Dealership dropped something in cylinder head during spark plug replacement

If you decide to let them repair the broken parts, get a second opinion. As a dealer tech for over 10 years I will tell you they are going to try to do bare minimum.
I’ve been looking to buy a 15 Tacoma, found one in great shape and low mileage. Sounded too good to be true and it was. Eventually pulled up internal repair order from Toyota dealer it was serviced at. Had a cyl head 2 valves and some main bearings replaced. I let that truck walk, not dropping a huge chunk of cash on that...THEY WILL DO THE MINIMUM!

They might get you a used long block, which has ? Mileage and may have sat out in the rain. My old dealer swapped in a long block that we poured water out of when we got it. Came back a year later. One tough 4.0cyl lol

I would push for a new long block!

 

I think you're right. The question is what will it take to make him whole. When I worked for an engine rebuilder in my youth, my boss didn't like to mix and match. Meaning that in this engine he woudn't have been OK with dropping a new piston and rings in one cylinder and the other five having years and miles of wear. Same with heads on V6/8. It was two or none. It wasn't a money thing because he often talked people out of having work done if the car a POS. Maybe it was his OCD, but that's my experience.

With that in mind what I would want is the bottom end rebuilt and new/rebuilt heads.

 

How many miles on that set of spark plugs?

Also, they can send a scope down with a light to look inside.

 

This is like when they dropped that dudes truck off the lift.

 

I’ll have you know, I’m a nice guy and you can ask my girlfriend....I ALWAYS finish first.

 

I’m curious which dealer since you are from my neck of the woods

 

looks like it might have been the pivot pin, but had the head sheared off? That doesn't bode well for any story about the damage being contained to cylinder 2.

 

First of all, huge thanks to everyone. This thread has been insanely helpful. I'm 1000x more informed than when I started this process.

I have another question: how do I quantify the change in market value of my truck under the condition that I drive out of there with a new engine.
It's relatively straightforward to figure out what my truck was worth when I brought it in, it's far less clear what I could sell it for after the new engine is replaced.

Just in case you were about to suggest I try to get a quote from Carmax I already tried, but they need to see the car (and it's in pieces).

 

Guess this was one of the dishonest ones lol.
You say new engine meaning new rebuilt or factory new ?

 

Of the head was sheared off, the engine probably did that and the other piece went out an exhaust valve or is lodged somewhere else

 

Scott made out pretty OK on that truck. I would know, I spent 6 hours in and around it on Tuesday.

 

Good point. Who really knows what got dropped down one or more cylinders.

 

That tech sure had a bad week. Dang!

 

It’s called law of bailment.... sadly, some folks on here are just too nice

 

New engine for sure, total bullshit

 

Dealer did this with my daughters Corolla but didnt know, when tech started it, he lunched the motor(piece of spark plug porcelin) - We got a new motor, although it took almost 3.5 weeks to get it all completed.. her car had 80k on it.

 

Hone up on the laws in your state BEFORE you speak w the dealer again.

I’d demand a new crate engine as this is the only mitigation you’re gonna get against the diminished value of a replacement engine. (Your Tacoma isn’t gonna be affected like a vintage Shelby would be by a replacement engine...).

Make it clear you’d accept the new engine w standard new truck warranty and you’ll go on your happy way. End of situation. If they balk, get an attorney.

 

So, how’d it go @willydidwhat ?

 

Well O.P. ?

 

This one might be reaching the point where it won't be prudent for me to update everything in real time. Happy to share the facts, but not as much of my personal commentary. I promise I'll give a lot more color once everything is resolved.

That said, I sent the dealership and its owners an email rejecting the offers they made to me. I've placed three alternate options in front of them asking them to make me whole, and ensure that I walk away from this whole fiasco not a penny worse. I've proposed:

1. They buy the truck for the replacement value of a similar or better Toyota Certified Pre Owned Vehicle
2. They outright replace it with a similar or better Toyota Certified Pre Owned Vehicle
3. They replace the engine with a new one and give me some cash (sorry, not going to share this number right now) to compensate for the reduction in resale value

Wish me luck.