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Oil leak - Need help with location

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by OC63RAG, Nov 23, 2021.

  1. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    I just changed the oil in my sons 2013 and noticed some oil around/above the filter housing. I traced it back to this part. Does anyone know what that is and if it’s just a matter of replacing the seal/gasket?

    upload_2021-11-23_12-48-17.jpeg
     

    Attached Files:

  2. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    Is that the timing chain tensioner? Is it as simple as removing it, replacing the gasket and reinstalling it?
     
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    That is most likely a timing cover leak.

    If you zoom in, you can see that the timing cover has been resealed before since there is black rtv. The factory rtv is grey. Someone also used rtv on the timing chain tensioner gasket which is not necessary (or desirable).
     
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  4. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    ^ That, even though this is the first G2 I've heard of with this problem.

    It's usually more of a turd gen problem. :p

    Simple, repair - or NOT.

    Is it leaking, oozing, seeping, weeping, or dripping?
    If you're not actively LEAKING then smart money says leave it be.
    Especially in a geriatric car.
     
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  5. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    It's a gen 3 (2013), I thought I posted in the wrong section.

    I'd say it's seeping. The car is not leaving any drips on the ground and the oil level is staying relatively stable. It's my sons car so I can't verify the frequency of checking the level when he's away. When I recently changed the oil I noticed some oil wetness coming from above the oil filter.

    If it's not leaking to the point of being an issue I'm inclined to just have him keep an eye on the oil level and top it off as needed.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    most just keep an eye on it, but i have never read where it develops into a real problem.

    to repair, the engine must be jacked up, around $1,700. at a dealer, they are happy to do it.:p
     
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  7. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    You could Gunk it down real well, hose it off, then drive it and check every day
    to see where it's coming from....
     
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  8. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    ^ Good advice if you're inclined.
    Otherwise, I think you're OK just watching it for now.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    @OC63RAG can you explain where you were when you took the picture, what's the angle/orientation? Are you looking up from below, down from above, which end of the engine, that sort of thing?
     
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  10. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    Looking up from below, basically a straight line up from the oil filter housing.
     
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Thanks, good to know. Can you get a semi-decent pic of the same area from above? If possible, 'cus it's a lot easier for responders if they can just pop the hood and see the same pic.
     
  12. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    I couldn't see it from above, I had to get underneath.
     
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  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah, I was thinking that too.

    If it's the timing chain cover, this might help, if you go with an independent mechanic or DIY:
     

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  14. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I call this the "corolla triangle" - it's the juncture where the timing cover, cylinder head, and block all meet. (I see more Corollas than Gen3 Prius) I have tried resealing the chain tensioner on a couple but it hasn't helped. Could be the timing cover, could be the head gasket. Given that it is usually just a minor seep, no customer has decided to have me pull and reseal the timing cover to try and fix this.


    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  15. OptimusPriustus

    OptimusPriustus Active Member

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    If it’s not leaving drips to the ground i would leave it be. My Gen3 timing cover also leaks a little (no drips to ground). Toyota mechanic reported the leak at last maintenance with a remark ”let’s follow-up”. Old cars are old cars
     
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  16. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    I ended up replacing the timing chain tensioner gasket. It was easy to get to and easy to replace.
    I ran it for a bit and haven’t seen any leakage. I’ll keep an eye on it just to be safe.
    upload_2021-11-25_12-22-18.jpeg
     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Do you need to push the tensioner back and lock it, or no? Not sure.
     
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  18. OC63RAG

    OC63RAG Member

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    Yep, release the ratchet arm, push it down and clip it. This was one of the easier jobs.
     
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  19. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Check the "head gasket replacement - Repair Manual excerpt" link in my sig. There's one pdf in that link, for timing chain tensioner install, suggests to turn the engine crankshaft slightly (counter clockwise IIRC) after putting the "cocked" tensioner back in, to get it to release.

    upload_2021-11-25_13-7-37.png
     
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