Hi all, after some input from mechanically minded souls.

Had a problem with the engine on my wife's '56 2.2 diesel RAV4; the notorious burning oil issue. Sequence of events is;

1. Engine components replaced FOC just over 4 weeks ago.
2. Car returned and driven for about 5 days before I noticed a coolant leak.
3. Car returned for investigative work, and discovered 1st a faulty water pump (replaced) and then a small fracture on the inlet pipe from the block to the pump (replaced).
4. Car returned a week last Tuesday.
5. After a week, I noticed coolant from blow-off valve on coolant tank. Coolant level fell to about 10mm below minimum mark, but still quite high.
6. Car is back with them having it sorted.

Now even I know that #5 isn't a leak issue and must be caused by pressure i.e. gasket problem. My missus spoke yesterday with them and asked if it was recon'd parts used, as we'd been told the water pump and gasket come complete with the engine component swapped at #1, and for a few things to be faulty is more than unlucky.

The response was yes, recon’d casing(?) but that actually the gasket wasn't there at all rather than simply failing. It's been stripped, examined and rebuilt and is being kept for a little testing. now my question is, what damage could've conceivably been done running with no gasket, albeit for a limited time?

We were looking at swapping it next year anyway, but now we're not sure. Assuming it's returned in good running order, does it seem reasonable to keep hold for another 8-12 months?

Finally, and sorry for the length, the Toyota main dealers have been in our view fantastic throughout the whole saga, they really have.

Cheers,

Dabooka