2TZ-FE Toyota Previa Engine

From https://toyota-club.net/files/faq/03-08-16_engine_eng.htm#tz

2TZ-FE Toyota Previa Engine

Picture below from: http://www.toyotavantech.com/forum/showthread.php?1303-A-twist-on-Previa-engine-removal

Toyota Previa Mid-Engine

The engineers made a fantastic job putting the engine below the floor of the Previa... This is how it looks!

You have the Oil-level in the upper part of picture and sparkplugs under the plate with the red square.

photo 1-1

photo 1-2

Desing flaw on Toyota 2AZ -FE engine?

Desing flaw on Toyota 2AZ -FE engine? The motor in the Previa Mk2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XRfRxJN7Eg



From the comments sector

Girma Kifleför

"This is true i have a 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY bought brand new did the oil changes my self always there was this noise in the engine and when i open to change the valve cover gasket found this piece broken setting between the valves and removed it after that the noise is gone it's now 180,000 miles nothing wrong with my engine i think i was lucky its didn't go any ware to create a damage to the engine."

Galen Matson

"Exactly what happened to me! I have a 2003 Toyota Camry 4 cyl. It started putting out smoke on cold starts so I had a valve job done at the local mechanic. Afterwards he showed me that exact piece of metal and told me it was broken off inside my engine. I don't know how long it was in there or if it did any damage. Valve job didn't fix the smoke. I love my old Camry and I don't plan on getting rid of it. Even though it smokes on startup it goes away after a minute and I still get 38 mpg with my old lady driving style." 

Complete Auto Repair

"I am a mechanic. A 02 Toyota 2.4L came in. I found the same piece of metal from the valve cover laying under the cam. Engine now has internal damage."