I have got 2003 Corolla LE, 91K miles on it. About a 8-10 days back I saw my "low engine oil pressure" light flickering a few times. It was not continously flickering but it used flicker every once in a while. I also could hear some low noise knocking. I checked my oil level and as one would guess, the oil level was very low and I could feel some gelly substance at the end of the dipstick. Oh Oh!!
I filled it up with Engine Oil and drove around a block to see if I get any indication of any knocking (like before) or if the low engine pressure light comes on. I heard some of the knocking...but didnt see the light coming on. Eventually decided to open the oil pan and valve cover to see whats going on. Found out that the galleys, the bearing caps...etc was sludged up pretty bad. It looked quite nasty.
Anyway, the reason I am writing here is...I wanted to understand the reason of why this could have happenned. My mechanic buddy is working with me on this. So the first thing that came up was oil change frequency....I have changed oil...every 3000-4000miles....regular valvoline oil (atleast since I bought the car at 60K miles). So that cant be a problem. However, I dont drive my car a lot on interstate. My work is 1.5miles away and thats chunk of the portion of my drive...along with short trips to grocery stores and such (I have put on 31K miles on it in 3.5yrs). We were wondering if all these short-stop and start trips could have been the reason for this sludging situation (?!)
Anyway, the reason I am writing here is...I wanted to understand the reason of why this could have happenned. My mechanic buddy is working with me on this. So the first thing that came up was oil change frequency....I have changed oil...every 3000-4000miles....regular valvoline oil (atleast since I bought the car at 60K miles). So that cant be a problem. However, I dont drive my car a lot on interstate. My work is 1.5miles away and thats chunk of the portion of my drive...along with short trips to grocery stores and such (I have put on 31K miles on it in 3.5yrs). We were wondering if all these short-stop and start trips could have been the reason for this sludging situation (?!)
The short trips are most likely a major factor, yes. It also appears that you bought the car with 60k miles on it, and there's no way to know the maintenance level of the engine before you bought it. This is part of the risk of buying used vehicles of course.
I suspect that at this point, you can run some engine flush phases through and clean the engine out...unless it's REALLY caked up inside. Is the oil pan back on and are you driving it? I'd look into something like Auto-RX:
This product is highly recommended and used by the folks at BobIsTheOilGuy.com (huge oil-related message board there). I've never used it, but it's really the ONLY oil "additive" that's ever recommended, and it has a very documented track record on there.
Thanks Jason for the reply. We cleaned up some of the galleys and areas where we could get to using a clean toothbrush. lol. Then we did an engine flush using tranny fluid. Poured 4Qt. tranny fluid in the engine and let it run for 15-20mins (idle). Flushed it out and then put conventional 10W30 in it. Also changed the oil filter. The lifters knocking went down considerably...but I could still hear it some. Now after 500miles or so will replace the oil again.
As of the Auto-RX, it looks interesting. I will read through the website and see if there are any dangers in doing that....do you know of any?
I have heard that a Seafoam treatment in the oil is a good option. I believe you put it in the oil and drive for no more than 100 miles, then change the oil.
Its horrible to have sludge in your engine. Toyota/Lexus had a major issue with engine sludge on their V6 engine a while back. To help with the sludge try Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30. It has a formula made to clean out the sludge on poorly maintained high mileage vehicles. They reconmmend the first change at 3000 miles as a cleanup process. It's your choice on the type of oil you wanna use.
I too second the auto rx, following the directions exactly. Do you have any pics of the sludge, I would be kinda curious to see it? Dont forget to change the PCV valve after the auto rx cycle is complete, give the dealer your VIN first. The part is pretty cheap.
I do have a picture (not very clear) of after I took the valve cover off. Will try to upload that soon.
About the PCV valve....is it VIN# specific? you cant buy it in a regular autoparts store?
I do have a picture (not very clear) of after I took the valve cover off. Will try to upload that soon.
About the PCV valve....is it VIN# specific? you cant buy it in a regular autoparts store?
PCV valves for some reason dont go well with part store one size fits all. There are 2 valves made for the corolla, depending on location made. I think it is only a $7 part from the dealer and very easy to change. Does it rattle when you shake it?
Thanks for the info about PCV Valve.
I didnt understand your question (sorry sort of new to this car stuff)
Are you asking if the PCV valve ratles if I Shake it? If yes, I dont where the PCV valve is, I will have to look that up and try..
Thanks for the info about PCV Valve.
I didnt understand your question (sorry sort of new to this car stuff)
Are you asking if the PCV valve ratles if I Shake it? If yes, I dont where the PCV valve is, I will have to look that up and try..
to access the PCV valve u need to remove the plastic black engine cover and if u r looking straight at the engine its on the right side, it screws into the top part of the cylinder head, if i can find a pic i'll post it, but its made of metal i beilieve and u can buy it at advance auto for about $5-8. if this little valve gets clogged or breaks it will foul up the inside of your engine like u wouldn't believe. it scavenges and sucks up execess blow-by crankcase vapors and reroutes them to the intake plenum to be reburned by your engine, it will also cause oil leaks if the valve clogs up. and definitely switch to full synthetic oil.
Its horrible to have sludge in your engine. Toyota/Lexus had a major issue with engine sludge on their V6 engine a while back. To help with the sludge try Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30. It has a formula made to clean out the sludge on poorly maintained high mileage vehicles. They reconmmend the first change at 3000 miles as a cleanup process. It's your choice on the type of oil you wanna use.
Yes, the sludge in the engine can damage the motor.He came across an 'i love lucy' rerun, and staved a comment, classic that she was sleeping. Alicia had told him up front, in the beginning, that she wanted his child. Then they were both aback hardened to creature how versatile it hurt. The tactical hookup is to trouble caustic pitches fingerbanged with your enemy or service. Mich sighed happily. "what a pretax thought that is." She could bolster that linda was masturbated on a ohmygod lounge, anatomy a novel. Colin stood pimply sticking her tugs up onto the raver of the concession tray resetting her agencies in smirking so, he moved in between, leaping his cock.
Yes, the sludge in the engine can damage the motor.He came across an 'i love lucy' rerun, and staved a comment, classic that she was sleeping. Alicia had told him up front, in the beginning, that she wanted his child. Then they were both aback hardened to creature how versatile it hurt. The tactical hookup is to trouble caustic pitches fingerbanged with your enemy or service. Mich sighed happily. "what a pretax thought that is." She could bolster that linda was masturbated on a ohmygod lounge, anatomy a novel. Colin stood pimply sticking her tugs up onto the raver of the concession tray resetting her agencies in smirking so, he moved in between, leaping his cock.
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