Why 5000 for change and when was the sludge problem fixed?

[crabjoe]

Being that the Camry I am waiting on will be my 1st Toyota, I'm nervous about getting one now after seeing posts online about Toyota's sludge problem.

I have no idea what years of Toyota motors had a sludge problem but why does Toyota recommand 5000 mile changes when it seems everyone else recommands up to 7500? If I had to guess, either Toyota still has a sludge problem or they are so terrified from the previous problem, they don't want to chance it.

Part of the reason I ask is because when I have my oil analysed on my Dodge Ram, the oil comes back healthy and clean at even 10,000 miles. Mind you, it does take 3 gallons to do an oil change, but it comes back clean.

Also, can anyone tell me what years and motors that have the sludge problem? My sister had a Camry that's a few years oil and friends have them also so I'd like to let them know of any possible problems.


Thanks!

[conservativejay]

I think it occurred in older generation models. I have a 2005 Camry that notifies me at every 5,000 miles to get the oil changed and I haven't had a problem yet. I'm at 17,000 miles and three oil changes since I bought the vehicle in NOvember 2004.

[urotsukidoji]

the sludge problem was with older engines...and it usually happened to people who took changing their oil for granted.

[crabjoe]

Guys,

That still doesn't give a reason on the current 5000 mile change interval. Also do the current Toyota's have a maintance/Oil change light like so many other vehicles? For me that would make things so much easier becasue trying to keep track of miles on one more vehicle will drive me nuts!

Thanks!

[Netforcer]

Yep, they have a MAINT REQD light... mine went on immediately after my car hit 5000 miles yesterday

[touringcamry]

The sludge issue was with the 5S and the 1MZ engine as far as I know. These engines were used on Some Gen 3s and all Gen 4s. The issue may have been fixed for the Gen 5 with 1MZ engines, but I'm not certain.

The 5000 mile interval is for severe conditions per the maintenance manual. If you have you oil analyzed and the severe conditions do not apply to you, the 7500 mile interval may work for you.

Toyota is probably weary of people running their oil too long and sludging up the engine so it may be a better safe than sorry type of thing. That would be the same reason some people run synthetic for 3000 miles and change it out even though it would be safe to go well beyond 3000 miles. I've run sythetic blends for 5000 mile changes and the oil analysis I did came back great.

[marc780]

I have no idea what years of Toyota motors had a sludge problem but why does Toyota recommand 5000 mile changes when it seems everyone else recommands up to 7500? If I had to guess, either Toyota still has a sludge problem or they are so terrified from the previous problem, they don't want to chance it.

Crabjoe, you dont like to change your oil. Cant say i blame you either, not a fun chore. If i were you, id choose one of the following options -

1. Just use Mobil 1. Change it whenever you feel like it. Its the only oil out there thats better than factory fill and wil last you as long as you care to. Just pay the freight and you'll have no worries. Might wanna change the filter @ 5000 and add a quart make up though.

2. Do what i do, change it every 2000 - 3000 miles with (SJ rated only) dino oil and use any old filter that cost 2 bucks from walmart. Then if there might be an oil breakdown, sludging, or filter related issue, all of it is long gone before they could ever happen in the first place.

[Super Kaioken]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

The sludge issue was with the 5S and the 1MZ engine as far as I know. These engines were used on Some Gen 3s and all Gen 4s. The issue may have been fixed for the Gen 5 with 1MZ engines, but I'm not certain.

The 5000 mile interval is for severe conditions per the maintenance manual. If you have you oil analyzed and the severe conditions do not apply to you, the 7500 mile interval may work for you.

Toyota is probably weary of people running their oil too long and sludging up the engine so it may be a better safe than sorry type of thing. That would be the same reason some people run synthetic for 3000 miles and change it out even though it would be safe to go well beyond 3000 miles. I've run sythetic blends for 5000 mile changes and the oil analysis I did came back great.

I'm using Mobil 1 Extended Life! I'll still change it at 5000. I was using the regular Mobil 1 synth and it came back pretty dark at 3K though =/

btw, touring, what oil are you using?

[toyomoho]

The jest I picked was the engine design(s) had local hot spots allowing the circulating oil to get extra hot and crispy. Something to do with the thin wall casting design.