Mechanic Messed up Timing Belt Change

[Axtell.Rogue]

Hi new to this site and looking for some advice. I purchased a 2008 4.7L V8 4runner last October and realized that it needed the timing belt changed at 90,000 miles. Last week I saved up enough cash and took my 4Runner to the local Toyota dealer to have the belt and water pump changed. The local dealership has a great reputation so I didn't even shop around and agreed to pay the $900 for a new timing belt and water pump. Took it in on Monday night and was told it would be ready by closing the next day. I showed up to pick it up and they asked to keep it another night since they put it back together and the new water pump was leaking. I said ok, didn't want them to rush the job. Got a call a call work the next morning that they put the vehicle back together but when they started it, the mechanic did it wrong and bent the valves on one side of the engine. I wasn't too happy about this and sent husband down after work to talk to them. They said they were ordering in genuine Toyota parts, fixing their mistake and they were going to warranty it. No charge to us (no crap, I wasn't paying for their mistake!) So after googling the crap out of timing belt and valve damage I am highly concerned at exactly what they did to my 4Runner. My FIL is an ex-mechanic and is concerned more damage was done than they are letting on. The manager of the service center swears he has never seen this happen in 30 years. So what do you guys think? Is fixing the valves enough? Should they be replacing the whole engine? What the heck did they do?!?! I checked in this morning and the vehicle is at the machine shop and they will have it ready Wednesday. Please help before I pick it up and make sure I don't get burned anymore. I bought my dream vehicle as a one owner, flawlessly maintained, no dents, scratches or dings and now I feel like they ruined it.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Really hate this for you. Can't help with diagnosis, but will give you some good advice. Document everything, and I do mean everything. While it's fresh on your mind, go back and write down everything they've told you, and every single thing they've done to your vehicle (including anything done at the machine shop). Also, if they do provide you with some type of warranty, get it in writing.
I hope it doesn't come to it, but all this could help you tremendously down the road if things aren't fixed to your satisfaction.

 

[dawudih]

What are they "fixing"? One or both heads, pistons damage or just the valves.

 

[angus]

If I were you I'd ask to see the heads off the vehicle - ask them to call you when they get them off and go there and take pics of the combustion chambers and piston tops.

If it was literally only started and shut off then yes, they could simply replace the valves and have a valve grind done.

If not, there cold be damage tot he piston tops in which case it ranges from minor to major damage and we'd need to see pics of that too.

This is more common than you think, I hear of it from time to time - just a sloppy mechanic or bad luck - I'm actually surprised they told you the truth, I'd bet most guys would just make up some excuse and fix it without ever telling you.