Engine Failure at 35k

4/11/19 CEL pops up. No discernible difference in power, no vibrations. I stop in at a tire place to run the code. "Improper air/fuel ratio in cylinder #1"

4/12/19 Drop the truck off at Metro Toyota in Cleveland. I told them I was going out of town for a few days, let me know whats up.

4/15/19 Metro calls me to confirm "improper air/fuel ratio" code. Tech and service manager have never seen that before so stand by for more info.

4/16/19 Metro calls me to drop the big one on me. Cylinder #1 failed compression test. Regional tech is advising to pull the engine and remove the head for further diagnosis.

4/17/19 Metro calls to tell me that after removing the head, a worn valve guide and pitted valve were discovered. Regional tech is instructing them to order a new head and 1 new valve. Reinstall everything else from the old head and reinstall. If the customer wants new head studs he can buy them himself.

4/17/19 I call Toyota Customer care to clear things up. I told them I at the very least need a new engine because I didn't feel like Metro or the regional tech were pursuing a proper fix to the issue. They said they would get back to me with an answer.

today 4/22/19 Customer care calls me back to inform me that they are going to repair the head how they want to. Used parts and all. If you want to pursue a buy-back then you can apply for that if you want to. Toyota has 30-45 days to respond to your request. Have a nice day.


Just sharing my experience. I feel like I'm getting completely screwed over here. No cause for the issue was given, so whats to say that in another 35k, this thing doesn't eat another valve. And then its out of powertrain warranty.... I'm going to stop by the dealership tonight to see if I can get some pics of this thing.

Update 4/22/19

Sorry no pics but I did put my eyes on this thing tonight. 1 exhaust valve guide is worn pretty bad. A lot of wiggle if you drop a valve back in there.

Anyways. The tech had the engine pretty much put back together. Looking at all of his RTV handiwork oozing and dripping out all over the place really sealed the deal for me. You guys said I have stage 1 buyers remorse, it’s more like a 9 now.
I have to trade it in.

 

Lose confidence in your ride? Fix it and then trade it in.

 

Aren't head studs torque to yield. Thought it wasn't really a good idea to reuse them.

 

They're repairing the issue... case closed... IMHO.

Can't expect a whole new motor, because a single aspect failed.

 

OP you own this truck or are you leasing?

 

This is correct for most things I’ve worked on, almost always toss them and replace. Either way not an expensive thing to replace, funny there not changing them. Did they tell you the cost of the studs OP ?

 

But you can expect new parts and not used junk. And extended 100k mile power train warranty.
When the oil line in my Bimmer turbo leaked they did replace with new, not just that they also have me a brand new turbo due to possible oil starvation

 

Sounds like you got your Taco from the bell...hehe. I’ll see myself out

 

They didn't give me a price. I'm obviously not going to buy them.

Im used to replacing all of the not so expensive stuff when I work on my cars. If I was footing the bill it would have at least a new HG, studs, and timing set. Not Toyota though lol

 

I own it.

 

It is common to replace the damaged parts only, this is not just a Toyota thing.

Ask them to see the service procedures.
If Toyota requires stud replacement than they should be replaced and Toyota should pay for it.

 

That’s kind of what I was getting at, if the studs are only like $50 or even $150, you’d think they would just replace them.

 

This

 

ARP makes nice ones that are proven!
I don’t know what exactly this engine calls for. It may depends on materials of block and head.

 

I didn't think of that. Will do

 

If the studs are torque to yield, then yeah, you 100% need new studs. If they're not then they can be reused without an issue. Since this engine is also used in a twin turbo application (and also given that Toyota isn't General Motors) I'm guessing the head studs are oversized for what is needed in the Tacoma, so they're not torque-to-yield.

"Worn valve guide and pitted valve" sounds like dealer speak for FOD or a fractured valve. Not exactly a common issue but it happens. If your piston is okay I don't see the issue with slapping a new head on top of it.

 

The 3.5 is used in a twin turbo?? Where?

 

Lol at thread

 

New parts to replace the broken components, sure. Plus, I believe they have to warranty the repair.

But replacing unharmed components with new ones, just because... yeah, that ain't gonna happen. If they reuse the studs, bolts, wires, oil, etc, and that causes a problem further down the road... they'll be on the hook for it. But just because they have to remove the hood to get to the broken components, doesn't entitle you to a new hood.

 

My thought. No need to replace a motor for a bad spark plug. Its just a part that can be replaced. Just let them fix it, warranty the work and move on.