A so called mechanic put a new timing belt in my 2004 SC430 and blew the engine. I (personally) have removed the engine and tranny. Damage: 2 busted valves, 6 bent valves, rod bent in 2 different ways, hole through piston, hole through cylinder sleeve and block. Needless to say, i will be putting another engine in the car. Questions:

1) Will other year SC430 3UZFE engines work in my 2004
2) If so, would there be very much that I would need to change
3) What about the JDM engines? Wiring problems, sensor problems, emission problems, connection to tranny? Other?
4) Any suggestions on where or who to buy from. I have found quite a few engines from various companies both JDM and domestic engines.

Thanks for any advise,

 

I believe if the engine code 3UZFE is the same you sould be able to use any years or model (LS OR GS), as long as you use the same tranny, you shoild be good to go.

 

Sorry to hear about that gwbsc430. (Welcome to the forum, BTW.) Is there any recourse with the mechanic or shop where you had the belt replaced?

 

No recourse other than to take to small claims court.

 

Small claim court may not be an option because of the high cost of the claim. In my city you cant go over $ 2500.00.

 

What was the shop's response when you told them the belt installation ruined your engine?

 

Check with your state's department of motor vehicles (or whatever it's called). They often license repair shops and you can file a complaint. You can also get info on what their insurance is - then make a claim to their insurance carrier. They'll likely have coverage for errors & ommissions or failure to provide services at a reasonably expected professional level. The cost is one where just a little bit of your poking should take care of getting them to cut you a check (they'll say no to the first request but keep pushing).

 

Sounds to me like the engine was running after the belt change. So if it was running, it must have been correctly replaced. What happen after the install to cause all this damage?

 

What a nightmare! Sorry to hear about your run of bad luck. You could also try the Better Business Bureau; and/or if you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charges due to damages sustained. I had a problem with a shop in the past and I did both. BBB couldn't do anything in the end other than file a complaint on the business, but my credit card company reimbursed me for all charges. Worth a try.

 

Shawn just gave you some good advise

 

Just a note, he may have just used a "so called mechanic" and not a shop. Maybe a friend, relative etc.