Hey cporche,
On your first failed long block….
Based upon your comments and your description of the engine failure, which appears to be catastrophic, I find it difficult to understand what parts were used, what machining was done to the block, and who assembled the long block? Did the shop rebuild the long block or did they buy it from and eBay supplier and sell it to you?
The shop i bought it from assembled the long block, i am unsure of weather they performed the actual machining or it was outsourced. i seem to believe it was outsourced tho i vaguely remember him saying he would have to send it out.
On your new rebuilt long block…
What specific machining was done to the block?
I tried to get this information from him, he would only reply with everything is to the manufactures spec to that part. i asked several times if chrome coated rings require special machining. He said the machinest was given the ring information and machined it accordingly.
What new parts were used?
to my knowledge everything is new except the crank and rods, new aftermarket head, timing cover, timing components, gaskets, new rv cam, new bearings. Let me reiterate he was kind of beating around the bush with me when i asked
Other than NPR rings, whose parts were used?
The parts kit based on what the boxes looked like when i picked up the motor was evergreen
Was the head rebuilt or new? New aftermarket (i can confirm aftermarket based on the poor machining quality it wouldnt have passed any oem quality check.)
What camshaft was installed and what valve lash was set?
He said rv 261 cam, .005 in and .007 exhaust. It is very tight but the cam card does reflect this however he didnt give me a copy of it, and i couldnt see the manufacturer.
Did this shop recommend a break-in procedure?
He did not mention the oil priming that i performed, he said just dump them over the cam and crank with out plugs until oil pressure builds. I have the tool tho, why not use it and give the motor the best chance of no failing. Everything else other then first oil filter change at 50 miles. I waited until 300 miles and did an entire oil change.
How many miles on the break-in now and how much oil is it using?
~650 miles i have 2 tanks on this oil change sofar and the oil has not dropped. However i have to fill up today on the way home hopefully i will see no change but i will update if there is. also he instructed me that it needs to be 1/4 inch above the full line on the dipstick, he claims toyota never made a different stick for 4x4 and the oil level is too low on incline. I call bull crap but until im out of warranty im abiding by his rules
What are the engine specs and all parts used?
I have no spec sheet from the rebuild so i have to take his word for everything is "at spec now"
What oil are you using?
Right now its got rotella 10-40 per his request.
Gnarls.
Sound like u may have been concerned so I'll let you know that the aftermarket head is most likely better than the OEM one that was on there. The stock japanese ones are known for their porous aluminum.
Im not saying because its aftermarket that its of poor quality or anything of the sort, ive worked in independent automotive repair most of my career, however the intake holes not lining up (as pictures with gasket on the head) and having to tap the exhaust manifold stud holes does give me low confidence in how well the head was machined.
