[johndvm]

Since most of the replies on this thread seem to contain no real information regarding the camshaft failure let me add my own rant in defense of toyota. The much noted sludge problem IMHO just doesnt pass the sniff test. The problem cropped up supposedly in 1999 as toyota increased combustion temperatures in search of lower emissions and greater fuel economy from the 3.0 v6. The result seemed to be more of a tendency for the motors to cook their oils. Toyota fought owners tooth and nail saying that the sludge was caused by not changing the oil on schedule. Even though it is not in fashion to side with any corporation I believe toyota. The numbers of vehicles effected was too low for the engine design to be at fault. The engine design was less tolerant of neglect. People who are too busy to have their oil changed can find time to call their local lawyer. Lastly Toyota is not perfect but bluntly put they have more of a reputation to lose than GM or Ford and I think they will work harder at protecting it -bad american made camshafts or not.