Major Engine Problems

[K78PartyGirl]

I own a 99 Toyota Solara, it has 96,000 miles on it and it slung a rod through the motor last week. I keep the oil changed about every 3,000-5,000 miles. The Toyota place that looked at it said the engine looked real sludgy. Has anyone had this problem? Is there any kind of warranty that would cover this?

[tiredolddog]

Do you have any documentation? If you could prove that the car was properly maintained (oil changes every 3,000 - 5,000 miles) you might be able to convince Toyota North America to repair your car under warranty... otherwise, it is going to be a long and bumpy ride. While the regular warranty would not cover it.... obviously, the engine should last longer than 96,000 miles.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[hari-bhari]

sludge?? that's supposed to be covered under an extended warranty!

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38921

"Toyota said it will pay for sludge-related repairs for eight years from the date of purchase for all 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the 3.0-liter IMZ V-6 engine and all 1997-2001 Toyota vehicles with the now discontinued 5SFE 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. "

Fight them for it, and take in documentation for your oil changes. And read that whole article, its really interesting. the engine on my 95 avalon siezed due to sludge, and we had to pay 3600 for a 'new' engine with 60,000 miles to be put in. contacted toyota, and they agreed to pay only for half, since the sludge warranty only covers 97-02 models. that's so dumb because the engine design didnt change between 95 and 97, both years still had the faulty designed, but toyota only covered 97 and onwards . anyways, best of luck.

[DavPak]

ask the dealer about engine gelling. they should know what you're talking about. like everyone else said, they may ask for documentation to show that you've changed your oil. you should be good. as long as the damage was done due to engine sludging, they'll pay for all the repairs. the warranty on that is unlimited mileage.