Crystal Ball ?? 150 series cracked piston @112 000 km

[flyfishingman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close flyfishingman]

Hi guys,

First time on any forum. I have a Dec 2009 (the first of the current body shape) D4. #1 piston has cracked at 112 000 km and 3 years, 3 months young. It has never been chipped and Dealer has done all servicing less one of oil, oil filter and air filter that I did at 82000.

The local Toyota dealer is putting together a quote. They tell me that after independent inspection there is nothing wrong with the injector.

I am hoping that Toyota come to the party with warranty but I am suspicious that they will not.

Any crystal ball predictions from those that have had the same issues???

Any help with evidence that it is a common problem??

Cheers Peter

[SWR Banned Find all posts View Profile Close SWR]

Gday flyfishingman

I personally would get a second opinion on the injector values (Engine stood over night cold) and then also have the engine oil dropped and the engine oil pick-up checked for fouling of the mesh gauze... If metal gause is fouled or restricted then more than likely a breached injector seating washer.

Can not emphasise enough on getting your own independent injector values and oil pick-up pipe.... Do not let Toyota have there say without your own independent report to back there claims!.... Pistons don't just crack (very UN-common) unless there has been an hydraulic affect.....

If injector values out of spec or fouled/blocked/restricted oil pick-up then i am sure the ACCC and fair trade will have your back covered.

Cheers

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

What he said. Where are you located? Roo might be able to help with a name.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Do you have extended warranty? Toyota told me I would have to pay to have the engine removed, stripped down, rebuilt and re-installed if they found nothing wrong. Fortunately (or not) they found 2 busted pistons due to 2 failed injectors. Nearly $11,000 and 8 weeks later I got a new short motor paid for by the insurance company. And this was at 73,000km. And don't forget to ensure you don't have dirty fuel!

[flyfishingman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close flyfishingman]

Thanks Guys,

No extended warranty with this current vehicle.

My last 2003 Diesel Prado ran 6 years without a single hiccup. I had bought the extra 2 years of warranty to make a total of 5 years on that vehicle.

Thought ( maybe mistakenly) that this new 2009, 150 series D4 would be a much better vehicle and so did not worry about the extra warranty.

Launceston Toyota has pulled the motor out and apart. I have not asked about the oil strainer ( thanks for that, I will find out about it). Launceston Toyota tell me that 'Cornell's' the independent diesel guys, said there was nothing wrong with the injector.

Dealer is preparing a quote for me at present ( the cylinder was able to be honed out ). I asked that they bat hard for me with Toyota as I have had 9 years worth of Prado through them.

It remains to be seen what they will come up with. It will leave a very bitter taste in my mouth if they pass it off and I have to pay $10k for an engine rebuild @112 000 km. Specially as it seems to be a well diagnosed prior issue with this engine.

Thanks Peter

[mackayvx Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close mackayvx]

Geez good luck mate.

[KH Lee Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KH Lee]

I suggest you to look at the ACL (Australian Consumer Law) which comes into effective late last year.
The ACL protect Australian customers who purchased a bad product.
Question. How long to you expect a vehicle will last? 3 years, 5 years....
I think that a common expectation of a vehicle should last longer than 10 years with the huge money spent. If a vehicle last only 3 years or it failed even after the 3 years warranty period under normal driving due to some major failures, I think the ACL may still protect you (as a consumer).

You can find the ACL from the link below:
http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/conten...sumers_ACL.htm

http://www.consumerlaw.gov.au/conten...tees_guide.pdf
- see page 10, Extended warranties. Also the example of a Plasma TV repair...... etc
I hope this document helps you.

[VXWesty Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VXWesty]

Don't forget that you also are covered by an "implied warranty" for parts that fail well short of their reasonable expected life. ie. Even though a fridge that you buy may have a 12 month warranty, if if fails in say two years, you are still covered by warranty as the reasonable life of a fridge is well over 2 years.

This is a grey area depending on the product, but in your case I would argue that a piston should have a life span longer than 112,000kms.

Good luck.

[SWR Banned Find all posts View Profile Close SWR]

Gday flyfishingman

Launceston Toyota tell me that 'Cornell's' the independent diesel guys, said there was nothing wrong with the injector.

Problem there with that quote is that it is a very vage reply to your question concerning the fuel injector and does not confirm if the injector is within spec or not but more that it is working! (Do "Cornell's" have the write equipment to check these injectors properly? EG: injector fuel volumes/pulse width and duration resposes).

Launceston Toyota "will" try to pass the bill onto you because that way they (dealership) can make more money out of you that way. (EG: full workshop hours and parts to you).

Reason: If they try warranty the workshop will be given tight hourly times for the job (No profit) and Toyota Australia would make sure minimal work carried out to minimise cost to them selves and this is not including the extra paperwork and time wasted to the actual workshop whist your rig is wasting time and space in there workshop!

You need all quoted reports from both the "Launceston Toyota" and "Cornell's' the independent diesel guys" before giving any go-ahead on any work and make sure both part's are held accountable for claims in writing.

Insist on value spec of that injector that was confirmed to be ok with the injector calibration code next to it! (If they can not provide this information then you need to question there ability to state that the injector is ok).

At the end of the day it could be the difference between Toyota footing the bill or you carrying full cost's and if you don't chase it through properly i believe you will pay dearly!

Cheers

[flyfishingman Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close flyfishingman]

G'day Guys,

Toyota have agreed to pay 70%. I have to find 30%

Guess the outcome could have been worse.

Peter