Leaking oil from the timing chain cover

Oil leakage in the timing compartment of an engine can be caused by a variety of factors. Some common causes include:

1. Worn or damaged valve cover gasket: The valve cover gasket is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the timing compartment. If this gasket becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
2. Worn or damaged timing chain cover gasket: The timing chain cover gasket is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the timing compartment. If this gasket becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
3. Worn or damaged oil pan gasket: The oil pan gasket is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the timing compartment. If this gasket becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
4. Worn or damaged crankshaft seal: The crankshaft seal is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the timing compartment. If this seal becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
5. Worn or damaged camshaft seal: The camshaft seal is responsible for preventing oil from leaking out of the timing compartment. If this seal becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
6. Worn or damaged Timing chain tensioner: Timing chain tensioner is responsible for maintaining proper tension on the timing chain. If this tensioner becomes worn or damaged, oil can leak out of the compartment.
7. Worn or damaged Timing Chain: Timing chain is responsible for maintaining proper timing of the engine. If the timing chain becomes worn or damaged, it can cause oil leakage in the timing compartment.
8. Low oil level: If the oil level in the engine is low, it can cause oil to leak out of the timing compartment.

It's important to address oil leaks as soon as possible, as they can lead to serious engine damage if left unchecked. To determine the exact cause of oil leakage, it's best to consult with a mechanic or take the car to the service center.

Take it to your local garage and ask them to check it out should cost no more than one hours labor.

If it's running I would sell it and get another vehicle the cost to repair out ways the vehicle worth

You have more problems than the timing cover. It sounds like your crank seal is gone, or you engine oil pump leaking. Your timing cover doesn't have oil in it. . Tell your 'Mechanic '' to take the timing cover off and see where it's coming from. And while you are there you should also change your water pump. They usually have about the same life span as the timing chain. Make sure you use all new gaskets O ring and seals. Let me know what it looks like after the cover is removed. You have to remove the valve cover on some toyotas to get at the cover. Hope this info helps keep me informed Cheers from Nova Scotia

About $400 to repair the leak assuming the cover is good and it doesn't need a timing chain.

Tow guy probably correct
If it has a chain and you have not been paying attention to regular services, it is possible for a badly worn chain to wear through the timing cover and let oil escape
The mechanic you took it to was probably not properly qualified as he should have seen the oil spray , found the problem and gave you a report on what he found

YOU NEED TO REPLACE TIMING COVER OIL SEAL AND THE TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER.REPAIR SHOP WILL CHARGE YOU PLUS LABOR.ABOUT $500.00

if the front seal leak you can just replace the seal, if the timing cover is leaking then you will have to remove the cover. while you are in there, I suggest that you go ahead to replace the timing chain ( timing set ), seal and a new cover. parts cost less than 100 dollars.

check your v-tec solenoidgasket mine was doing same thing it will not leak alot unless your driving it a high rate of speed and u will dump oil and not even notice it..

More than likely (and hopefully) it is the timing chain cover gasket. Common problem on Tauruses with the Vulcan V-6. Had the same problem. Replaced gasket and leak stopped. Not cheap if taken to a mechanic, but is doable if you have some experience and the equipment.