2004 Mazda Tribute Timing chain cover oil leak

ALASKAJR47

MEMBER
2004 MAZDA TRIBUTE
3.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
77,000 MILES

I took my tribute to the dealer to have a recall work done. The mechanic told me I had an oil leak from my timing chain cover. They want 1400.0 to fix it. I don't know how long I have been driving with this leak, but there is no oil on the ground were I park my. They said that it blows back and only leaks when driving. He checked the oil and said it was full. I don't have the money to fix it right now. How serious is this and can I go without fixing it a few months until I come up with the money. You would think that if it has been leaking for some time the oil level would be low. I had the oil changed in December and haven't checked it since then, but he said the oil level was ok. Any suggestions?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Wow, that's a lot of money for the job. As far as needing it to be done, any leak should be addressed. However, if the oil level remains full, it must not be a major leak.

As far as the oil blowing back while driving, yes that can happen. However, when you park, I would think some residual oil would still drip.

If you look under the vehicle, do you see any evidence of oil blowing back from the front of the engine? Also, have you ever noticed a burning smell?

I attached a pic below of the timing chains on this engine. They are located at the very front of the engine. The cover they are referring to goes over them. Take a good flashlight and see if you notice anything.

Also, the bottom pulley on the engine is the crankshaft pulley. There is an oil seal there as well. Check if it looks wet. And certainly, look under the vehicle for evidence of what they mentioned.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)