I've dealt with this kind of problem for over 35 years. Keep in mind that OEMs typically do not pay the going shop rate for warranty work; almost every service manager can verify this. It is in their best interests to deny your claim as a blanket issue. However, we are dealing witha mass produced engine. There will be some that are flawless, and some, without provocation, will break. It is easy for them to profile the buyers of this car and claim abuse everytime. Some of it is deserved, but others are the luck of the draw. It does appear that AHM is in the denial mode. They are not unique. I was in a lawsuit with Ford for three years over a work truck that caught on fire and was totalled . The first day on the job, and with 6 miles on it! I was accused of arson by Ford. This of course was not the case, but is shows how far the manufacturers will go to deny claims. Keep in mind that their District Managers and Corp. Attorneys are on salary, and this is just part of their job; that is, to deny claims. Ever dealt with the IRS? Then you'll understand. These surveys such as JD Powers and others are big marketing tools. If they deny your claim and you walk away whipped, they have no service record, and no customer followup. Therefore they maintain a perfect customer satisfaction record with no warranty claims!Pretty neat. You must perservere, or have others do it for you. Forums such as these can help make or break your cause. Let's get AHM's attention. Bad publicity hurts sales. And, although it has changed, sadly, my experience with Toyota in the past has been exemplary. I feel your pain; been there, done that too many times, and will again.

 

Saw some f20c's for sale on ebay! Take a look!

 

I just got my S2k back from the shop because of a broken valve on the #4 cylinder with only 3400 miles!!! Appears that the top of the valve stem broke off on one of the intake valves, but thankfully remained inside the keeper on the rocker arm. If the piece would have fallen out, it could have gone into the cylinder and shattered everything. Mine also happened on the interstate (driving about 140 for about 45 minutes) in 100+ degree heat.

I am curious as to the temperature conditions of the others who have had problems. Since the #4 cylinder is typically the least cooled, it may be a cooling issue.

If a valve breaks in other places it can make it look like the plug or spring caused the problem. My money is that there is a cooling problem (otherwise it wouldn't happen on the same cylinder).

Does anyone offer titanium valves?

-Spoon

 

I agree with getting a beater car to drive. Get the beater and build your motor yourself. DO it over a period of time and plan the motor out for the future. If you want turbo eventually then take care of the engine now.