Toyota to fix oil sludge/gelling problems...

[Keyser Soze]

I found this on Car and Driver- though ya'll might be interested in knowing...

"Toyota announced a new customer satisfaction program for owners of 1997 through 2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with 3.0 liter V-6 or 2.2 liter 4-cylinder engines.

Toyota said in a statement that it is taking this action because a "very small number" of customers have reported engine damage from motor oil breakdown, also known as oil gelling or "sludging," which, the company said, is a result of oil change intervals delayed beyond the factory-recommended schedule.
This program will cover repair costs and incidental expenses for which a customer has paid or could incur as a result of damage due to oil gelling for a period of eight years from the date of first sale or lease without a mileage limitation. In addition to the costs of repairs, reasonable incidental expenses, such as car rental, and other out-of-pocket expenses will be covered, Toyota said."

[GSEREP1]

I have a friend with a 1995 ES300 with the same problem, The oil is gelled inside, and she will need a new engine. The car is a one owner, and she has put only 73,000 miles in all of this time. Too bad she has a 95...if it was a 97 or newer, she would get a new engine.

Finding a good used engine is a problem because they all seem to be afflicted with the same problem unless the oil was changed regularly, or the owner used synthetics. I know this elderly woman did not change the oil every 6 months or so because she barely drove the car.

If anyone knows where I could fine a decent 3.0L V6 engine for the 1995 ES300, I would be grateful. I will insist that she use synthetics when the new engine is installed.

[dna59]

It's good that their doing somethign about it. It's a pretty sweet deal you get too, with everything ebing covered.

[Porkch0p220]

Originally Posted by GSEREP1

I have a friend with a 1995 ES300 with the same problem, The oil is gelled inside, and she will need a new engine. The car is a one owner, and she has put only 73,000 miles in all of this time. Too bad she has a 95...if it was a 97 or newer, she would get a new engine.

Finding a good used engine is a problem because they all seem to be afflicted with the same problem unless the oil was changed regularly, or the owner used synthetics. I know this elderly woman did not change the oil every 6 months or so because she barely drove the car.

If anyone knows where I could fine a decent 3.0L V6 engine for the 1995 ES300, I would be grateful. I will insist that she use synthetics when the new engine is installed.

try synthetic oil before you make a desition like that. thats once of the fixed for the sludge problem

[Toysrme]

Change the oil to some good synthetic (mobile 1 or so) and dump a can of seafoam into it.

[BustaRice]

Originally Posted by Toysrme

Change the oil to some good synthetic (mobile 1 or so) and dump a can of seafoam into it.

don't forget to smoke out the neighborhood with that seafoam