I'm shopping for a 2014-2016 Highlander. I have been researching online about the 2GR-FE and -FKS oil leaks. I have gone through many threads on this forum and watched a few Car Care Nut videos.
My understanding is that the timing cover leak on the firewall side of the engine where the head, block, and timing cover all meet is the most common concern (although there are other areas that can leak, of course).
Two part question:
A) Given how little space there is in the engine compartment, how would one go about inspecting for a leak if putting the car on a lift is not practical? For instance, do I need to turn the wheels to the left and be prepared to get really dirty by squeezing myself in as far as I can go?
B) If there is a leak, how do I determine if it really is a problem? I don't want my car leaking oil on the garage floor and putting something under the car to catch the oil is not an option.
One car I looked at yesterday (see photo) had a fresh oil drip and apparently a longer-term leak (both in close proximity of each other) as evidenced by the accumulated black grime. But the space was so tight it was nearly impossible with me laying on the ground to see any more than the photo shows.
(I think this is the banjo bolt for the rear bank VVT-I feed line and I don't know where the leak is actually originating from.)
![Image]()
My understanding is that the timing cover leak on the firewall side of the engine where the head, block, and timing cover all meet is the most common concern (although there are other areas that can leak, of course).
Two part question:
A) Given how little space there is in the engine compartment, how would one go about inspecting for a leak if putting the car on a lift is not practical? For instance, do I need to turn the wheels to the left and be prepared to get really dirty by squeezing myself in as far as I can go?
B) If there is a leak, how do I determine if it really is a problem? I don't want my car leaking oil on the garage floor and putting something under the car to catch the oil is not an option.
One car I looked at yesterday (see photo) had a fresh oil drip and apparently a longer-term leak (both in close proximity of each other) as evidenced by the accumulated black grime. But the space was so tight it was nearly impossible with me laying on the ground to see any more than the photo shows.
(I think this is the banjo bolt for the rear bank VVT-I feed line and I don't know where the leak is actually originating from.)
