New engine just put in (22' recall). This thread will document my experience

Go down this rabbit hole (or yellow brick road) with me in this detailed description of my experience. I'll be responding to any questions and also updating this original post with edits that'll show dates, etc.

22 limited, Feb 22 build with 41k miles. No engine problems to date, so I was hesitant to accept the new engine. I love my truck, even with the annoyances. My dealer (Rancho Santa Margarita Toyota in Ca) has an ultra modern revamped service department. Their techs are amazing, so I waited till they did four or five, then I had them put me on the list.

In two weeks, they received the engine and called me last Friday (Jan 24th). I dropped it off Tuesday morning the 28th. They did the fuel line permanent repair concurrently. Took only three business days in total which surprised me. I picked it up yesterday, Jan 30th in the early evening.

I was concerned about how much they would have had to disassemble the body to get at it, but when I got it back it seemed to look the same as before (same engine cover, everything in place) , and there were new hoses. (BTW, The paperwork details the old and new engine serial numbers). Anyway, there was no oily or gas smell as one usually notices with major engine work which I had expected. In addition, they did a minor detail on it. No doggie hair, no dust, body shining. Nice.

I asked what they disassembled and the answer surprised me. Apparently they only needed to remove the hood and a few other minor parts to get it in the engine bay. They had test driven it 20 miles after reconnecting everything. I know because I could see on the app everywhere they drove it.

I've driven it about 30 miles. Runs PERFECT. Also, there's ZERO throttle delay, but I can't really test it yet. I'll be taking it easy for a few weeks, then I'll punch it here and there and advise. Meantime, I'll be adding only premium when I fill it up today (at an eighth of a tank right now because I didn't want the tech to deal with a full tank). I'll monitor the mileage which was previously about 16 combined (13 city, about 18 highway unless in a straight line at a steady70mph (like going to Vegas) where I'd average about 20mpg.. but that's rare since even freeway driving in So Cal had a lot of speed variations, hence the 17-18 range on the freeway.

I'll be checking for leaks, watching for errors from reconnected systems, monitoring mileage, and noting every behavior for you guys. No leaks this morning, running perfectly


Meantime, if you live in So Cal, especially Orange County, I urge you to try Santa Margarita Toyota for this replacement. My service advisor is Karmen Cedarstaff. She's amazing. The dealer has the most modern upgraded service department I've ever seen.. they just upgraded about 2 years ago. Their new phone system is automated, but run with it.. it's worth it.

Questions?

 

some others have noted that the new engine seems better than before as far as smoothness, NHV

can you verify as time goes along

what warranty did you get after this?

 

Of course. My old engine was very smooth. You could hardly tell it was running. New one is the same. Honestly, when I drove it away, it felt like it was a new truck. Probably all in my head, or maybe how clean it was. (After all, a washed truck always seems to run better, am I right? ) I'll keep you all posted on progress.

 

Good to hear your experience was a good one.

Maybe merge this thread with the one below so these updates are all in one place? Just a thought.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/post-long-block-replacement-experiences.153712/

 

How do I merge them? Do i keep posting here? Unsure of procedure

 

I'm thinking a moderator would have to do it but not sure of the official procedure.

 

Just copy your original post on this thread and paste it in the other thread. Then let this thread fade away.

 

I did, but I think this should have its own

 

I don't see any reason to have multiple threads about post engine swap experiences.

IMO, we just keep them all in one place.

 

**OFFICIAL:**

Right @hagrid?!?

 

Thanks for the report on RSM Toyota. 2 mi from me in MV. Prev owner was horrible. Guess I’ll have to try them again. Glad to hear of your positive experience so far with the replacement.

 

I didn't think I was allowed to use asterisks like that......

 

Good to hear this.

 

This is the way.

 

Quite right.

I, Spraynard, have lobbied the site mods/ownership to actively encourage membership to create bespoke threads regarding engine oil and it's attributes. I am stymied to this day.

Pretty sure mods have me on ignore.

 

I'm wondering what the warranty situation looks like on these new engines. I assume the milage still applies and so it's almost instantly out of warranty? What if there ARE leaks? Are you guys changing your oil at the 1k, 5k, or 10k? all of the above? Is your dealership covering any of these changes on a brand new engine?

I just got word that my replacement arrived at the dealership but I'm still hesitant to bring the truck in because I havent had any issues and I also have a few electrical connections and fuse taps that I have put in place for various mods. Will they just cut wires that dont belong and are in the way? Do I need to talk with the tech doing the work ahead of time?

 

The new engine is warranted for 12 months/unlimited mileage, or your factory warranty whichever is better.

I will change the oil at 1k and then 10k intervals.

The disconnect the entire wire loom from the engine, your wiring should not be an issue.

 

Anyone with aftermarket skid plates had this done? I too am wondering how much I need to take off. I guess better to remove and reinstall than to get stuck with a surprise labor charge

 

I was hesitant too
Mine had 40k. Ran perfectly. Got 13-15/18 -21 mpg, now lost 2mpg in the first 500 miles of the new engine. I hear lifters slightly in the engine bay, but not in the truck cab.

I'm a little concerned

 

Appreciate the detailed post @DADKILL

We just had our first kid, and I’ve quickly realized that as a family, we have or are quickly going to outgrow my 3rd Gen Tacoma. I have been considering a Tundra, but given the cost, my budget really only allows me to look at a used ‘22 or ‘23, which, given the recall, isn’t the most confidence-inspiring for longevity and reliability.

I will say that I am impressed with how Toyota has handled this issue from an outside perspective. I’m sure those who have had to wait months or have had their engines fail would argue differently.

It could be the lack of sleep with a newborn, but I feel like these engine issues have dampened the Toyota tax on these Tundras, which is a potential good opportunity. There is also the argument that you can drive the original engine for as long as possible and then get an entire new engine at some point, which on paper sounds great.

For those of you who have been impacted, or even those who haven’t but are on the list, would you do it again or would you avoid these years?

I have read that Toyota is offering a 12-month warranty from the date of replacement or will honour the original warranty, whichever is greater. Is this true?

I have also read some folks saying that the replacement engine feels like it runs a lot better than the original, and potentially between mpg. Can anyone speak to this?

Also curious why folks are replacing the oil at 1k after replacement? Is this what Toyota has suggested?

 

Why buy a 22 or 23? You can have a 25 for a song because they're having trouble moving them. Spend the extra $250 a month. Then do like I did and grind the dealer on the cost of a Toyota extended warranty. I got 8 years and 100,000 miles for about $2,200, almost half of what the dealer originally wanted. One repair for a turbo or anything else after the factory warranty expires will take care of it including covering the new engine which was just put in at 40,000 miles.

 

I have reached out to a contact that works at Toyota to get pricing on a 2024/2025, but I feel like it might be a stretch with my current budget. For perspective, the 2022 OR (in Lunar ) has about 65,000 KM on it and has some light modifications, which I would have done myself (small lift, 35's, tonneau cover, rock rails) and he's asking $48,000 CAD, which is just slightly below the average market rate in my area, based on my research.

 

No. Not Toyota or any manufacturers requirement. Dad tought me this 50 yrs ago and I’ve done it on every car, truck, and motorcycle I’ve owned. It’s just good common sense to flush out all the break in debris that’s not caught in the filter as well as changing out the dirty filter.

 

I'll update everyone in 1000 miles or so

 

Confused. What debris gets past the filter?

 

Debris in the pan that doesn’t get sucked up and pumped to the filter. Also chemicals like Silicone sealant and assembly lube that is in high quantities in that first run oil.

 

UPDATE 3/31/25

CLUNK IN REAR END WHEN I STOPPED AT LIGHT. WTF?

Besides the drop in mpg after engine replacement, yesterday (I had accelerated a bit as I sometimes do to make sure the turbos are working), I then eased off... no problem....approached a light..... and just as I came to a complete stop, I felt and heard a deep, heavy "CLUNK" in the rear, and felt what was liked someone tapped my rear end with their car.

43k miles, haven't towed anything yet, rarely offroad, and when I have, it's been mild and level. I received the new engine under warranty (though last engine was working fine) was installed last month. No problems since then except mileage. Great acceleration, rarely hesitating, but again, TERRIBLE gas mileage (lost 2mpg at least, and with city driving in normal mode anywhere from 8mpg to 13, with combined 50/50 only about 15). If I go in eco mode on flat freeway, it's about 19-20, but any average highway acceleration brings that down to 17.

Anyone else have this clunk happen? Only once so far yesterday on way home. (I also have an engine replacement thread, I'll post there too)