Corolla smoking after running low on oil (help!) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

JohnAE82 · 06-18-2010, 05:59 PM

My Corolla ('85 FWD 4AC, 190,000 miles) started to smoke about a mouth ago. I checked the oil.....none. So I refill it and drive, then I noticed a oil leak coming from ether the oil pump or cam seal, which I imagine is where my oil went. I haven't yet fixed the leak, but I've been keeping a close eye on the oil level. It has been going through about a quart of oil a week, but it's not leaking that much, only a few drops on the driveway.

The thing that worries me, is that since running it low on oil, it's been smoking alot. But it only smokes at idle, and only once warmed up. I'm kinda' worried that I fried the rings, but the car still runs fine, no lose in power, and doesn't smoke once on the road. Could it just be the valve seals? Could a leakdown test show me if it's the rings?

rickhart · 06-24-2010, 12:51 AM

Sounds like the oil has broken down and should be drained completely. If your on 10W-30 then up it to 15W-40 or better yet 20W-50 and that should seal things up a lot.

fredricktflail · 06-25-2010, 01:21 AM

Sounds like valve stem seals to me.

rickhart · 06-26-2010, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredricktflail

Sounds like valve stem seals to me.

Yeah, I agree.

I was trying to suggest an idea that MIGHT save him a major repair. Mine are worn too, but probably not as much as his, and 15W-40 did the trick.

corolla254 · 08-06-2010, 07:31 PM

to save time and money plus an engine, get the oil pump seal replace and the time belt. once oil gets on the belt the rubber starts to fall apart and stretch and possibly break down the road. replace them and youll be safe. now the oil burning can be a burnt valve, valve seal leaking , and warped head if it got hot.if its clicking on the top end its more likely to be a valve issue.

86AE82 · 09-04-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickhart

Sounds like the oil has broken down and should be drained completely. If your on 10W-30 then up it to 15W-40 or better yet 20W-50 and that should seal things up a lot.

Spoken like a kung fu master. Haynes recommends 20W-40 for most temperatures in this vehicle. Since they don't really carry that anymore I opted for 20W-50 Full Synthetic w/ mobil 1 filter.