Hmmm Strange oil issue - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Manny1337 · 03-05-2009, 05:03 PM

Okay well this is my problem. After oil changed i fill the oil up with 4qts. I check it every week or so and its fine till i get to 1500 miles then it drops 1/2 quart i dont get it its only when it gets to 1500 miles after the oil change. then untill it gets to 3k it drops another 1/2 quart. Befor it gets to 1500 miles the oil level stays high were it is supposed to be. Could it be the type of oil i use (Valvoline Max Life Synthethic Blend 5w-30) Or something else im missing?

frenum49 · 03-05-2009, 06:11 PM

The oil you are using is of very high quality. However, all oil is still subject to breakdown over time. It is more likely that you are leaking a bit and are burning some as well.

Manny1337 · 03-05-2009, 06:19 PM

there is no visible oil anywhere from under the car. maybe the oil is breaking down?

frenum49 · 03-05-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny1337

there is no visible oil anywhere from under the car. maybe the oil is breaking down?

Probably burning the oil. Valve seals become fatigued on higher mileage cars. Piston oil retainer rings do the same. I wouldnt worry too much about this. Just keep your level up and you will be fine.

flyeri · 03-05-2009, 08:29 PM

My daughter's 95 has just a few more miles than yours and I add about 1/2 quart at 1500 miles or so. Look for a little puff of smoke when you start it in the morning. If you see that it is a leaking valve stem seal. This is no big deal in itself, but will cause the engine to burn a little more oil than normal. It is not something to worry about unless the smoke is really heavy and lasts more than 5-10 seconds, or it just drives you nuts.
Most engines will burn (use) a little oil and that will increase as they age. 1/2 quart per 1500 miles is not bad and if you took a brand new car to a dealer and complained you would find that is well within the manufacturer's tolerances.

I have seen cars that have approximately the same oil level 3000 miles after an oil change. They usually are not run for long periods of time and usually stop and go in the city for short time periods. What happens is small amounts of fuel get down past the piston rings and mix with the oil. On most cars this is evaporated out when the engine is run for a long period of time(normal driving for most of us). That is why the manufacturer recommends shorter intervals for oil changes for this type of driving as well as those used in constant all day type driving and dusty conditions.

As stated by others your usage is pretty typical and no need to be concerned. Just check and add.

Manny1337 · 03-05-2009, 08:33 PM

yeah i guess ill keep doing that. i just found it weird that it was fine untill 1500 then seemed to drop after that. But ill just keep buying 5 quarts and add as needed. thanks for the info guys

Stillrunning · 03-06-2009, 06:27 AM

I'm wondering if you're getting some fuel dilution of the oil that does not get high enough to matter until you've done 1500 miles or so. Fuel in the oil will cause it to thin and burn more easily. I'd do a used oil analysis at 3k which will tell you you how much if any fuel is in the oil. Fuel in the oil will also reduce it's ability to wear protect your engine. For about $22 you can get an analysis here; http://www.blackstone-labs.com/