by eaglered_77, December 16, 2009
eaglered_77
Recently took my Corolla for a 120K Service. Everything checked out fine except there seems to be a "Timing Chain Tensioner Leak". I've been monitoring my oil levels and there doesn't seem to be any visible leak. Any ideas on what might be leaking exactly ? How long do these tensioners last ? Is it a simple fix ?
Recently took my Corolla for a 120K Service. Everything checked out fine except there seems to be a "Timing Chain Tensioner Leak". I've been monitoring my oil levels and there doesn't seem to be any visible leak. Any ideas on what might be leaking exactly ? How long do these tensioners last ? Is it a simple fix ?
Fairly common issue with the older 1zzfe engines. I have experienced this before working on friends and family vehicles. There is an o-ring around the tensioner which dries out or becomes brittle after awhile resulting in an oil leak.
My 2004 still doesn't leak at 119000 miles. If it did, I would only replace its O-ring. Here it is when I pulled it out at 100K to adjust my valves. Second pic shows a leaky timing chain tensioner on a 2007 S from below (camera was near exhaust manifold). It's on the back of engine head near serpentine belt tensioner.
http://hotimg18.fotki.com/a/66_186/75_40/tensioner-001.jpg
http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/209_196/226_80/tensionerleak.jpg
Refer to pages 8, 9 and 10 for removal and installation:
tensioner is cheap, why take out a 100k mile part to put it back in? replace it, it comes with the o-ring on it.
Topic List: Go to Toyota Corolla, Chevy Prizm (1998-2008)
