Hi, does anybody know a cheaper alternative fix for a timing cover oil leak on a 2007 Lexus ES 350? I was told that the leak is from the front timing cover where the bank 1 cylinder head, engine block, and timing cover meet from the RTV front cover seals and or from the seal behind the crank shaft. I was quoted $1,615 from that same mechanic who did the diagnosis and that was back in September of 2021 as I'm sure it's even more expensive now.

A different mechanic recommended Blue Devil Oil Stop Leak and I tried it with it not working, the company is saying I need to drive like 300 miles in order for it to take effect but I know there’s really no “mechanic in can”.

I want to try another alternative or fix as it's a very expensive job that requires taking everything apart and not worth paying that much for an 18 year old car with 112K but the oil leak bothers me as the rest of the car is overall major problem free.

It's leaking slow and I never once had to refill oil or be at danger of losing heavy oil. I know I can drive with it and not have any issues but it’s annoying to constantly clean my garage floor plus an annoyance and inconvenience to me especially if and when selling the car. Like who is seriously going to agree to buy a car that’s leaking oil? 🤦🏻‍♂️ I know I sure as hell wouldn’t.

I assume I would have to offer a big discount to compensate for the leak and the car isn't much already. So the other alternative is to keep it and drive it to the ground and then risk it eventually not being a car that runs. I parted a car before that was stuck on my driveway and refuse to do that ever again (1993 Lincoln Towncar). Does anyone have any solutions? Greatly appreciate each and every response in advance!

 

There is not fix out side of resealing the timing cover. Stop leak products don't work because the breach is RTV not adhering to the surfaces properly, lack of RTV or both. There is no rubber to swell which can slow down leaks. I have this leak on one of my cars I ignore it except 1-2 times/year I wash the engine bay.

 

Some engines leak. It’s common, and these are one. If this was a German engine, no one would bat an eye over this. It’s no big deal. If it drips enough to annoy you, put cardboard in the garage where you park. I can’t see the value of paying to get this done when it’s a virtual non-issue.

 

I fixed this on one engine but cleaning the surface and putting silicone on the outside where the head meets the block.