93 LE using oil

[ihartmacz]

I just bought a 1993 Camry with the 5sfe (207k miles) and the owner says it's been using oil at the rate of a quart per oil change.

I've been keeping an eye on it, and I never see blue smoke out the pipe. No spots where I park; it's even been to a mechanic to see where it was leaking - it wasn't.

What can I do to reduce the amount of oil being burned? What kind of oil should I use?

The body is good and I am using it as a daily driver - I don't race around or anything, just want something good on gas and want it to be reliable for the winter.

Other than using oil, it runs GREAT. I was surprised when I looked at the odometer. It's had a lot of work done on it lately and I practically stole it for $1,300!

[toyomoho]

What is the oil change period, if 3K miles one quart is nothing to worry about. Can use 5W-30, 10W-30. If the air temps are warmer 10W-40.

[Kep]

Look on top of your transmission (just below the distributor) and between the engine and the cab. It you find a grease like goop it is likely (worse case) that one or more of your main seals is beginning to leak. A little bit comes out and then it combines with the dirt and dust and kind of solidifies so that it doesn't drip on the pavement below. If you're lucky it could be a half dozen other possibilities. Get your engine clean and it should become apparent where the oil leaks out.

Kep

[mandyfig]

If you are not burning oil, seen through the smoke and there are no drips...where the heck is the oil going? Are you sure you are losing oil?

[ihartmacz]

I'll try and find some time to seafoam it, and pour some down the crankcase, vacuum and gas.

I'm changing the oil on Thursday with some cheap Supertech 10W-30 for winter.

It needs a tune up, and it's comming once I get money from my Buick.