-18 at 07:50 PM.
06-08-18, 03:25 PM
#43
Super Moderator
Can you visibly see any oil leaking? It might be just a minor weep at this point.
Just to add: I was also told at my 70k maintenance that my timing cover had a slight leak that I should monitor. Today, while in for the 75k maintenance, oil change, and air bag replacement I was told that the leak needed to be fixed and quoted $2,400 for the repair, including a serpentine belt and water pump replacement.
I will probably, at the very least, get a second quote. I'm not sure if the repair is critical but since I'm having an independent shop replace my tires at some point soon I may ask them to check it out as well. If it was under $1k I'd probably just do it but at $2,400 I want to make sure it's really necessary.
I will probably, at the very least, get a second quote. I'm not sure if the repair is critical but since I'm having an independent shop replace my tires at some point soon I may ask them to check it out as well. If it was under $1k I'd probably just do it but at $2,400 I want to make sure it's really necessary.
06-08-18, 05:43 PM
#44
06-09-18, 02:29 AM
#45
Super Moderator
What I noticed on mine were some hasty oil changes with spills that were done by previous owner that ended up causing me to think there were some leaks in the top driver side cam valley as well as along the front area by AC compressor. Spilled oil seemed to funnel down through that area and then along the side which made me think there was valve or cam tower leak.