I have a 2008 Highlander 3.5L NON-Hybrid engine, with about 32,500 miles on it. I change the engine oil and filter every 3k miles, use the Toyota brand oil filter with Pennzoil 5w-20 conventional motor oil. I live in Massachusetts (very cold recently). I did an oil change yesterday, and noticed some type of particles at the bottom of the oil filter housing. I filtered the oil from the particles and am trying to identify what the particles are. They are smaller than a grain of sand, blackish in color and when you rub them between your fingers, they smear and seem to disintegrate, they are NON-metallic, they don't appear to be aluminum or brass. Previous to this oil change, there has been nothing in the bottom of the oil filter. The engine is running fine and am not blowing any oil. Any one else experience this? Any thoughts or suggestions what this is?
Thanks for your help,
Joe B.
Do you drive real short distance where the engine does not get warm? If so they could be moisture getting in the oil from not getting it hot enough.Ford are real bad about this in cold weather anyway.Just my 2 cent
I have a 2008 Highlander 3.5L NON-Hybrid engine, with about 32,500 miles on it. I change the engine oil and filter every 3k miles, use the Toyota brand oil filter with Pennzoil 5w-20 conventional motor oil. I live in Massachusetts (very cold recently). I did an oil change yesterday, and noticed some type of particles at the bottom of the oil filter housing. I filtered the oil from the particles and am trying to identify what the particles are. They are smaller than a grain of sand, blackish in color and when you rub them between your fingers, they smear and seem to disintegrate, they are NON-metallic, they don't appear to be aluminum or brass. Previous to this oil change, there has been nothing in the bottom of the oil filter. The engine is running fine and am not blowing any oil. Any one else experience this? Any thoughts or suggestions what this is?
Thanks for your help,
Joe B.
Did you take any pictures of the filter and the stuff inside of it,I would like to see it. You can also get your oil tested at any major oil co. in your area will do it or have it done....
Personally I would not put Pennzoil in my lawnmower. What you describe sounds very much like the beginning of sludge formation. I'd use a better grade of oil if it was my car and change it every 5000 miles.
Did you take any pictures of the filter and the stuff inside of it,I would like to see it. You can also get your oil tested at any major oil co. in your area will do it or have it done....
Pesticide, I didn't take photos, but I still have the filter and a "shop towel" that contains the particles. I am looking into having the oil tetsed. I will be taking it back to the dealer in the next couple of weeks to see where thay stand on the issue, want to get it documented while still under warranty.
thanks,
Joe B.
Personally I would not put Pennzoil in my lawnmower. What you describe sounds very much like the beginning of sludge formation. I'd use a better grade of oil if it was my car and change it every 5000 miles.
Zembonez,
Why wouldn't you use Pennzoil may I ask? Did you have some type of problem or oil related failure with it? I have been using it since the mid 1980's in Chevrolets, Nissans, Dodges and Plymouths, never had any sludge in the top end of the engine (never had to drop the oil pan to check the bottom end). This is my first experience using the 5w-20 wt oil, possibly the issue? don't know yet. I still change the oil in our vehicles every 3k miles, glad I did in this instance, hopefully found a "problem" early, before more damage might occur.
What brand of oil and filter do you use?
Thanks for your input,
Joe B.
Its nothing to worry about.
Just keep an eye on the oil level. Any consumption?
If you want, you can take a oil sample at your next oil change and send it in for analysis.
Pennzoil is a great oil. The latest mineral yellow bottle is rated SN/GF5.
But, I do and always will recommend a full synthetic. I don't have any faith in automaker engineers anymore. Don't want to find out 5 years later that there is an oil related failure that could be prevented with better oil.
Do you have the tow package?
Did you have the oil hose recall completed?
__________________
Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
