Ignition coil retention screwholes in the valve covers stripped out when the screws were removed.

Is this something that happens normally when the spark plugs have never been replaced @ over 200k + miles. I took my 2009 Tacoma 4.0 v6 they replaced 4 then told me that 2 of the ICR screw holes in the valve covers stripped out when the screws were removed. They said that they installed slightly longer screws to hold them in. I only see one new one in place. The other 5 look to be original. Is this common or is this mechanic error? Not sure how 4 came off no issues and they are blaming maintenance upkeep on 2 screws? If so what is the best solution from here? Thanks in advance.

 

200K+ miles between spark plug replacement? Be happy they could get the plugs out with no damage. I use anti-seize on a lot of things.

 

Cant speak to the 200k issue.. I do plugs every 30k. That being said, those threads are machined into aluminum and not necessarily in an area subject to lots of corrosion. Seems just a bit suspect to me. (New kid using an impact in fwd instead of rev?)

Either way, good news is theres really not much force on those bolts other than holding the packs in. And theres lots of meat there, so worst case if a longer bolt doesnt work Id think that would be a pretty easy candidate for a heli-coil.

 

He said something about it and not sure if he completed that task. I am going back to toyota today and at least have him point out which other one stripped just in case something happens. Not taking it off road or anything so i am not super worried but dont want it to start misfiring the way it was before. Thanks for your input Z.

 

In my opinion if they broke it they should fix it properly.

 

You cannot blame mechanical failure on the mechanic when the truck has had no maintenance in 200,000 miles.

 

Sounds 50/50 so far. I appreciate the input all around. I bought this at 129k . I was not positive that the previous owner ever had them replaced. The Toyota dealer representative started the pick up vehicle conversation with...so this is the first time the spark plugs have been changed? My reply was that i was not sure. So they and I went off the assumption that this was the first time they had been replaced and yes it is my fault for not checking first before bringing it in. I called them assuming they wouldn't have time to do this service on a walk in for a a Tuesday. When i called @ 10am the rep said absolutely we can get it done for you today and have you ready by 3pm so I am a little sus that they might have tried to rush this service. I appreciate all mechanic and non mechanic input. I am not soley trying to blame the mechanic. Just want to know from everyones opinion though how often has this been an issue. Thanks again.

 

Yes I can.

I've never seen a bolt strip threads coming out.

The OP doesn't know if they were replaced or not. 200K miles on the originals seems far fetched IMO. We don't know what the maintenance was or was not done on this truck.

 

Right, far more likely they were cross threaded reinstalling them.

 

It's not the dealer techs fault, lefty loosey is lefty loosey. If that little 10mm bolt is stuck or won't spin its either the fault of rust or a previous mechanic (or nephew/neighbor/boyfriend/uncle/etc). Both of which are the responsibility of the person who purchased the vehicle, not the tech.

If I'm working on someone's car and the first bolt I touch breaks or strips, I immediately stop and call the customer. I'm not waiting until later that afternoon, or after lunch. The longer you wait the more it looks like you broke it.

I always remember the 3 Bs..

I didn't Build it
I didn't Buy it
I didn't Break it

 

Not at all normal the torque spec on those bolts is 9 INCH pounds IIRC, only slightly more snug than finger tight, and being on top of the motor they almost never corrode.

Sounds like a tech is handing off the responsibility of their mistake to you IMHO.

Only benefit of the doubt I can give is if the last person who did the plugs tightened the heck out of them and or used lock tite.

 

You’re just taking the dealer’s word for it, there are at least three ways the tech could have screwed up those threads. Or maybe he didn’t. But you have no idea since you’re basing your conclusions off an internet post with no photos of a vehicle you’ve never laid hands or eyes on.

 

What's wrong with taking a technician's word?

In my experience the vast majority of cars come in already broken, bolts already stripped, damage already done.. and we're left to clean up the mess


Also, everyone in this thread is basing their conclusions off an internet post with no photos.. not really sure what the point is there..

 

Not at all how the technician came across more so the Toyota rep up front answering phones and my questions. I never met or spoke to the technician. I am open minded for hearing how things went wrong and pointing out what could have been done to prevent things from happening. The rep was very careful not to say much when i picked up the vehicle and quoted over $3000.00 in repair in order to correct the situation. This is why I question what happened. Will post picks also not a problem. I regularly change oil and air filters every 3-4k. Again if this was something that technicians or anyone who works on tacomas regularly I would see how i am solely responsible for this damage.

 

There’s a difference between saying “this is absolutely what happened” and describing what’s in the realm of the possible….given only the information provided by the OP.

What makes an automotive tech (or service advisor) any more trustworthy than anyone else? Nothing. Possible the tech (or service advisor) was honest and correct. Also possible the tech (or service advisor) lied to cover up a mistake. There you have the full spectrum of humanity.

 

Also they said the 2 were already damaged and done with one phone call.They didn't pull one out and say oh crap lets give him a call. I received one phone call saying 2 of them had no thread left and that was that. No choices were offered to move forward after the first one. Just it was done and here is what it costs to fix the problem. From him (rep)being very happy and welcoming 255.00 Which was great ... to 3k plus in repair....and this is just a temporary fix.

 

When I did mine, first plug swap shortly after I got it at around 70k miles. Them bolts were in so tight I thought some might snap off. Bolts that size should easily come out with a 1/4 ratchet, I had to step up to 3/8 to crack em loose. I like to use antiseize on everything that doesn't call for locktight.

Things like oil change, spark plugs, battery swap are tasks shops give to junior. I'm thinking someone might have tried righty loosey.

First plug change at 200k sounds out there.

 

Correct me if I am wrong here.

The coil packs are bolted to the aluminum valve cover on the 1GR-FE engine. Even on the worst case and they replace the valve cover entirely how in the hell is that $3000. That is totally crackers.

That convinces me who I should believe. Hint: It isn't the dealer or service rep.

 

You can find good used Valve Covers for the 1GR-FE engine from 60 dollars up to 100 dollars used and new from the dealer for about $230 dollars each side.

That dealer is shady at best. 3000 - 230 for the valve cover leaves 2770 for labor. Did I say shady I should have said crooked.

 

Are you sure there isn't a crap ton of maintenance and extra stuff loaded on top of the valve cover repair? Get a written estimate with parts and labor so we can see everything they want to do and why it's 3,000$

That's why I'm thinking the plugs have already been replaced once or twice. Those valve cover threads could have been damaged years ago