At 64,000 Miles My 2016 Toyota Tundra Has a Cam Tower Leak, But My Worry Is The Dealership

Adam, a 2016 Toyota Tundra SR5 Long Bed owner with 64,000 miles on the odometer, this morning shared a concern in the Toyota Tundra Enthusiasts forum. He suspects his truck has a cam tower leak. For those not familiar, a cam tower leak occurs when oil seeps from the area where the camshaft housing (the cam tower) meets the engine block. While it may sound like a minor issue, it can become a significant problem if not addressed properly.

Adam noticed oil residue along the gasket area when inspecting his truck from the front passenger wheel well. This residue raised red flags, especially when comparing his vehicle to his brother's, which was "clean as a whistle." When he took the truck to a local dealer, they dismissed it as the engine "sweating" oil, a term that made Adam question the dealership's professionalism.

"Brought to a local dealer months ago when I suspected it and they said that the engine was just "sweating" oil. Pretty crazy terminology for a professional mechanic huh?"

Not satisfied with this response, Adam reached out to his extended warranty provider, who confirmed that the warranty would cover the repair of his Tundra's cam tower leak.

The warranty provider, a former Toyota mechanic, advised Adam to research dealerships that have successfully performed this type of repair. Adam wants to ensure the job is done correctly, especially since his warranty is good through 121,000 miles or until September 2029.

Advice from a Fellow Tundra Truck Owner

Another Tundra owner chimed in with his experience, suggesting that Adam might not want to rush into the repair.

"If you just have residue and it’s not actively dripping, I probably wouldn’t mess with it if it were mine," Cox, a Toyota Tundra owner wrote.

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

So what should Adam do about his Tundra's cam tower leak?

In my opinion, given the feedback and Adam's concerns, here’s a step-by-step approach he could consider:

1. Get a Second Opinion: Before making any decisions, I think Adam should take his truck to another dealership or a trusted independent mechanic for a second opinion. This will confirm whether the issue is indeed a cam tower leak or something less concerning.
2. Research Reputable Dealerships: Adam should follow the advice of his warranty provider and research dealerships with a good track record for handling cam tower 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 monitoring rather than repairing immediately. As the other Tundra owner mentioned, tearing into the engine can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if the leak is minor. But again, I would choose this option only after having another mechanic looking at my truck's cam tower leak.
4. Document Everything: Adam should keep detailed records of all interactions with dealerships and mechanics, including what was said and done during inspections of his 2016 Tundra. This documentation can be crucial if any issues arise later, especially with the warranty.
5. Monitor the Situation: If Adam decides to hold off on the repair, he should regularly check the oil level and look for any signs of the leak worsening. If it starts to drip or if the oil level drops noticeably between changes, then it may be time to revisit the repair option.
6. Understand the Warranty Coverage: Adam should thoroughly review his extended warranty to ensure he understands what is covered and under what conditions. Knowing the specifics 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 dealing with potential repairs. On one hand, addressing the cam tower leak could prevent future issues; on the other, unnecessary repairs might introduce new problems. By taking the time to research, seek second opinions, and carefully consider the severity of the issue, Adam can make the best decision for his 2016 Toyota Tundra.

In the end, whether to repair or monitor, the key is to stay informed and cautious. After all, the goal is to keep the truck running smoothly for many more miles without unnecessary headaches.

What about 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.

Also see: Is It Worth to Buy a Toyota Tundra With Around 200k Miles?

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.