2007 Camry LE Low Oil Problem

[louielau]

I have a 2007 Camry LE with 4cl with 50K miles. I am having a low oil problem and would like to know has any other 07 Camry owner has similar low oil problem.

Since 2007 I have 2 occasions that the oil level is at the lower mark of the dip stick and 1 occasion the oil level is at the end of the dip stick. I have always changed my oil every 5000 miles and I don't expect to have to add 1 qt. or more of oil in between oil changes. I have just took it to the Toyota dealer and I was pointed to P.291 of the user manual which indicate that acceptable Max. oil consumption is 1.1qt./600 miles on a 2007 Camry. I was asked to have a oil consumption test that will cost me $70 that should be part of the free diagnostic process. I am totally disappointed with the dealer's response.

Thanks.

[njerald]

Guess you have to check it in less than 5,000 miles...........

[JohnGD]

Sure, I can see why it's a disappointment especially if you drove older cars (even Detroit ones) that used little oil after 5000 miles.

But Toyota's production tolerances have gone out the window in recent years of cost cutting. And now they even put in the 1.1qt/600 miles in the manual, so if it's within this limit there isn't much an owner can do. It's just too bad. Toyota just doesn't build them like they used to.

You can do your own measurement and see if it uses more than that amount. If so you can pay for and get an official test from the dealer, and if lucky get a rebuilt engine from Toyota. (not sure you'll get a new one however). But talk to the service writer before you pay for the test.

Or just trade it in for something else while you still have powertrain warranty and if someone else is willing to take it off your hands.

Originally Posted by louielau

I have a 2007 Camry LE with 4cl with 50K miles. I am having a low oil problem and would like to know has any other 07 Camry owner has similar low oil problem.

Since 2007 I have 2 occasions that the oil level is at the lower mark of the dip stick and 1 occasion the oil level is at the end of the dip stick. I have always changed my oil every 5000 miles and I don't expect to have to add 1 qt. or more of oil in between oil changes. I have just took it to the Toyota dealer and I was pointed to P.291 of the user manual which indicate that acceptable Max. oil consumption is 1.1qt./600 miles on a 2007 Camry. I was asked to have a oil consumption test that will cost me $70 that should be part of the free diagnostic process. I am totally disappointed with the dealer's response.

Thanks.

[laphan]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

Sure, I can see why it's a disappointment especially if you drove older cars (even Detroit ones) that used little oil after 5000 miles.

But Toyota's production tolerances have gone out the window in recent years of cost cutting. And now they even put in the 1.1qt/600 miles in the manual, so if it's within this limit there isn't much an owner can do. It's just too bad. Toyota just doesn't build them like they used to.

You can do your own measurement and see if it uses more than that amount. If so you can pay for and get an official test from the dealer, and if lucky get a rebuilt engine from Toyota. (not sure you'll get a new one however). But talk to the service writer before you pay for the test.

Or just trade it in for something else while you still have powertrain warranty and if someone else is willing to take it off your hands.

Do you think GM engines does not consume oil??
Check this:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f...umption-84701/

Here is ford:
http://www.fordforums.com/f499/4-6-o...umption-29556/

And Honda:
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...-some-oil.html

Nissan:
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...dding-oil.html

Try to use synthetic.

[njerald]

1. All engines use oil.

2. Some use more than others.......

[PRINCESS PEACH]

normal.

[heartdisease]

It maybe normal but i've never had a car that you have to add oil to between oil changes.

[PRINCESS PEACH]

thats true. I never did too, and i'd be slightly worried also.
but it is within specs. and TRD-VVTI strongly asserted that it was normal.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by heartdisease

It maybe normal but i've never had a car that you have to add oil to between oil changes.

but oil changes used to be at 3,000 miles..............you drive 67% further now between oil changes.

[PRINCESS PEACH]

I change mine religiously at 5K, but use full mobile 1 synthetic. Not a drop eaten.

On conventional oil, I personally wouldn't go further than 3000.

[Mike Gerber]

My 07 I4 uses a bit of oil too between 3000 miles oil changes. Maybe 1/2 quart in 1500 miles. Remember, with your 07 Camry I4 the recommended oil is 5W-20 or 0W-20. That's thinner than the 5W-30 or 10W-30 that older Camrys used. IMHO the thinner oil is responsible for most of the oil usage.

Mike

[gdanaher]

Don't blow past the possibility that you could have a sludging issue that has been overlooked. Check the PCV valve for correct operation. Clean with carb cleaner if you're in the mood. Next, verify that the valve cover port where the pcv connects is also clean and clear. Take the oil filler cap off, blow compressed air in via the pcv hole and see that there is clear flow with no obstructions. You might even want to pull the cover off and take a look inside to see if it is gooped up. If the engine is running at highway speeds and there is no way to relieve internal pressure it will force oil down the valve stems and it will burn oil. Sometimes a lot of oil.

Check your oil level more frequently. It is not Toyota's fault if you run it dry. There is a reason the engine has a dip stick.

[JasonA]

Engines used to not use "any" oil. And that was considered good. But on the flipside, you were rebuilding engines with 100k miles on them because the cylinders lost compression (due to wall wear) and you had to ream down the ridge at the top of the cylinder.

This is largely no more. Engines in general use more oil today. This is due to a number of things, like low tension piston rings which promote good fuel economy and very aggressive hone patterns on cylinder walls that promote good oil retention (better for wear). You also have things like valve guides that must be lubricated by "sacrificial oil" (once it's in there, it eventually sucks down and gets burned). Engines turning at 3-4k RPM as many do today will naturally use more oil than engines that ran happily at 1,500 RPM just from the engine speed alone (not to mention all of the other factors).

It's not "poor quality" in the engine shop. It's simply how modern engines operate. Adding a quart of oil every 5,000 miles is really rather good. Some engines can use oil much quicker. The other "benefit" is by adding a fresh quart of oil, you keep a nice supply of fresh additives and detergents in the oil, which is always a good thing.

[heartdisease]

I have used nothing but mobile one full syn for about 15 yrs and well over 700k in 4 vehicles and have never had the dipstick move more than just enough to notice in anything. I will say the newer 0w20 and low tension rings would defiantly lend itself to more usage though. I have put in one year(today to be exact) 34,564 mi on my 09 Camry. It never even moves on the dipstick.

The 82 monte and 91 escort I had before that used dino oil and they were starting to use somewhere between 1/2 and 1 quart between oil changes (3000k).

Again that isn't to say that if you do lead footed city driving with the newer engines that it wouldn't be normal.

Any way I would say wait and see, have them give it a good once over and maybe a compression check and the pcv for sure. Then just drive it

[louielau]

Thank you very much for all the valuable input.