Mine has had that leak for many years. it doesn’t leak enough to effect the oil level, only a drop on the garage floor every now an then. I was quoted over two grand to fix it. I didn’t think it was worth it. It’s been over 110k miles and it hasn’t gotten worst.

 

did they show you the leak or did they just tell you it's leaking

 

I did this job about a year ago. I would include this job in the negotiation for sure. Very doable as I'm no professional mechanic. The job was simple bolt removal in most cases but a few are tough to get to and you will have to get creative. Label everything if you can't do it in one day. I did over a few weekends and to my surprise did not have one left over bolt or part. My FJ had 200k so I replaced the timing chain/water pump/crankshaft positioning sensor/starter and everything I could reasonably justify. FJ is running great and has not leaked a drop from that day. I used all toyota parts for the job so everything fit perfectly. Good luck!

 

Keeping in mind that the "leak" may be just a damp spot on the block, or a very slow seep, which doesn't need immediate attention as mentioned above, and, if you find a good local shop (not dealer), you could probably get it done for less than the $4k dealer quote as well, it kind of boils down to...

1) How much do you want to buy that FJ?
2) Is the price good?
3) If you had to pay the same price, (seller doesn't drop), and knowing what you know, would you still be happy if you did have to spend up to $4K take care of the leak if there is a problem?
4) If not, how much would you feel comfortable paying for the FJ knowing what you know...

And go from there.

 

Greetings all...

New guy here. Been lurking for a while since I don’t own an FJ but have had many different 4WD Toyotas.

JP

Welcome from Indiana!

 

Bottleshark where you located? I’ll have to check out your build thread if you have one up.

 

Everyone, thanks for the replies! Helps this new guy out a lot.

I really wanted a 6-MT and this one happened to pop up. It’s in great shape with the only thing bugging me is the seep... which I did see after the Toyota dealer pointed it out. The service rep said it was in great condition other than the timing cover seep.

The price isn’t great and if the seller isn’t willing to work with me on the sale price I may walk... we’ll see.

With the current market I may just wind up sitting on the bench for a bit, I’m in no rush.

I’ll post picks if I pul the trigger!

Cheers!

 

The typical 'seep' from the timing cover is usually so inconsequential as to be a non-issue, and I wouldn't let it dissuade you from this purchase if everything else is OK.

Most of these 'seeps' result in a very small oil stain on the timing cover and adjacent areas ... no actual 'leak', just an oil stain that dust tends tends to stick to and make it more noticeable. Wash your engine once a year and you'll be fine.

If this is actually a flowing "leak" that deposits a small puddle of oil on the ground every time the vehicle is parked, then it's not the typical 'seep' and ultimately the timing cover will need to be resealed.

The dealer quote is absurdly high because the 'official' repair procedure requires dropping the upper oil pan.

With just a little care, the job can be done without dropping the pan, in a fraction of the time.

 

The typical 'seep' from the timing cover is usually so inconsequential as to be a non-issue, and I wouldn't let it dissuade you from this purchase if everything else is OK.

Most of these 'seeps' result in a very small oil stain on the timing cover and adjacent areas ... no actual 'leak', just an oil stain that dust tends tends to stick to and mave it more noticeable. Wash your engine once a year and you'll be fine.

If this is actually a flowing "leak" that deposits a small puddle of oil on the ground every time the vehicle is parked, then it's not the typical 'seep' and ultimately the timing cover will need to be resealed.

The dealer quote is absurdly high because the 'official' repair procedure requires dropping the upper oil pan.

With just a little care, the job can be done without dropping the pan, in a fraction of the time.

FJT

Thanks for that info, it‘s reassuring. Looking closely, there is no oil on the power steering pump below the area of the oil/dirt/dust caked spot. I’ll try to add a picture.

 

Need some better photos (taken with natural daylight, and not with electronic flash), but if the leak is higher on the cylinder it's more likely a slight weep from a valve cover gasket, rather than a leak from the form-in-place gasket sealer that is used to seal the timing cover to the face of the engine block.

 

I’ll need to look further. Didn’t look like a valve cover leak. The FJ is back with the seller. They are going to have their mechanic look at it and see if it’s a leak or seep.