Dealership dropped something in cylinder head during spark plug replacement

Of what I can see you definitely have a damaged cyl head and impact damage on the piston . Now I can't see the whole cylinder but what i can see there's still a good cross hatch pattern indicating a good ring seal surface

What I'm looking at is a new loaded cyl head (all valvetrain components installed) .You'll also need a new piston as the impact damage possible collapsed the ring lands . Now back to the cyl head I've seen aluminium cylinder heads much worse than that and a competent race engine shop weld that combustion chamber up and re machine the chamber back to specs


Now if it were my engine I would demand a new crate engine installed by the dealer with warranty . But now this is the issue , the damage done by your dealer will now be reported by Carfax so yes there will be a diminished value set on it

 

The best they may do is replace the head, possibly the piston, and inspect/replace rod bearing. If you're wanting a brand new crate motor dropped in you will probably have to take them to small claims court. The best I would try to go for before going to court route, is a new cylinder head on that side, and a engine rebuild at a highly rated engine shop.

 

I would not trust the numb skull who ruined my engine or the jackasses that tried to cover it up with repairing it. New engine and compensation for reduced value at a minimum. You need to be in a strong negotiating position. Gotta start by demanding more than you deserve if you want to get what you’re owed. I turn into a real asshole when somebody lies to me.

 

That doesn't look like a pin from a tool. It looks like the remains of a bolt that the head has been sheared off. Looks shiny where the head of the bolt would be. I would almost say that it looks like the coil holding bolt was broken. When he had the spark plug out and removed the broken end of the bolt he dropped it and it fell into the spark plug hole. Hard to say but it seems to be the right size.

I can't think of a tool that would have a threaded pin like that with no head on it that would be used to replace the spark plugs.

 

I think the odds of getting a "New Engine" is very small at best. They are not obligated to make you better than you were before the incident. They are only obligated to make you whole to where you were before they broke it.

I know a lot are going to disagree with this but those are the facts. They may cave and do it, but that is very rare esp with the cost of a new engine. I think the best you will get is a repaired or used engine with a long extended warranty tacked on.

But it doesn't hurt to make your wishes known. I would however try and maintain a professional attitude, firm. Not ranting and raving, that usually gets you nothing but ill feelings.

 

Is the 'pin' laying just to the left of the exhaust valves?

 

Exactly.

 

As a tech for many many years and a Toyota tech for the majority of them, I second this! I would also say that if I heard something fall in or think I did, I wouldn't jump to removing the cylinder head... I would also go grab the borescope and look in the cylinder... I bet they started the engine and shit got real... Maybe the spark plugs they put in were too long? Although I'm not sure that there were any other denso plugs longer than the tacoma ones.
I'd have them show you the damage and get a second opinion from another dealer or trusted tech.

 

I would not settle for anything less than a complete NEW engine.

 

in the picture of the piston you can see where the " pin" part of a broken bolt possibly a 6mm bolt missing its head has damaged the piston there is a very good chance that the damage has cracked the top edge of the piston and has in turn pinched the piston ring in the upper grove. I'd want the piston and rings replaced along with the cylinder head repaired .

 

Guess the O.P. now knows why most of us do our own plugs!

 

Agreed

 

Flex head ratchets have a pin exactly like this that hold the head on. I can almost guarantee thats what it is

 

Ah, now I see. That ain't no pin.

 

Sounds about right for a flex head ratchet....Which is a tool to remove spark plugs...."technically" As a dealership management worker for the last 17 yrs, I can tell you that "Bitch Bitch Bitch" doesn't always work best. Call to have a quick meeting with Service manager & general manager about the situation.

Be polite and understanding but "very firm" that they can drop in a new long block to replace it, being very quick and cost efficient vs. repairing a damaged motor and dealing with returning down the road with questionable engine issues, pointing fingers back to this situation. Also don't accept a junk yard motor with equal miles....thats is just ridiculous

 

A long block is probably going to be the best you can get out of them. It will be way better than repairing this engine and hopefully as good as a crate engine.

 

Thanks everyone - I'll keep you posted after I chat with the dealer tomorrow.

 

if the bore is not damaged, replace the piston with new, transfer the rings if not pinched and replace the head with a service note that if there any future issues with rod/rod bearings in that cylinder in the future they are partially* responsible. The unfortunate part is that this is all going to be on the car fax report and yes, you may loose some resale value.

*if it is 250,000 miles later and that rod bearing gives you issues do you really expect them to fix it for free? 10,000 miles later, yes, it is on them.

 

All of the flex head ratchet pins I have ever seen as a head on it to act as a stop to prevent over tightening. The head usually fits into a counter sunk area in the handle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duxypQ66WcQ



Or

They are just tapped in and held by friction and a spline.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMHT3G_GJ3g

 

But I guess it really doesn't matter what it was... It was not a smart move to allow it to fall into the spark plug hole. I still don't see it happening as they stated.

I usually loosen the plug. Then use the socket and extension (without the ratchet attached) to remove the plug by hand and move it to the work area. Insert a new plug into the socket with extension and start the plug by hand and run it down. Then use the ratchet to tighten the plug.

Oh well. I wish you luck on your quest for a new engine or at least a long block.