5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
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Dealership fixing Used 2002 Camry Oil Sludge problem
Hello,
I very recently bought a used 2002 Toyota Camry XLE V6. After about a week I noticed a large amount of smoke on startup. After a little research I found it could be the valve seals, and after a little more research I found out about the oil sludge settlement.
I took the car to the dealership, and at first the sales guy called me and told me they would use a "sludge cleaning kit" to minimize the smoke. A little bit later the service department called and said they were going to have to replace the valve seals and valve cover gasket. This was being done at no cost to me because of the extended warranty.
My question is, I know the replacing the valve seals, and gasket will fix the smoke on startup, but should I be concerned still with the oil gel problem? Should the dealership be doing more than what they are offering? I know I'm getting a very expensive job done for free, but I've read a couple of posts of people having the dealership rebuild their motor, and to me it seems that just replacing the valve seals is a temporary patch if the oil sludge buildup is there. Any additional advice?
Constructive input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
The dealership is doing all they can for you. The issue is in the design of the heads to run hotter and cleaner coupled with the extended oil change recommendation. I had a similar problem with a 99. Once cleaned out, change the oil at 3-4k mile intervals and you will be fine. There is no reason to rebuild the engine. Seals are actually pretty easy if you have the right tools.
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Valve stem seals do contribute to a large part of oil loss problems internally. And when they replace the stem seals they need to do the valve cover gasket as well. I wonder if you should pay to have a new timing belt in there, since they have to take it off to get to the stem seals. Shouldn't cost you more labor at all, and they make some profit on the belts (timing and drive belts). So they shouldn't object.
Did they tell you they were using a sludge kit to clean out varnish, or was the sludge bad enough? Was the car properly maintained (eg, 5000 mile or sooner oil changes)?
Toyota Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV, 97+) versions I4 and V6 were the mothers of all sludges. But apparently the problem persisted after 2004 as well, so Toyota in 2004 cut down the oil change interval from 7500 miles normal service down to 5000 mile service. This applied to all Toyota vehicles. "Technically" if you go 5001 miles your warranty is void.
So ask them. How bad was the sludge. You'll probably have accelerated wear from sludged related oil starvation. But if it runs smoothly and doesn't consume oil afterwards, then you should be able to drive it for a while and then sell it at a decent price.
Valve stem seals do contribute to a large part of oil loss problems internally. And when they replace the stem seals they need to do the valve cover gasket as well. I wonder if you should pay to have a new timing belt in there, since they have to take it off to get to the stem seals. Shouldn't cost you more labor at all, and they make some profit on the belts (timing and drive belts). So they shouldn't object.
Did they tell you they were using a sludge kit to clean out varnish, or was the sludge bad enough? Was the car properly maintained (eg, 5000 mile or sooner oil changes)?
Toyota Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV, 97+) versions I4 and V6 were the mothers of all sludges. But apparently the problem persisted after 2004 as well, so Toyota in 2004 cut down the oil change interval from 7500 miles normal service down to 5000 mile service. This applied to all Toyota vehicles. "Technically" if you go 5001 miles your warranty is void.
So ask them. How bad was the sludge. You'll probably have accelerated wear from sludged related oil starvation. But if it runs smoothly and doesn't consume oil afterwards, then you should be able to drive it for a while and then sell it at a decent price.
Did they tell you they were using a sludge kit to clean out varnish, or was the sludge bad enough? Was the car properly maintained (eg, 5000 mile or sooner oil changes)?
Thanks for the reply guys. I just wanted to make sure that I don't have to return to the dealership any time soon for this same issue since I know this extended warranty ends soon for this car. I was pretty surprised myself when they said they would do the valve seals for free, I thought I was going to have to fight for it when they mentioned the sludge kit only remedy.
As for the sludge kit use, they didn't mention why exactly they were going to use it, but I'll definitely ask. I don't know the previous maintenance habits of the previous owner, so I wouldn't be able to say how good it was maintained. I bought the car with 90k miles, and it seems to drive pretty smooth.
I'll keep an eye on the oil consumption rate in the future. If it doesn't consume any significant amount then you should be fine -- most likely just leaky valve stem seals and some varnish.
I'd also change out the PCV valve and rubber grommet. About ~$10 at the dealer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jaydee1983
As for the sludge kit use, they didn't mention why exactly they were going to use it, but I'll definitely ask. I don't know the previous maintenance habits of the previous owner, so I wouldn't be able to say how good it was maintained. I bought the car with 90k miles, and it seems to drive pretty smooth.
If your car does have an oil gelling issue, I would be very concerned about what is sitting in the oil pan. I would also want to check the oil pump pickup screen and tube which is prone to clogging from sludge build up.
__________________ 2005 Corolla LE - Impulse Red - Auto Trans - 1ZZFE - 86,000mi 2003 Echo - Auto Trans - 96,000mi. - slow as dog-dirt - I'd rather put my money in the bank than in the tank!!!!!
Sales guy says sludge cleaning kit, service department says valve stem seals. I'd trust the latter. Smoke on start up is a common problem and is probably a sign of worn valve stem seals, if regular oil changes were done. My mom's gen 3.5 has a bit of white smoke for 2-3 seconds after starting it up in the morning, then it goes away.
I wouldn't worry about it. The 1MZ is a great motor, just gotta keep up with oil changes.
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