Hyundai Elantra Timing Case Oil Leak

Ozbfan on 18/07/2024 - 22:38
Last edited 19/07/2024 - 08:58 by 1 other user

Had a service for my 2016 Elantra yesterday and they found a leak in my timing case, $515 to repair.

Took it to a local garage and they said it's the tiniest (few ml) amount and not to worry. After I discovered it's just leaking engine oil I was less concerned. Thought it might have been another fluid that's not easily replaced or able to be checked (shows how much I know about cars).

What are people's views on the products like Penrite engine stop leak, it says not to use for VVTI, which I believe mine is not, it's MPI, so guess its ok….or maybe not worth the risk?

I wonder how it stops leaks while still enabling the oil to flow freely.

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  MS Paint on 18/07/2024 - 22:53

  +5

  I personally wouldn't bother. The side effects can be worse than the potential cure.

  I think most people only use these products to hide a leak prior to selling a vehicle as they have no interest in future issues.

  Up to you though. YMMV.

  it says not to use for vvti, which I believe mine is not, its mpi, so guess its ok

  Two completely unrelated systems

  (shows how much I know about cars).

  Lol. Yes. You got that right.

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  Euphemistic on 19/07/2024 - 05:11

  +1

  Srop leak = bad, in general.

  If the leak isnt bad, do nothing. If its starting to drip on your driveway can either get it fixed or engine degrease a bit more often.

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  pegaxs on 19/07/2024 - 06:24

  VVTI and MPI are two completely different things. Totally unrelated to each other for the most part.

  Dont put stupid additives in your oil to stop leaks, they are snake oil in a bottle and usually do more harm than good. They are usually designed to make shaft seals softer in the hope of making them seal better and it’s a temporary fix at best.

  Clean the area down thoroughly with some degreaser and keep an eye on it. It is only really an issue once it gets to the point that it is dripping. If it is only weeping or wet in the area, just check it every now and then, or keep an eye on here you park. First sign that it has dropped any oil on the ground, get it repaired.

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  JIMB0 on 19/07/2024 - 07:42

  +6

  When the leak gets bad you can just top up the oil and never need to worry about changing it.

  • 

    Sye on 19/07/2024 - 10:07

    +3

    This one simple trick mechanics don't want you to know.

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  Baysew on 19/07/2024 - 08:59

  Took it to a local garage and they said it's the tiniest (few ml) amount and not to worry.

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  TrdiK89 on 19/07/2024 - 09:01

  +2

  Leave it or fix it.

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  pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 10:15

  If your that concerned, get a few quotes from other workshops and get it fixed.

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  DashCam AKA Rolts on 19/07/2024 - 10:23

  +2

  I've watched Wheeler Dealers, you need to get a tube of bathroom type silicone and enclose the leak area, then sell the car quickly.

  • 

    Gdsamp on 19/07/2024 - 10:40

    -1

    if its a 2016 MD elantra probably a good idea too. piston slap awaits and it is terminal

    • 

      Ozbfan on 19/07/2024 - 21:34

      It actually an AD, do you think piston slap is a problem with that?

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        Ozbfan on 19/07/2024 - 21:44

        I’m in two minds about trading it in while things are still working.
        however its difficult being 200cm tall, not much on the market that is as big as my elantra. The new ones are smaller re legroom, even the new sonata has less legroom. Hyundai dealer reckons its because they are more sporty now (no sonata base model available in aus) and they make them tighter.

        As a result only reasonable solution appears to be a model 3 tesla, although they aren’t known for their reliability.

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  CurlCurl on 19/07/2024 - 12:15

  Are you having an eight year old car serviced by the dealer? If yes, why?

  • 

    MS Paint on 19/07/2024 - 12:35

    Some cultures still practice self abuse.

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    Ozbfan on 19/07/2024 - 21:39

    -1

    Two reasons:
    1. If shit does hit the fan, engine blows up etc, would likely be in a better spot to argue ACL warranty and hyundai may be more receptive if I have always serviced at dealer. I successfully argued to get a refund (after I paid to have the door actuator fixed around $650) after it broke at about the 6.5 year mark.
    2. Its not really anymore expensive, just had the 130k service, it was $330, looking on autoguru, seems reasonable, also they renew the icare nrma for another 12 months which is included.

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  doctordv8 on 19/07/2024 - 14:24

  These treatments 'Soften' the sealing compound, eventually so soft they fail and leak more.
  Your concern is… where is the leak from? Gasket, Crank/Cam seals, metal to metal sealants?Metal running surface damage?

  After 40 yrs doing engines, get the shop to degrease the engine. Have it checked by the SAME technician at gradually increasing intervals, 20, 50, 100 klms to identify the severity.

  Then a correct diagnosis and prognosis can be made on 'When' without any assumptions.

  • 

    Ozbfan on 19/07/2024 - 21:57

    Yeh the recommended work said replace gasket, and i believe the other mechanic saw a small leak near the gasket so seems minor.

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  Boioioioi on 19/07/2024 - 15:12

  VVTI is Toyota's brand name for Variable valve timing. Most engines do have that, including Hyundai ones, I forget the name of what their tech is called. Each brand has their own lingo for the similar thing. E.g. Honda VTEC, Mitsubishi Mivec

  MPI stands for multi point injection referring to your style of fuel injection.

  Two very different things. Don't use that random stuff just leave it be and fix if you need it later.

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    Ozbfan on 19/07/2024 - 21:40

    Thanks, seems like the general consensus is to avoid the stuff.

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  dkwon10 on 21/07/2024 - 15:31

  Damn this post is stressing me out as I'm scheduled to service my 2017 elantra sr turbo in 2 weeks time