V6 Oil Leak Near Timing Cover. Identification help please!

[Bagels]

Hello Everyone,

I discovered a small oil leak on the right side of my engine. I originally thought it was the timing cover but it doesn’t seem to be originating from there.

It seems to be coming from where a bolt would go but I can’t find any information on what this spot is for or if a bolt is supposed to go there in the first place.

Does anyone know any information on this issue? I’ve marked the spot in red below.

Background info:
2008 4Runner V6 engine with 123,000 miles. No major work has been done on the engine that I know of.


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[daprotege5]

theirs a post timing chain cover, i couple of us have gone through it in the last couple months. its known for leaking at that spot. not a fun task to take care of, if your doing it yourself.

 

[Bagels]

After cleaning the area and re-inspecting I’m still not sure where the leak is coming from. Looks like it could be a leak between the block/header or at the timing cover. Part of me still thinks it coming from the mystery circle knob on the header which I haven’t been able to identify. The oil control valve is right above it but I don’t think that’s related.

Now that the area is cleaned I’ll monitor it to see if I can pin point the leak.

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[daprotege5]

Thats the exact spot known for causing a leak. mating surfaces connect right there from the head to the engine, as well as from the timing cover. So theirs certain spots in there that need a little extra sealant. Seems common around 120k+ miles that its showing up, from other threads i've read and the mileage comparison they have. Not a hard job as almost everything is easy access, but just time consuming as you have to move all the components out of the way. P/S pump, a/c condensor, fan, oil housing, etc.

 

[UrbanRunner651]

I'm no expert but I believe that is some sort of case vent. It looks like oil blowby from excess pressure or something you would see around your PCV and not an actual leak. I would have to assume that is normal/expected as there is visual evidence around my 08 V6 as well.

 

[richieca]

Yup thats a timing cover leak common on all 2GR V6 Toyota engines.

 

[Run4Evr]

any updates on this? i noticed the same on mines tonight.

 

[daprotege5]

It’s leaking from your timing cover, that’s the most common spot on our engines to leak. Have to pull everything off the front, alternator, fan, etc., valve covers, and a lot of the intake has to be taken out. It’s not a hard job just a pita with all the shit you have to take off.