3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I recently just acquired a 2001 Camry XLE V6, When I had brought it in for an oil change the mechanic removed the oil cap and I noticed there was a HARD, slimy brown thick oil all around the entrance. It was pretty mushy. Is this a sign of engine sludge? I haven't noticed any reduction in power or smoothness? what can this be?? the car has 185 000 km's
and if there is? is it better just to leave it there than to take it off.
If it is sludged, cleaning it is basically the same as rebuilding the top of the engine, but I wouldn't freak out. Crap under the oil cap on a 100k + car is perfectly normal, and is not an effective way to determine if the engine has sludge buildup. Don't assume anything until the valve cover is removed.
I found a lot of sludge when I took the valve covers off my Avalon (same engine). I removed the worst of it with a plastic baby spoon. Then I used a sludge removing cleaner. (you pour it into the crankcase, idle the engine for 20 minutes, then change the oil.)
Two years later it's still OK. I change the oil every 5000 km, and use only high octane gas. The high octane keeps the cylinder heads a few degrees cooler, which reduces the tendency for the heads to cook the oil.
The high octane keeps the cylinder heads a few degrees cooler, which reduces the tendency for the heads to cook the oil.
That's interesting.
But really you can just clean it like we have said and it will be fine unless you never change the oil. Just clean it if it's there and don't freak out.
Once you clean out the sludge (or establish that there isn't any sludge) you can keep the engine sludge free by doing frequent oil changes (every 3,000 miles with dino oil) or maybe by using synthetic (does synthetic have any anti-sludge characteristics?).
Kep
__________________
Often, it's the loose screw between the steering wheel and the driver's seat that needs to be fixed first!
Once you clean out the sludge (or establish that there isn't any sludge) you can keep the engine sludge free by doing frequent oil changes (every 3,000 miles with dino oil) or maybe by using synthetic (does synthetic have any anti-sludge characteristics?).
Kep
I've probably done 1,000 damn sludge jobs on 1MZs, and I have never seen, nor does the dealer I worked for have record of, any Toyota 6cyl sludge problem with anything approaching documentation of a reasonable service history. The factory schedule (depending on the year) is 5k - 7.5k, and none of these vehicles had a record of anything like that. If you're changing your oil regularly (esp. @ 3k intervals) you aren't going to have serious sludge issues.
i agree with Qslim....ive never encountered a sludge job on a toyota with a reasonable history of maintenence....i follow the mantra of "prevention is the best protection"
but as suggested, pull your valve cover before you jump to any conclusions, and make sure to clean the heads well and do a fresh oil/filter/fluids change while youre at it.
So heres what it looks like under the cover, I've never seen something like this I have a 00' Acura TL with 200k's and under the cap looks clean theres so sludgy oil??? So can this be a sludge problem once again or i'am I just panicking??
You're not looking under the valve cover, you're looking at the top of the oil baffle that is part of the valve cover. Again, this is not an indicator of the condition of the valve train. You need to remove the valve cover and look at the top of the cylinder head. Take the coils off, disconnect the vent hose, and remove the 10mm bolts around the circumference of the valve cover and take it off.
if you have sludge, there is a recall and covered by toyota
No, there isn't. If you have sludge and meet certain requirements, then you may be eligible for assistance from Toyota to cover the engine rebuild. Toyota has never issued a recall over this.
you really cant tell until you pull the cover. i thought my engine was pretty clean until i pulled the valve cover. whoa was i shocked. granted my problem is rare and i blame a dumb previous owner for lack of maintenance. (i have sludge buildup with pictures - what to do? (56k iffy?)) i never got around to pulling the valve cover in the spring, so ill take a look next spring and see how she looks.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Gen 4.5 Sign of Sludge?? UPDATED WITH PICS!!!
-- Get him, boy....
Linear Mode
