Timing chain cover on 3.6R

227 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jbayless71, 2 d ago

jbayless71

Discussion Starter · 3 d ago

Had my 2013 3.6R Outback in the shop for a failed rear differential bushing when they pointed out that I have an oil leak from the timing chain cover.

Then I found out how much labor cost it takes to fix that. Oof.

I do not think it is a bad leak ... I have no oil dripping on the garage floor. My consumption has gone up a bit in the last couple of years ... usually needs a bit added before 3500 miles or so. I doubt that's from the cover, if there's nothing dripping?

The car only has 86,000 miles on it and it is in beautiful shape ... I bought it CPO in 2015 with 34K miles. What's the best course of action? Trade it? Just keep an eye on the consumption? Or shell out $2000+ for a fix?

Thanks!

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seagrass

· #2 · 3 d ago

Just keep an eye on it, I doubt it will get any worse.

You may need to clean off the oil/dirt residue periodically but that is about it.

Seagrass

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cardoc

· #3 · 3 d ago

Can you post a picture? It may be an easy repair at your next oil change with a $5 gasket. The oil cooler gasket will eventually leak and leave oil residue around the timing cover and cooler.

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YeuEmMaiMai

· #4 · 3 d ago

it may not bee your timing chain cover, it make be your valve cover gaskets

clean area and put cardboard under engine. start engine and run until warm. turn off and come back in a few hours and check.

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jbayless71

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 d ago

cardoc said:
Can you post a picture? It may be an easy repair at your next oil change with a $5 gasket. The oil cooler gasket will eventually leak and leave oil residue around the timing cover and cooler.

Here are some pics from the inspection video.

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cardoc

· #6 · 2 d ago

Is there an oil trail from up top around the oil filler?

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jbayless71

Discussion Starter · #7 · 2 d ago

Thanks! I'll check when we get back from weekend travel.

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