This past week I took my '05 V8 Sport with just 70K to a Toyota dealer for a timing belt replacement. They weren't really much more expensive than my local mechanic. In addition, I had VSC trac/ABS idiot lights on too so I figured they could fix everything at once. (it ended up a bad a speed sensor)

I got a call from them a day later saying that they installed a defective belt and upon initial startup, had bent four valves. They need the vehicle until next week. Obviously, they are footing the big bill.

What if anything should I be looking for when I get it back? I'm scared to death that my Runner is going to run like crap. Will they install new valves or just machine them? I'm none too happy and hope this isn't gonna have me running back and forth to them with more problems.

I don't know how you machine a bent valve...

This is going to depend on what damaged was incurred. Most likely the cylinder head will be salvageable. But one or more pistons and valves will need to be replaced. It all comes down to how much went wrong when the belt failed.

Am I wrong, or aren't these non-interference engines?

The 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8) is an interference engine. The 1GR-FE is considered a "non-interference" engine, but honestly it can still crash valves into the pistons under the right circumstances should the chain fail (like many modern engines these days interference or non.)

The 1GR is non-interference? Didn't know that.

You're thinking of the 2GR.

That's right. Thanks.

$5 says it wasn't lined up perfectly when they started it.

Dealer doesn't line it up right - starts engine and clank clank clank - tech looks at other tech "defective belt?" "yep, musta been a bad belt"

Sorry I didn't address your question directly OP.

If they shut it off quick enough, might just be a couple pistons and valves. Lots of work for a little mistake but they should be able to do it just fine (although they seemed to have trouble timing it). The heads *should be* reusable but being at a Toyota dealer in this case I would argue that the damage to the pistons/valves/bearings and any other potential debris that went through the oiling system may cause damage down the road due to their installation of faulty parts and/or workmanship and that you want a new long block.

It's kinda funny because I just did one yesterday on an 2006 4R.

What's also possible, is that a new Toyota timing belt has all of the alignment marks on it. But you can put it on backwards and have the cams both line up. However, the crank will be a tooth off. That'll make all the difference in the world.

Good GOD! What a shame....I think the best advice would be to go and lay eyes on the parts while it is apart, and take the most aggressive stance your personality allows.

Start gathering your documentation and be ready if things are not better than perfect,
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I would imagine bending a valve is a violent event, as many things are going to collide and force other things together.....valve to piston, piston to rod, rod to crank, valve to rocker/cam assembly etc.
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Thank goodness, I have a V6. to the OP, I feel your pain. if they're covering the cost of repairing it, don't worry, it surely will be rebuilt properly. have them document it on paper so if there's a problem in the future, you can get back to them to fix it.

Why'd you opt to do the timing belt at only 70k? Because of the 10 year mark? I just did my '07 belt at 110k and it still looked almost new. Good luck with your situation. Get an explanation of everything they did and get it in writing for future reference.

Ouch.

Keep in mind that Timing Belts are made of a different material that tends to look "okay" even after many years. They don't show the typical signs of wear that a drive belt does before failure.