2010 limited 4x4 timing chain cover oil leak

[two-fingers]

Hi All,
I have been reading this forum for a while but this is my first post. I bought a 2010 4runner limited 4x4 brand new and have taken it to the dealer for all service from day one. I took it for an oil change the other day (50,000 miles) and the dealer told me they noticed an oil leak coming from the timing chain cover. They said it should take 2 days and was covered under the power train warranty. At the end of two days I called to check on it and they said they had to drop the engine to get the cover off and do the repair properly. They said the TSB didn't mention this and the repair should take a few extra days. I am now on day 8 and still don't have my 4runner back.
I will say that the dealer has been great in the sense that they gave me a brand new Highlander as a loaner and this entire thing isn't costing me a dime, so I shouldn't cry, but the idea of dropping the engine concerns me.
I know very little about cars and my concerns may be unfounded but this whole thing seems a little extreme and now I am wondering if my truck will ever be the same. Has anybody been through this? They tell me the engines on 4runners are designed to be easily removed and reinstalled. I find that hard to believe but again I know very little about this sort of thing. Maybe it really is no big deal. Any comments would be welcome.
Thanks!!

 

[rigtec]

Hi [MENTION=83295]two-fingers[/MENTION],

I seriously doubt that they will completely remove the engine; may require a slight lift w/o disconnecting equipment e.g., power steering pump, a/c lines, radiator hoses, etc... This way they can clear the x-member for access to the t/c cover and oil pan if need be. Perhaps [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] can tell you much more than I can as he is extremely knowledgeable in all facets of auto service; a "Class A" tech! cheers

 

[Jeremy556]

Has anybody been through this?

I did on my Taco (common issue with those). It is a pretty big job, but as long as they are competent, it should be fine afterwards. My Taco has covered about 80K miles since the timing leak fix with no related problems.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I did on my Taco (common issue with those). It is a pretty big job, but as long as they are competent, it should be fine afterwards. My Taco has covered about 80K miles since the timing leak fix with no related problems.

It is a big job, but I don't remember ever having to take the engine out to do it. The engine bay of the 5th Gen is very similar to the 4th Gen and Tacoma so I don't see why the engine needed to be dropped?

I haven't seen anyone at work reseal a 5th gen yet, but it shouldn't be too much different than the Tacoma (which as Jeremy556 pointed was an issue with those engines.)

But as long as you get it back free of leaks and them not charging you any money; I'd say be patient. Still not sure why they need to drop the engine, I don't think Toyota changed too much in the Dual VVTi units to require the engine to be dropped for a timing cover.

 

[Jeremy556]

Still not sure why they need to drop the engine, I don't think Toyota changed too much in the Dual VVTi units to require the engine to be dropped for a timing cover.

Might just be a service writer stalling. Backlog + sick day or 2 + ordered part...

 

[two-fingers]

Still not sure why they need to drop the engine, I don't think Toyota changed too much in the Dual VVTi units to require the engine to be dropped for a timing cover.

Thanks for the responses to my post. They have some guys at the dealership with 20-30 experience and i am sure they are the mechanics that do the more complex jobs so in that regard I feel good. It sounds like even though its a big job it might just turn out OK.
At first the dealer didn't think they had to drop the engine. They said the TSB didn't call for it but once they started the job it was obvious they had to. I asked if they had to disconnect the transmission and they said yes. That was about the time I started worrying..............i should be getting it back in a day or two so I will update this post when I do.

 

[two-fingers]

Might just be a service writer stalling. Backlog + sick day or 2 + ordered part...

I would be real happy if they were backlogged or stalling and just blowin' smoke about dropping the engine.