Oil Leak from either Timing Cover or Valve Cover - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

BRZY · 04-05-2015, 08:18 PM

Last week, I had the chance to install my OpenFlash header. After removing the OEM header, I found what seems to be a leak from either the cam tower or timing cover. I've driven the car for over 40k and I've always noticed a faint smell of oil burning after a long drive.

Since owning the car, I've checked my block off plate on the passenger side backside of the block in hopes for a leak but found nothing. I check my oil levels couple times a month, but never noticed a significant amount missing. I'm assuming that this a slow leak.

I spoke with a personal friend who's a tech with Toyota about this issue. He mentioned that there are several models of Toyota and Subaru that have a similar issue due to the placement of silicone.

I plan to bring in my car for warranty repairs in the coming weeks. I am worried that they can not isolate whether the leak is coming the cam tower versus the timing cover.

I was wondering if anyone on this forum experienced a similar issue?

ls1ac · 04-05-2015, 09:37 PM

Mystery leaks can be a pain. Add UV leak indicator to the oil and check frequently using the UV light and glasses. These kits are now available at many parts stores. Instructions say to clean before use but sometimes I have found it easier to find the general area while dirty. Then clean and look again as the dye stays in the oil.

FirestormFRS · 04-05-2015, 09:49 PM

Hard area to seal where 3 surface areas meet.

Low&Slow · 04-06-2015, 03:32 AM

Hi BRZY, I experienced the same exact problem you have. Mine was leaking from the timing cover then got that fixed, but didn't help much.. The dealer said it was coming from the valve cover, took it off, cleaned it and sealed it then voila! No leaks! However; if you have an unskilled technician like how i did, he might use too much silicone, and cause it to go into your oil and clog an oil line, which in return causes a loud knock.. I'm currently waiting to see what Toyota has to say about the damages, but definitely leaking from the valve cover, if not the timing cover!

Tye300 · 04-06-2015, 04:31 AM

I had my header wrapped today. I noticed the same thing! I will check the valve cover.

vgi · 04-06-2015, 08:31 AM

04-05-2015, 08:18 PM	#1
BRZY Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Drives: World Rally Blue BRZ Location: NorCal Posts: 113 Thanks: 7 Thanked 38 Times in 17 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Oil Leak from either Timing Cover or Valve Cover Last week, I had the chance to install my OpenFlash header. After removing the OEM header, I found what seems to be a leak from either the cam tower or timing cover. I've driven the car for over 40k and I've always noticed a faint smell of oil burning after a long drive. Since owning the car, I've checked my block off plate on the passenger side backside of the block in hopes for a leak but found nothing. I check my oil levels couple times a month, but never noticed a significant amount missing. I'm assuming that this a slow leak. I spoke with a personal friend who's a tech with Toyota about this issue. He mentioned that there are several models of Toyota and Subaru that have a similar issue due to the placement of silicone. I plan to bring in my car for warranty repairs in the coming weeks. I am worried that they can not isolate whether the leak is coming the cam tower versus the timing cover. I was wondering if anyone on this forum experienced a similar issue? Attached Images

04-06-2015, 03:32 AM	#4
Low&Slow Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Drives: 10 Series #845 Location: Stockton Posts: 218 Thanks: 21 Thanked 44 Times in 38 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Hi BRZY, I experienced the same exact problem you have. Mine was leaking from the timing cover then got that fixed, but didn't help much.. The dealer said it was coming from the valve cover, took it off, cleaned it and sealed it then voila! No leaks! However; if you have an unskilled technician like how i did, he might use too much silicone, and cause it to go into your oil and clog an oil line, which in return causes a loud knock.. I'm currently waiting to see what Toyota has to say about the damages, but definitely leaking from the valve cover, if not the timing cover! __________________ What Vtec? \| My build thread : http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48493 \|

04-06-2015, 04:31 AM	#5
Tye300 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Drives: Toyota 86 TRD Version AT Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 883 Thanks: 548 Thanked 599 Times in 283 Posts Mentioned: 20 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	I had my header wrapped today. I noticed the same thing! I will check the valve cover. __________________ Vortech Supercharged Flex Fuel 86 TRD AT Visit my build thread here.

04-06-2015, 08:31 AM	#6
vgi Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Drives: frs Location: nj Posts: 723 Thanks: 237 Thanked 347 Times in 232 Posts Mentioned: 58 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	that's a subaru engine oem feature. there have been a number of threads on leaks from driver and passenger sides (NOT cam plate): http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...78#post1617278 http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showt...light=oil+leak http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87193&page=1 check this TSB if it covers your case: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=187 gluck Last edited by vgi; 05-01-2015 at 08:16 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Driver side valve cover gasket leak	solidONE	Issues \| Warranty \| Recalls / TSB	59	02-22-2021 12:52 AM
Timing Cover Oil Leak	AllDayJonRay	Issues \| Warranty \| Recalls / TSB	18	06-06-2016 03:12 AM
Timing Chain Cover Leak	alexand3r	Engine, Exhaust, Transmission	17	09-29-2015 11:05 AM
oil leak at timing cover	choi0706	Issues \| Warranty \| Recalls / TSB	8	09-10-2014 06:25 PM
Timing Chain Cover Replacement - Need Advice	Gen	Mechanical Maintenance (Oil, Fluids, Break-In, Servicing)	4	04-02-2014 12:15 PM

04-05-2015, 09:49 PM	#3
FirestormFRS Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: 2013 FR-S Location: Anytown Posts: 920 Thanks: 73 Thanked 643 Times in 302 Posts Mentioned: 3 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Hard area to seal where 3 surface areas meet.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password