Oil leaks can be difficult to track down the exact location of the leak. They also can vary widely in repair costs from less than $100 to over $1000. Also if you aren’t seeing drips on the ground do you really need to fix it?
We’re going to talk about a timing cover oil leak, it’s potential fixes, and how to decide if it’s worth spending the money on in your vehicle to help you live a leak free life!
Timing cover oil leak repairs tend to be some of the most expensive oil leak repairs that you can have done on your vehicle. To understand why it’s important to understand what your timing cover is. The timing cover on your motor is at the front and is a large cover that goes over your camshaft timing components, most usually a timing chain. If your vehicle has a timing belt there isn’t a need for a timing cover on your motor as the timing components aren’t lubricated with engine oil.
The timing cover is a notorious leak location on many vehicles due to the timing cover’s large size, awkward shape, and multiple joints that need to be sealed. On top of that, your timing cover will also have an oil seal where your harmonic balancer is attached to the front of your crankshaft. Before you pull your timing cover off make sure your oil leak isn’t actually coming from this seal! The harmonic balancer seal is much easier to change than the timing cover gasket so if you can prove that seal is your leak location, you can save lots of time and money!
If you do end up having a timing cover oil leak, the good news is it’s probably not that severe. Since the timing cover is just a cover, there isn’t any pressurized oil behind it so leaks are often relatively slow meaning if you absolutely need to, you can keep driving with this leak as long as you keep an eye on your oil level. The real danger of driving with a timing cover oil leak, besides a low oil level, is getting engine oil on your engine belt. The oil will degrade your engine belt quickly and can allow it to slip on the pulleys it drives which causes a new set of problems and can leave you stranded and damage your engine. If you’ve got an oily engine belt, fix your timing cover oil leak ASAP!
Timing Cover Oil Leak Fixes
The only two options for fixing a timing cover oil leak is to restore the gasket or replace the gasket. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak can restore your timing cover gasket or front crank seal stopping your oil leak if repacing the gasket doesn’t make sense if your vehicle.
Replacing the timing cover gasket often requires removing the valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets so it’s a great time to replace them as well! Doing this job generally will leave your engine completely leak free and looking like new!
You can pick up BlueDevil Head Gasket Sealer at one of your local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- CarQuest Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Canadian Tire
- Walmart
Pictures Provided By:
oily_engine.jpg – By Undefined – Licensed By Getty Images – Orignal Link
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Hi
I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, it has been blowing a lot of white fine smoke. I felt it was a head gasket leak and went ahead and purchased the Radiator and block sealer, I went through the process as described on the container and it did not help. my next step was to purchase the large Head Gasket sealer, I have used approximately 3/4 of the container and there is still a considerable smoke emission.
My question is should I put another bottle through, run the engine more (I have not been on the road much because of the smoke)
I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank You. Wally Eagle
Walter-
Thank you for asking about your Mitsubishi Montero Sport. When did you use the product? According to the capacity table, you should have been using a little less than half of the 32 oz. bottle for your 10.6 quart capacity cooling system. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
hey, I have a 2003 lincoln navigator I just bought i was wondering if there’s anything I can do to seal a crack in the timing chain cover. not the gasket. Just to be able to drive it about 15 miles to my mechanics business
Kevin-
Thank you for asking about your Lincoln Navigator. Unfortunately, we do not manufacture a product for the type of leak you’ve described. Our Oil Stop Leak would only have an affect on rubber seals/gaskets. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi i have 2007 yaris sedan since i have replaced timming chain im experiencing oil leak
Sweetness-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Yaris. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. As long as the leak isn’t more than seeping or lightly dripping, you would be a good candidate for the product. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello I have an 2008 lexus 350 I have my oil changed today 6/24/2020 a not on my bill indicated my timing cover is seeping the repair shop indicted they would monitor it. How serious of a problem is this if so should I have them repair it . I’m 91 years old & do not understand problems such as this. I did not know that this model of lexus had a timing belt or chain.
Ken-
Whether the leak is coming from the timing cover or timing cover gasket, the problem would be the potential of oil getting onto the belts. Oil on the belt could cause it to slip on the pulleys it drives, which causes a new set of problems and can leave you stranded and damage your engine. It would be best to have the timing cover replaced sooner, rather than later.
Thank you!
-BDP
hi would this repair a oil leak coming from the timing chain tensioner o ring from a 04 toyota matrix?
J-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to treat the leak you’ve described. You should expect to start seeing improvement after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello. I have a timing chain cover leak on my Volvo xc90 v8. What type of product should I use?
Jorge-
We recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak for the timing chain cover gasket leak on your Volvo XC90. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi
I have a 2005 Toyota Matrix. The local Toyota dealer inspected the vehicle recently and said the timing cover is leaking oil (they showed it to me). The leak isn’t too bad yet, as I have not added any oil since changing it 3 months ago and it is not leaving any drips where the car is parked. However, they said the gasket is probably failing and it will get worse over time. What do you recommend?
Kevin-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Matrix. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak for your timing cover gasket leak. You should expect to see results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2004 Ford Escape. Is has a timing cover leak. I used your product about 2 months ago seemed better but still leaking. Should I try again
Bob-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Escape. If you noticed improvement with the first application, a second application would be worth while. Please contact our technical support line so that we may assist you in giving this another try.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2003 Toyota Highlander that my mechanic says is leaking oil from the timing cover. Would your product be beneficial for a short term fix?
Joseph-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Highlander. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to seal a leaking timing cover gasket. Once the product seals, it would be a permanent seal. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello –
You say “If your vehicle has a timing belt there isn’t a need for a timing cover on your motor”. I have a 2011 Audi A4, quattro, manual transmission, and I believe it has a timing chain instead of belt. I am bit confused about you sentence and how it relates – is there NO leak if car has timing belt then?
Nonetheless, when looking under the car, there appears to be a very small leak (about 1 pint in 4 months) coming from the top, from likely the timing cover. At first I thought the drain plug was not secured tightly so I had replaced with new. The oil pan gaskets look moist but does not seem to leak oil (Wiped clean and checked after an hour).
I wanted to know if this product can solve this small leak, and where do I pour the solution??
Thanks
Oswald-
Thank you for asking about your Audi A4 Quattro. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to stop a leak coming from the timing cover gasket. The product is intended to treat rubber seals/gaskets. It would not have any affect on any other type of material. You would add the product the same place you add your engine oil. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I appreciate your reply… Just bought one, shipped and sold by Amazon. TY
i have a 2000 plymouth neon. just over a year ago i swapped out the original engine,with very high mileage,and replaced it with a lower mileage engine. at that time we replaced the timing belt, gasket seal, and water pump. i’ve put on maybe 20 k since then. recently we replaced a bad crankshaft sensor and discovered oil leaking onto the belt. must have come through the gasket seal. the gasket seal is still relatively new and should have prevented oil leaking onto the belt. so how would blue devil help reseal and prevent oil leaking onto the belt whose gasket seal isn’t that old and should still be in fairly good condition?
John-
Thank you for asking about your Plymouth Neon. Keep in mind, age can also play a factor in the longevity of a rubber seal/gasket. Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. The product is intended for leaks that are seeping or lightly dripping, and would be able to seal a leaking timing cover gasket.
Thank you!
-BDP
so am i using both the rear main seal treatment as well as the oil stop leak?
John-
BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is more concentrated and is the universal application that will work for various leaks such as oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is less concentrated and specifically formulated exclusively for leaking rear main seals. If you are not 100% sure where the vehicle is leaking or there seem to be multiple leaks then we recommend using BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. It is not necessary to add both products simultaneously.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L Prerunner, love the truck to death body has 263k and a rebuilt engine with only 110k on her. I noticed a small oil leak when parked on an angle on a driveway and took it into the shop had it lifted and inspected with the results of my mechanic saying that the timing chain cover had a very small leak. Mechanic quoted me 1300$ for the job but also said its not dire with the small leak. He said its safe to drive but to carry oil and check levels every couple weeks. MY father recommend this product and swears by it. What do you think? Im a broke college student trying to save my daily driver.
Andrew-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Tacoma. Based on your description, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. The product is intended for small leaks and would be able to treat a leaking timing cover gasket. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Is this a one time application or will I need to add it each time I change the oil? I have a 2012 Ford Escape and was advised by the mechanic at the dealership I had a timing cover leak, and that it would be over $1400.00 to fix it. I’m a senior on a fixed income and need another option. I’m hoping this product will work.
Deborah-
Once the product seals, it would be a permanent seal. You should only need to use the product once. It is not one of those things that needs to be added with every oil change. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello, my 2006 Cadillac DTS appears to be leaking from a few areas: the timing cover seal, oil pan gasket, and maybe a valve cover gasket. I’d like to know which stop leak product you would recommend I try for reconditioning these seals? With so many leaks should I even make an attempt with a seal conditioner or would it be better to just drop the engine cradle and reseal the engine? The car is at 120,000 miles, so I’m sort of at that point where I’m wondering if it’s worth dumping more money into it.
Brian-
Thank you for asking about your Cadillac DTS. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. The product works by revitalizing and reconditioning rubber seals/gaskets, and would be able to seal leaks coming from the areas you’ve described. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a town and country 200 van and I have a oil leak somewhere above the sensor I’m a woman and don’t have no one to help me so just needed to know if one of your products would maybe help ..thank u. Also it runs hot fast do u know what that could be
Angel-
Thank you for asking about your Chrysler Town & Country. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. You should expect to start seeing improvement after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I’ve got a 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage with a small timing cover leak, I’m worried about putting your product in the engine to stop the leak.
1/ It’s a dry sump system does this have any bearing on how it works ?
2/ does the product effect the way the oil lubricates the engine ?
3/ is there any gum or residue which could effect any engine parts
4/ The car has the oil changed annually do you need to add the product again to the engine oil again to keep the leak at bay.
Thanks in advance
Chris-
Thank you for asking about your Aston Martin. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is 100% safe to use. The product does not harden or thicken in anyway, so it would not clog flow or restrict ports. It does not “gum up” what so ever. Also, the product does not affect the viscosity of the oil. Once the product seals, it would be a permanent seal. It is not the kind of thing you would have to add with every oil change.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello I went to get my 2008 Ford Edge diagnosed and they say it’s oil leaking from my timing cover. CouldI use your product.
Monique-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Edge. Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to treat a timing cover gasket. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2002 Chevy S10 4.3 l that we have replaced the timing cover twice and it’s still leaks What seems to be the problem can you please give suggestion
Steven,
Thanks for your question about your 2002 Chevy S10. Usually, if timing covers continue to leak it’s either because something is warped or the wrong sealant was used. After years of heat cycling, the timing cover can get warped or the alignment of the oil pan can change on the engine block, or sometimes even the engine block can get warped. This would make it difficult to get a good seal on the timing cover. If your timing cover uses a paper or rubber gasket this can be especially true. We recommend using an oil resistant RTV like Permatex Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV. Ensure to use enough to seal but not so much that it will squish into your engine or oil pan. It is also important to let it dry for 24 hours before using your truck again.
Thanks again for your question!
-BD Auto Pro
i have a 2001 au falcon with a small timing cover leak would one of your products stop this
Arthur-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to treat the small timing cover gasket leak on your Ford Falcon AU. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi Team,
I have 2010 Lexus ES350. I am experiencing some burnt smell when I park my car in the garage, but not noticing any oil drips on the floor.
The Lexus dealership said that there is oil leak from timing cover and lower camshaft housing. They wanted to charge $4300 to fix the issue.
Will your product resolve this issue?
Thank you in advance.
Okan-
Thank you for asking about your Lexus ES350. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is intended to treat rubber seals/gaskets, so it would be able to treat the leak from the timing cover gasket. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
Did you have any luck?
Seems all Lexus dealers think its $4300 to $4900 (or 32 hours ) put in that $30 gasket, cause money grows on trees.
Ron-
Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello, I have a 93 dodge dynasty with a 3.0 engine 6 cylinder car that has been leaking oil from under the passenger side of my car and put about 2-3 quarts of oil in it every couple of days. I have been told many different reasons as to what the problem is so im confused. I was told it was the timing cover gasket and it would be over $1000 to fix then I was told it was the valve cover gasket seal? So I just replaced the seal. Blue devil stop leak has bn highly recommended so I just purchased one and going to use it tomorrow. Do you think I’m at least headed in the right direction??please reply back saying that this looks promising. Thank you
Christina-
Thank you for asking about your Dodge Dynasty. Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak for your oil loss. The Oil Stop Leak is a universal application and would treat any of the rubber seals/gaskets in the system. This would be the best product to use if you have multiple leaks or are unsure exactly where the leak is coming from. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2008 escape with timing cover leak. starting to drip on floor. Should I change oil then dump in the seal leak stop? Do I need to put in less new oil if so?
Eric-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Escape. Unless you are due for an oil change within the next 300 miles, you would be fine to add the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak to your existing oil. If you do plan on changing the oil, it is not necessary to add less oil than usually would. The 8 oz. of product wouldn’t really be enough to move the level.
Thank you!
-BDP
My Toyota Highlander (2015) there is a oil leak coming from the timing chain gasket. Technician saying $2800 to fix the leak because they said it is a big job.
Is there anything I can do other than spending $2800 to fix it ?.
Govardhan-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Highlander. The BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to treat a leaking timing cover gasket. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have an leak from my timing gasket on a 2010 Chevy Malibu
Will blue devil oil stop leak work.
Mark
Mark-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to seal the timing cover gasket leak on your Chevy Malibu. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2015 VW Golf Sportswagen TSI that has been having low oil issues for about a year and a half now. I took it to my local VW dealership where they initially did an engine performance restoration on it. That didn’t fix it so they replaced the upper timing cover gasket. Still didn’t fix it. My oil is supposed to last 10,000 miles and the low oil level alert comes on at about 2,000 miles. Any ideas?
Ashley-
Thank you for asking about your Volkswagen Golf. Have you noticed any oil dripping to the ground or that your vehicle is burning oil? How much and how often are you having to add oil? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2013 Aston Martin Vantage. I have a slow leak on the front timing cover. I don’t know whether it’s a rubber gasket.
Can your product seal the leak. The car takes 10w 60 synthetic oil.
What quantity would you add to your oil.
Does it work with synthetic oil ?
Charles-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be able to treat the leaking timing cover gasket on your Aston Martin. The product is safe and compatible to use with synthetic oil. You should expect to see results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Honda CrV 2016 and I went to Honda Servce Cntre and they said they have to seal the Cover to avoid major Problems and Charge Me $310 is it Right?
Jerry-
Thank you for asking about your Honda CRV. To confirm, did they tell you the timing cover was leaking or that they wanted to use a sealant to prevent a leak from occurring? Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. Mechanic says the timing cover is leaking. We don’t drive this vehicle much anymore, a couple quick 20KM round trip a week. They wanted $1400 in labour to do a “timing cover reseal”. Will using your product solve this instead?
Mike-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Santa Fe. Based on your description, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving. It does not have to be a continuous drive. You are fine to drive the vehicle like you normally would.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello! What about a leaking timing cover on a 2014 Mercedes E350? Would you still recommend your product? Thanks
Lindsay-
Yes, the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak would be safe and compatible to treat the timing cover gasket leak on your Mercedes E350. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP