At 64,000 miles my 2016 Toyota Tundra has a camshaft tower leak, but my concern is the dealer

Adam, owner of a 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 Long Bed with 64,000 miles on it, voiced his concerns this morning on the Toyota Tundra Enthusiasts Forum. He suspects his truck has a cam housing leak. For those who don't know, a cam housing leak occurs when oil leaks from the area where the cam housing (the camshaft housing) meets the engine block. While it may sound like a minor problem, it can become a significant issue if not properly addressed.

Adam noticed oil residue along the seal when inspecting his truck from the front passenger wheel well. This residue was a red flag, especially when comparing his vehicle to his brother's, which was “squeaky clean.” When he took the truck to a local dealer, they dismissed it as “oil sweating” from the engine, a statement that made Adam doubt the dealer's professionalism.

“When I suspected it months ago, I took it to a local dealer and was told the engine was just “sweating” oil. Pretty crazy terminology for a professional mechanic, right?“

Not satisfied with this answer, Adam contacted his extended warranty provider, who confirmed that the warranty would cover the repair of the leak in his Tundra's camshaft tower.

The warranty provider, a former Toyota mechanic, advised Adam to look for dealers that have successfully performed this type of repair. Adam wants to make sure the work is done right, especially since his warranty is valid until 121,000 miles, or September 2029.

Advice from another Tundra truck owner

Another Tundra owner shared his experience and said that Adam might not want to rush the repair.

“If you just have residue and it's not actively dripping, I probably wouldn't mess with it if it was mine,” wrote Cox, owner of a Toyota Tundra.

This owner had a similar problem with his 2016 Tundra and after having the left cam tower resealed under warranty, he regretted it. The repair brought new problems, including a loose bolt and wire wheel debris that showed up in the oil after several oil changes. In hindsight, he felt the minimal leak should have been left alone.

So what should Adam do about the leak in his Tundra's camshaft tower?

Given Adam's feedback and concerns, I think he might consider the following step-by-step approach:

1. Get a second opinion: Before making any decisions, I think Adam should take his truck to another dealer or a trusted independent mechanic for a second opinion to confirm if the problem is indeed a cam tower leak or something less worrisome.
2. Research reputable dealers: Adam should follow his warranty provider's advice and look for dealers that have a good track record of dealing with camshaft leaks. Online reviews, forums like the Toyota Tundra Enthusiasts, and word of mouth from other Toyota owners can be invaluable in finding a trustworthy service center.
3. Consider the severity of the leak: If the leak is minimal and not actively dripping, it might be worth watching rather than fixing it right away. As the other Tundra owner mentioned, sometimes tearing the engine apart can do more harm than good, especially if the leak is minor. But I would only take that option after another mechanic checked the leak in my truck's cam tower.
4. Document everything: Adam should keep detailed records of all interactions with dealers and mechanics, including what was said and done during the inspection of his 2016 Tundra. This documentation can be crucial if problems arise later, especially with regard to the warranty.
5. Monitor the situation: If Adam decides to wait to repair, he should check the oil level regularly and look for signs that the leak is getting worse. If it starts to drip or the oil level drops noticeably between oil changes, it may be time to reconsider the repair option.
6. Information on the scope of the guarantee: Adam should thoroughly review his extended warranty to make sure he understands what is covered and under what conditions. Knowing the details can help him make an informed decision about when and where to have the repair done.

Adam's situation is a classic example of the dilemmas car owners face when considering potential repairs. On the one hand, fixing the camshaft leak could prevent future problems; on the other hand, unnecessary repairs could cause new problems. By taking the time to research, get second opinions, and carefully consider the severity of the problem, Adam can make the best decision for his 2016 Toyota Tundra.

Whether it's repairs or monitoring, the bottom line is staying informed and cautious. After all, the goal is to keep the truck running for many more miles without unnecessary headaches.

And you? What would you do if you were in a similar situation? Please click on the red link below and write your comment to join our discussion.

See also: Is it worth buying a Toyota Tundra with around 200,000 miles?

Armen Hareyan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which has since published expert news and analysis on the automotive industry. You can reach him at Torque news on TwitterFacebook, Linkedin and Youtube. He has over a decade of experience in the automotive industry with a particular interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.