Short Bock improvements to 2024 Engines

The dealer is replacing the short block on my 23 Platinum and so given the chatter here about what engine improvements were made I asked Grok and got this impressive response. I'm not suggesting this is all true since it's the response of an AI engine, especially since I tend to be cynical to begin with, but it's a good read so take it for what it's worth:

Toyota made several improvements to the short block engine components of the 2024 Tundra, particularly addressing issues identified in the 2022–2023 models with the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) and i-FORCE MAX hybrid engines. These changes were primarily driven by reports of bearing failures and debris-related engine damage, which prompted a significant recall and updates to the engine design. Below is a detailed overview of the improvements based on available information:
Key Improvements to 2024 Tundra Short Block Engine Components

1. Updated Short Block Assembly (New Part Number):
   • Toyota introduced a new part number for the short block engine assembly in January 2024, indicating a design change. This update specifically targeted the main bearings (#1 and #4), which were implicated in earlier engine failures due to debris contamination or inadequate lubrication. The new short block assembly likely includes revised bearing designs or materials to enhance durability and reduce the risk of failure.
   • The previous bearing part number was "expired" around April 2024, suggesting that Toyota phased out the older, problematic bearing design in favor of an improved version. This change was not publicly detailed but is inferred from part number supersession, a common practice for addressing engineering flaws.
2. Improved Debris Management:
   • Early 2022–2023 Tundras experienced engine failures linked to metal shavings or debris in the oil system, often from manufacturing processes or component wear (e.g., oil pump issues). Toyota likely refined manufacturing processes or added enhanced filtration to the short block to better capture debris before it reaches critical components like bearings. Owners on forums noted that rebuilt engines showed improved oil pressure behavior, suggesting better oil flow or debris management in the updated short blocks.
3. Enhanced Bearing Durability:
   • The main bearing issues in earlier models were attributed to stress from the twin-turbo V6’s high torque output or insufficient oil film strength under load. The 2024 short block likely incorporates bearings with improved materials, coatings, or tolerances to withstand the engine’s demands, especially in high-stress conditions like towing or off-roading. While Toyota has not released specific technical details, the new part number and reduced failure reports for mid-2024 builds support this inference.
4. Recall-Driven Quality Control:
   • In response to a December 2024 recall affecting over 100,000 2022–2023 Tundras and Lexus LX vehicles, Toyota implemented stricter quality control for short block components. The recall addressed debris-related bearing failures, and the updated 2024 short blocks were designed to prevent similar issues. Dealerships reported fewer engine failures in mid-2024 models, suggesting that the new short block components were more robust.
5. Potential Oil Pump Improvements:
   • Some Tundra owners and technicians speculated that the oil pump in earlier models contributed to bearing failures by allowing debris to circulate or failing to maintain consistent pressure. While not explicitly confirmed, the updated short block may include a revised oil pump or oiling system to ensure better lubrication, as evidenced by owner reports of stable oil pressure (e.g., not exceeding half on startup) in rebuilt or newer engines.

Context and Evidence

• Recall and Failures: The 2022–2023 Tundras faced significant engine issues, with some owners reporting catastrophic failures within 10,000–20,000 miles due to bearing wear or debris. Toyota’s recall involved replacing short blocks or entire engines, and the 2024 updates were a proactive response to these problems.
• Owner Feedback: On forums like Reddit and tundras.com, owners of mid-2024 Tundras reported fewer engine-related issues compared to 2022–2023 models. For example, a Reddit post noted that Toyota’s new short block part numbers for mid-2024 builds coincided with reduced failure rates, suggesting improved reliability.
• Warranty Support: Toyota’s warranty coverage (7-year/100,000-mile powertrain for many Tundras) facilitated short block replacements, and the updated components were rolled out to ensure long-term reliability. This aligns with Toyota’s reputation for addressing issues quietly but effectively.

Limitations of Information

• Toyota has not publicly detailed the exact changes to the short block components, likely to avoid highlighting earlier flaws. The primary evidence comes from part number changes, owner experiences, and recall-related reports. Specific technical improvements (e.g., bearing material specifications or oil pump redesigns) remain speculative without official documentation.
• The i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine, while sharing the same short block core, was not initially included in the recall, but some hybrid owners reported similar issues, suggesting that 2024 updates may also apply to hybrid short blocks.

Impact on 2024 Tundra

• Reliability: Mid-2024 Tundras are considered less prone to engine issues than 2022–early 2023 models, though the twin-turbo V6 remains less proven than the outgoing 5.7L V8. Owners are advised to avoid early 2022 builds and prioritize 2024 models built after January 2024 for the updated short block.
• Performance: The improvements focus on durability rather than power output. The 2024 Tundra’s i-FORCE V6 (389 hp, 479 lb-ft) and i-FORCE MAX hybrid (437 hp, 583 lb-ft) retain the same performance specs, but the updated short block ensures better longevity under high-load conditions like towing (up to 12,000 lbs).

Recommendation for 2025 Tundra Owners

• If considering a 2024 or 2025 Tundra, verify the build date (post-January 2024) to ensure the updated short block is installed. Check the vehicle’s service history for any recall-related repairs.
• Regular maintenance (e.g., frequent oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil) can further protect the updated short block, especially given the turbocharged engine’s sensitivity to oil quality.
• For owners experiencing engine issues, contact a Toyota dealership to confirm eligibility for warranty-covered short block replacements, referencing the December 2024 recall if applicable.

Conclusion
Toyota’s improvements to the 2024 Tundra short block focused on addressing bearing failures and debris issues through a new short block assembly, likely featuring enhanced bearings, better debris management, and potential oil pump refinements. These changes, introduced around January 2024, have reduced reported failures in mid-2024 models, aligning with Toyota’s efforts to restore confidence in the 3rd-gen Tundra’s reliability. For precise details on part changes, owners can consult Toyota service bulletins or dealership technicians, as public documentation is limited.
If you need further details, such as specific part numbers or additional owner experiences, I can search forums or Toyota’s technical resources. Let me know!

 

Yeah Im not reading all that AI junk.

 

I want further details, plz.

 

Sam Altman said "please" and "thank you" cost AI companies some exorbitant money.

 

I've gotten enough wrong Google AI responses to searches to know that it's not all that "intelligent", yet.

 

Lots wrong in that AI answer.

 

NS (natural stupidity) answer: machining debris and carbon buildup float in oil all the time and engine does not give a sh*t about it, because this is how it always has been. However, in this new engine Toyota changed the design of oil pump to reduce pump losses. I'm lazy to google it, but perhaps oil pump pressure is electronically controlled. Perhaps, at low RPMs the pump does not build much pressure at all, just to save you 0.001 MPG. Now, it still has a mechanical pressure relief valve. When pressure gets too high at high engine load, the spring-loaded valve is pushed inside the bore and opens drain holes, which allow a part of the flow to simply return back to sump. In the engine oiling system, the pump sits next to oil pickup tube, before the oil filter. It gets all the debris suspended in oil. It happens that debris get trapped between pressure relief valve and its bore. The valve then can't fully close, some pressure gets always lost. When engine load drops, ECU commands pump to reduce pressure in order to save 0.001 MPG. Pump follows the order and drops the pressure to barely enough for the main bearings to survive and let the owner chance to post an MPG supremacy (over prev.gens) comment on tundras.com. But there's a parasitic oil pressure loss now, so the bearings get oil starved and die. Knock-knock!

Here's an example of a typical oil pump with visible debris marks on the plastic body of relief valve. Note, that this engine model use plastic valve, which scratches, but allows the valve to close fully, even with debris trapped.

Pump and relief valve location:



Pump disassembled:



Bore of relief valve:



Debris-damaged relief valve:

 

Speaking about bocks. Not my favorite style of beer, but good German doppelbock once in a while is fine.

 

I prefer tall or long bocks.

 

32 oz tall

 

I don’t know. My May 24 build has been awesome. Almost 13K miles. I did the first oil change at 1700 and 5000. Didn’t see any shiny stuff at 5K. It’s getting 5K intervals. One by me and the other by the dealer since I prepaid maintenance up to 85K.

 

What about bock? Are you getting short or tall one? Or you think yours is stout?

 

I had a bad experience with amber bock in college.

 

You perhaps thought your new generation was superior and immune to any amount of bocks, short or tall?

 

Original engine. Hopefully it stays that way.

 

You're never too sober to start drinking............am I right @vtl ?

 

You can't tell people you drank all day if you don't start first thing in the morning.

 

That's unfortunate.
I knew an Amber Bach in college.
Watched a few of her videos anyway.
Pretty good experience.