Out of no where, Flashing CEL, multiple misfire codes, stability lights and an engine knock (2 Viewers)

[wengejor]

I hope you get to root cause on this with your 2nd opinion. Tuned in for the next update.

 

[leftfield6]

I went over to the Shop #2 parking lot with my tools and borescope yesterday, but kudos to the shop for pulling my LC inside. They had told me they were overfull with cars and would likely have to leave mine outside, but I guess they found a way to get it inside. Glad that it's protected, but a little bit bummed that I didn't get to scope that cylinder. Oh well, I'll find out what they say.

The specific diagnosis from the dealer was "broken valve seat, exhaust valve, cylinder #1". I'll let everyone know what Shop #2 says. If the piston and cylinder wall are undamaged, then I agree with the advice on this thread to replace the head. I know the maintenance history of this engine, and it has been very well taken care of. I'm thinking this valve issue is an anomaly.

 

[aztoytec]

Just an idea…. Why not send the head out to a machine shop and have it fixed? It would be a lot cheaper route and probably better than any reman head you’ll find.

 

[super90]

Just an idea…. Why not send the head out to a machine shop and have it fixed? It would be a lot cheaper route and probably better than any reman head you’ll find.

I agree. This would be the path I would take. You will know what you have going back on with certainty.

Just the labor to remove and send it out will high, but nowhere near $6k.

 

[leftfield6]

Okay, we have a real update. Shop #2 called, and it is indeed a broken exhaust valve in cylinder #1. This shop is a Toyota specialist with a great reputation (Pro Toys in Knoxville TN). They scoped the cylinder and confirmed the broken valve, that's the bad news. The good news is that the piston and cylinder walls show absolutely no damage, so it's just the head. They have located a low mileage head in Colorado that they are going to have shipped to them to install. 12 month warranty on the head and all work.

He said they have never EVER seen one of these engines do this. Said the other techs were coming over to see the "1 in a million" failure of this engine. They had a hard time believing this happened, but no engine is perfect. Hopefully, I have the unexpected failure out the way and I can get back to the uber-dependable Toyota experience.

 

[awesomeissquid]

The dealer said it dropped the valve seat but the second shop confirmed it was just the exhaust valve itself that dropped? So I assume either the valve stem broke or the retainer shims at the top of the valve came off. Weird.

 

[2001LC]

It would be nice to have understanding, the what? Did valve drop by keeps release, valve steam break or what. Or did valve seat release. or are one or both burnt. If a factory defect, how could it have take so long to show itself. We have seen burnt valves and or seats. These happen due to improper maintenance.

Pictures?

 

[excessive]

I wonder if the valve itself broke? does anyone know if the valves in the UZ are sodium filled, or solid?

 

[leftfield6]

I may have used the wrong language a few times in this thread, as it has gone back and forth. My understanding is that the valve seat broke, but I have not seen pics showing exactly that. I’ll ask the shop for photos, and I’ll also ask to retain the broken parts after the repair.

 

[abuck99]

and the old head as well-

 

[leftfield6]

Welp, here we go. I picked up the LC late yesterday and drove home (about 40 miles) with no issues other than a small dribble of coolant from the upper radiator hose. They reused my old hose and clamp, and one or the other has lost a little elasticity. Easy fix.

Here are some photos of the dropped seat in cylinder #1

 

[leftfield6]

More

 

[100serieslover]

WOW! Looks like you got SERIOUSLY lucky with the way that seat dropped! Nice!

 

[aztoytec]

Wow! That could have been so much worse .

 

[excessive]

dang. that is indeed a very rare failure on the 2UZ

 

[wengejor]

That's amazing.

 

[abuck99]

How’s the piston look? Looks like the seat is damaged-prob contact with valve but some tiny shrapnel is present on the seat

 

[Biga27110]

How much did the repair end up costing?

 

[leftfield6]

How much did the repair end up costing?

$3300. Used head with less than 100K that was cleaned and tested, 12K/1 year warranty on parts and labor.

 

[RND1]

Was it just a coincidence that this happened right after the dealer oil change?