lost all oil, 4runner stalled, damage???

TheDurk said:
5 litres should not overfill the engine--I have no idea why it was high if that was what they put in. Since they did not change the filter, some oil was trapped in there, but even so....(spec is 4.7 litres w/o oil filter change on the V6, which I have been assuming is your engine.)
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When I change the oil (and I use the small oil filter) I have to pour in 6 quarts to get it close to the full line. This is on a 1999 3.4L V6.
 
Satter said:
Just needed to be quoted again for the truth. Being professional is always the way to go. Just my opinion.

I'm currently dealing with too much oil in my engine as well. Too much oil can bust your seals, plus other things. Stupid question, but when you check your oil are you making sure the engine has been off and cooled down? It usually takes around 5 hours for all the oil to completely settle back down into the pan. At least that is what I heard.
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very important.

-subscribed. def want to know how this one turns out.
 
update-4runner at dealer

Just thought I would let everyone know what is happening now. My 4runner is at the shop today getting a compression test and the oil pan looked at for shavings. I have driven it for over 2 months now and noises have got a little worse, idling funny and power loss (which when I got it out of the shop the first time I never felt it ran the same) The service technician listened to it, also agrees with all of you that damage would have occured, although without the history of the no oil the engine doesn't sound bad. Then there is the service manager who wants to check things out first before admitting anything is wrong. Will hear later today on results.
 
blackbeauty said:
Just thought I would let everyone know what is happening now. My 4runner is at the shop today getting a compression test and the oil pan looked at for shavings. I have driven it for over 2 months now and noises have got a little worse, idling funny and power loss (which when I got it out of the shop the first time I never felt it ran the same) The service technician listened to it, also agrees with all of you that damage would have occured, although without the history of the no oil the engine doesn't sound bad. Then there is the service manager who wants to check things out first before admitting anything is wrong. Will hear later today on results.
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Is it back at the dealer that screwed it up? Is the dealer going to pay for the repairs?
 
update back from dealer

No filings showed in the oil pan, compression test was 140 145. Service Manager says nothing is wrong with vehicle, but at this time do not know for sure if there is damage. I suggested the borescope (what one of you had talked about earlier) and he said that if cyl. were damaged , it doesn't prove that it was from no oil, it could be just normal wear. But if vehicle has problems within 20000 kms. they would take care of it.

And it should have a certain noise if something is wrong. He made the sound and I said it has that noise, even the service tech. can hear it. But they have heard worse engine noises. My point being that my 4runner was fine before I brought it for the oil change. It didn't have knocking noises.

Also said I could get a 2nd opinion and he would pay for the compression test.

I will be checking the bolts/oil filters on any vehicle I get an oil change from now on. This has been very frustrating and disappointing.
 
Is it a knocking or ticking sound that can be heard?

They need to isolate the sound to see if it's the top end or bottom end making the noise.

Also, if it is using oil now and didn't before, then that issue definitely needs addressed too.

If you can't get any immediate satisfaction, then I'd do like others have suggested and talk or contact the regional Toyota manager and explain everything that happened so far and what has been done.

The dealership needs to grow a set of balls and own up to their screwup and fix it right for you.
 
bootown said:
Go talk to another dealership explaining what happened but omit the fact that another Toyota dealer is at fault. Say Goodyear or some other shop screwed it up.
Good luck and keep us in the loop.
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This is what I'd do if it were mine.
Have another Toyota dealer check it out.
 
When they checked it today, I had only driven it 1500 km. since the mishap. is it unusual for it to have no filings if the engine was damaged. And what is normal compression.

Remember, when I was talking about the color and overfill of oil on the dipstick (right after the no oil). Before taking it to the shop this am. I had checked oil, and it was right on the top mark, but the bottom of the dipstick was darker. I just read on line that putting an additive, once it breaks down, will make oil at bottom of dipstick look darker.

I had asked manager today if there had been an additive added, and he said no. (I forgot to tell him about the darker bottom on dipstick). I guess the adding doesn't really matter, but now I do not believe anything he tells me.

Sorry for making this story so long. Just need to vent. Thanks for listening.
 
I truly believe they had added an additive, making the oil on dipstick 1 inch above, then down to 1/2 inch above top line, now it has stayed on top line.
When it was over, the color was a lime green, CAN additive be that color.

Today, since oil pan checked, oil looks normal color and at top line. I had only driven it 1500 kms.
 
blackbeauty said:
I truly believe they had added an additive, making the oil on dipstick 1 inch above, then down to 1/2 inch above top line, now it has stayed on top line.
When it was over, the color was a lime green, CAN additive be that color.

Today, since oil pan checked, oil looks normal color and at top line. I had only driven it 1500 kms.
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There is a dye that can be added to engine oil, to help technicians pinpoint possible oil leaks. It has a greenish tint to it. So it's possible they put that in, to more easily detect any oil leaks.

<Edit>
As a professional racing engine specialist, I can say that there is no way an engine that stalls due to a lack of engine oil, would do so without inflicting damage in said engine. It would take a complete dis-assembly of the engine to inspect all parts and measure all clearances, to document the damage.

To make a long story short, they are hoping that your engine will make it past their 'guarantee' before it ultimately fails. There's a decent chance it will, but their incompetence has definitely shortened the service life of your engine.

Sorry, and I wish you well in reaching a resolution.
 
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You need to go up the ladder with Toyota Corporate. Seriously! Let them know what happened and how the dealer is trying to cover it up.

If its been documented by the dealer that the motor was run low or dry on oil, then Toyota Corporate will make them fix it. You will get a new motor.

squeeky wheel gets the oil!
 
Yeah sad story, but the good part, you are not in the wrong, and Definitely call toyota corporate and create a big stink about it until you have a NEW engine. Dont take their word for anything, get your truck checked by a 3rd party, and even pay for it if you have to. In the end you may lose a few hundred for inspections and what not but you will have a new engine

and the best of all, prove the dealership they were wrong.
the principle of teaching them their lesson would be the most gratifying outcome
 
What, no closure?

I got this far in the story and was hoping there was an update to this old thread. What a horrible situation! This newbie to the Forum wants to know what ultimately happened.
 
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