First encounter at the stealership

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DJWUZJ

DJWUZJ

10 Year
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Threads
41
Messages
525
Location
Fairfax, VA
A week into LC ownership, and with 123k on the clock, it was time to get my "new" ride into the Toyota Dealership for some service.

This weekend I did an oil change, and swapped out the plugs. I figured that with time being short, I'd leave the timing belt, water pump, thermo, etc to the local Toyota dealership.

After instructions to ONLY take care of these, as well as replace the crank seal, cam seals, idlers, tensioners, etc IF NEEDED (of course it was), they decided to just keep going.

They ended up swapping out the synthetic diff fluid that was previously replaced by the PO (MUD member) with whatever they decided to put in ($400 dealership cost incurred, that I plan to get back).

More than just griping, here are the questions:

- After inspection, it looks like the thermostat gasket was instead fulfilled with Black RTV Sealer. I know that this is good stuff, and have used it in the past on M35A2 hubs, but what are the thoughts on a dealer using this on the thermo?

- The engine seems to "bog" and "humm" a little more with the AC on... potential issue with the Accessory drive set-up now?

- Including the cost of parts (thanks Beno) total came to roughly $1600 - that includes nearly $1200 in Labor.

Thoughts?

I was in a rush to get out, and just got to look at the invoice now. Not a good first experience... but hopefully she's ready for another 100k!
 
Koons in Tysons Corner, I'm guessing. They have tried to rape me a few times, but without success. If you insist, the service writer will note that ANY addition work needs prior approval from owner. Get him to print you a copy.
The $400 diff fluid change is outrageous. You should get that one refunded if you can. Good hunting!!
 
DJWUZJ said:
- After inspection, it looks like the thermostat gasket was instead fulfilled with Black RTV Sealer. I know that this is good stuff, and have used it in the past on M35A2 hubs, but what are the thoughts on a dealer using this on the thermo?
Click to expand...

It's probably Toyota Black which is supposed to be better than the consumer products, not sure however if it meets Toyota's recommendation for the thermo Housing. Either way it's probably fine and simple enough to have them R&R later if it becomes an issue.

That $400 diff lube I must get a hold of! That stuff must be magic if it costs half as much as an ARB or almost as much as a gear set.... good luck with that one but the price seems criminal unless they removed and dissassembled the entire diff and licked out the old lube or something. Costs about $12 at my house with Mobil 1 (simple drain/fill, no licking).
 
They use the well-known Jiffy Lube strategy: Super special deal on the oil change then bulk your bill up with the 10 other "essential" items they found. Works like a charm on the soccer moms.
 
I have always used Toyota gasket maker on the t stat housings. There is s groove on the housing for it
 
FXR UPR said:
I have always used Toyota gasket maker on the t stat housings. There is s groove on the housing for it
Click to expand...

Yep. FIPG is the FSM way to do the thermostat housing. There IS no gasket, just a groove for FIPG. I've been using it a bit for other apps. Great stuff.
 
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