Cracked Appearance On Front Of New Engine

I'm guessing you didn't read any of the other posts in this thread...

 

I did read the thread lol. I was just wondering if anyone actually were advised from the dealer on this? Any additional info on this topic would be great Thanks!

 

There’s nothing to be gained from going to the dealer, if any work is done it’ll be unnecessary and then you’re depending on the tech doing the work properly.

Or it’s deemed normal and you get on with your day.

You’ll see it’s extra metal on top of the surface and not into it so hey, you got some extra aluminum for your dollar!

 

Agreed.


After +40,000 miles the cover on my 2022 SR-5P looked as smooth as the one above.

These 2 photos below are of my 2024 ORP the day I took delivery of it, with 40 miles on the clock.





It sort of bugs me, but I’m not losing sleep over it, or enjoying my 4Runner any less.

I would be curious if I could take it off and have it powder coated or painted. I think a black crinkle finish would be sharp. Albeit no one would see it.

 

Holy cow. Curiosity killed the cat. So, I popped the the hood on my T4R and took a look at the front of my engine, including the areas that Newrnr (OP) and other members photographed in their pictures above. Scrutinized mine good.

Some of you say this is normal???? Man, I wonder.

I don’t see cracked appearances in the metal like that anywhere in those areas on my engine. (2022 SR5 Premium 4WD)

We have a neighbor with a 2021 T4R. I’ll take a look at his with him some day soon and report back here on what those areas of his 4.0 engine looks like.

 

"I would be curious if I could take it off and have it powder coated or painted. I think a black crinkle finish would be sharp. Albeit no one would see it." - go ahead
7th District. don't forget to shoot 4 hours video for tube

 

Few passes with some 220 will smooth it up a fairly good bit.

 

My 24 ORP has those cracks. I posted about it here.

My 1999 doesn’t but it’s also very dirty and didn’t clean it too much to inspect very close.

 

I would imagine they should be referred to as visible lines, as they aren't really cracks.

 

Yeah, they're strength lines, lol.

As others have said, since they're raised, it's actually the mold (at Toyota / supplier) that has small cracks / grooves. Someone pointed out that this is a low-stress application as the timing chain cover, so Toyota probably uses a relatively cheap aluminum casting process for this part.

 

Since this cover is known to leak oil when improperly installed, and very labor intensive to replace, that would be insanity.

Also, I don't know if you've actually painted uneven surfaces like this before, but even a rough coat (like bedliner-type finish) can make the lines even more visible.

 

Those are not cracks. Cracks go INTO metal, they don't come out of it.

Those marks are from cracks in the die and are normal.

 

Now I am going to have to take a close look at my 2024 4Runner tomorrow!
Hope I don't drink too much tonight!
Happy New Year.
2025-Strap in, Sit down, and Shut Up!

 

Is that where my Diet Coke Cans go?

 

^Negative. Diet Coke cans go to casting Pro wheels.

 

A junked cover like this would make for some nice wall art!

 

^Frame the water pump gasket and hang it on your wall, see what people say

 

I mean, modern art with phallusophical twist?
Philosophical… I meant philosophical.

 

Wish we could create an auto-reply of this comment for all future posts containing “engine cracks” in the title.

Because you know that even ten years from now, someone will buy a used ‘23 SR5 with 275k miles on it, and still ask about the “cracks” he discovered on the engine after he got it home…

 

That's when we tell him to T24-swap it for the turbo noises

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz9aQazPLTB/

 

In the casting industry the raised lines or "veins" are called "SPRUE" or casting veins. The veins protrude above the surface & cause zero concern, Perfectly normal & only cosmetic. If the Veins were inward into the surface that would still be OK as long as it passes the tolerances of depth Toyota accepts. Look for signs of oil seepage. The timing chain covers are inspected after casting & prior to the final machining of the cover. Any questionable casting are culled during first inspection coming out of the casting phase. Again, nothing to be concerned with, purely cosmetic, now get back to the concern about the oil change intervals & what oil is best