so I've got engine sludge in 2000 avalon, now what?

[jonathag]

so am I screwed with an engine sludge problem?

This was my original thread, I wanted to post a new thread since my first one was so old I figured not many people would see it anymore.

My mechanic dropped the oil pan this week and there is sludge in the engine, he cleaned the oil pan and the screen. Did not pull the valve covers because he, and another mechanic I talked to, said when you try to clean after taking the valve covers off, that most of the time it just dislodges extra crap from the top of the engine and clogs the screen again. My mechanic said to change the oil every 2500 to 3000 miles.

I went to a car lot where I have purchased cars before to see what they would give me for the car, I did tell them about the sludge problem. So, if I can get 3500 to 4000 for it on trade in, is that what I should do? I find out in the morning what they'll give me for it.

I know that no one can tell me if I'll get 1 month or 2 years out of the car now, and if I drive it until the engine siezes up, I'll get little to nothing for it.

Is there some type of additive or something I can put in when I do oil changes that might prolong things? Even if I did all of the things to prolong the life of the engine, might I still only get a few months more out of it?

I just paid the car off 4-5 months ago and I really like not having a payment. I drive all hiway miles mostly. I really love this car, it still drives like a dream even with 148k on it.

What to do, what to do?! Any opinions are appreciated!

[toyomoho]

Might read this thread.

Cleaning engine oil sludge/gel out of engine

[jonathag]

Thanks, read through all of that. Good information but I can't find a mechanic willing to touch it. My normal mechanic doesn't have the time, my backup mechanic doesn't have the time, and I spoke to another mechanic today and they don't even break these apart and clean them any more because they always get the car back because crap breaks loose and works it's way down to the screen again.

I guess my main question would be is trading this car in just to try to salvage some money out of it really what I should do? Is the problem that bad to be thinking about getting rid of the car or is the best thing to do to keep hunting for a mechanic that will tackle this? I would be fine with putting in around $1500 into cleaning it all out, but the local Toyota dealer I talked to today said that the labor to clean it all out equalled out to the cost of replacing the engine, $4500! Is $1500 a pipe dream or is that a realistic figure to get it all cleaned out? I am just wondering if trading in the car and getting into debt on another car is too drastic of a thing to be doing if this can most likely be fixed.

That thread mentioned switching to synthetic oil and going to a 3k mile interval, does that stand a good chance of prolonging this? Should I try some of the additives mentioned in that thread and switch to synthetic and change it every 3k miles? That would get VERY expensive with the miles I drive, I average around 600-1000 miles per week, so a synthetic oil change every month or so would be crazy expensive.

It sounds like you really have to find someone that knows how to do it right, there are varying degrees to trying to fix this, from just dropping the oil pan and cleaning the screen to taking off the heads, to replacing the gaskets and pcv valve etc etc etc.

I live in Louisville Kentucky if there are any kind hearted Toyota mechanics that can help me out!

[zythr]

If the car lot will take it and give you money for it, that may be your best bet. You probably don't know what part(s) of the engine may have been starved for oil. You also don't know how long this engine may last (it could be a few months or a few years). That this problem still happened, even though you drove this car regularly and for a lot of miles, gives you your answer

[jonathag]

Well, car lot will take it to the auction for me and I may get anywhere from $3000 to $4000 for it. He's only going to charge me $25 to take it for me to the auction, if it sells I have to pay the auction $200, so I would net $2800-$3800.

I guess the real question is, if I were to buy another car I'd probably have a $250 per month payment, so if I can get another year out of this car I'd be saving $3000 if it doesn't lock up, I just wish I knew if I'd get a year out of this car.

[zythr]

Did you get all this in writing? It seems to be a pretty good offer if it works out. If you do get $2800-$3800 try to find a replacement for about $500 under what you get (ie $2300-$3500), that way you'll have something to put in the bank/credit union. If I were you and I was looking to replace my car, I'd see if I can find an in good shape Camry wagon, before 97 (say 89-96). They were good cars and roomy and look good. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[jonathag]

Good idea, I love those old camry wagons, some of my favorite cars actually. He is a long time friend so I trust him. Yeah I really want to come out ahead or only owing 1k or so. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.

[tr7driver]

I had a 94 Camry wagon with 250K miles on it when I sold it. Great car, it even had a third seat. I wish Toyota still made them. I've been looking for another one for about 5 years but haven't found one in decent shape.

Have you called any junk yards to see if they had a good replacement engine you could swap into the car?

Are there any laws that would hold you liable for selling the car with a known major engine problem if it’s not disclosed at the auction?

[zythr]

You're welcome and Good luck

[jonathag]

No, haven't called any junk yards. I talked to my mechanic again, he said he would at least trust the car for a minimum of a few months. He said the screen was all clogged up, and he cleaned it up and made it look new, so he said theoretically it should take a little while for the screen to get clogged again if it's going to. I just don't know what to do. I don't think there are any laws for selling a car at auction if I'm not the one selling it. It would be in my name, but the car dealer is the one at the auction selling it. I told the car dealer about the sludge problem, so I figure I've done my part.

This is just the worst time to be buying a car. I can't find anything good for around $5000 and those cars all have a ton of miles on them. I can't find a Toyota Camry within 100 miles of me for sale for $5000 or less. This is just the worst time for this to have happened, cause if I buy something else, I'm going to get reemed.

[zythr]

A car having a lot of miles does not necessarily mean it's a bad deal. How the previous owner took care of the car and how the miles were driven (ie Highway, city) is the determining factor. You're already part way there, having a mechanic. Ask him if he knows of any good Toyotas around and/or if he would not mind accompanying you to the car lots when you go to look. A lot of people don't even have that much. Have you tried Autotrader.com or cars.com?

[WesMan]

I took my 2000 Avalon to the Toyota Dealership and told them what I found online and applied for a free fix from Toyota. They put in a brand new engine in my Avalon for free because it had engine sludge.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...ettlement.html
I fixed mine in 2007, hopefully it's not too late for you.