Follow up...Oil changes, Toyotas, and GM problems

"Shep" > wrote in message
...
> Some research on the Toyota sludging problem suggests that the crankcase
> vent system too restrictive and was compromised by extending oil change
> intervals under hard driving conditions, the vent system became restricted
> allowing vapors to be trapped in the crankcase causing more rapid
formation
> of oil contamination.

I certainly accept that this could have been the case. Don't know exactly,
since I never owned one of them.

After having driven one, I can say that they seem to be very well
conceived cars. Will I buy one? Maybe...

Eugene Nine wrote:

> My previous boss too his wife's Camry to the toyota dealer every 3000
> miles for an oil change and still lost the engine at 20something k

This means nothing. All manufacturers have one-off engine failures.

Ian

Shep wrote:

> Some research on the Toyota sludging problem suggests that the
> crankcase vent system too restrictive and was compromised by
> extending oil change intervals under hard driving conditions, the
> vent system became restricted allowing vapors to be trapped in the
> crankcase causing more rapid formation of oil contamination.



Except that the engine's PCV system was never changed.

The part numbers for the later 1MZ-FE valve covers is different from
the original, and it's my understanding that the valve cover baffling
was changed a bit to allow better oil flowback when sludged.

wrote:
> In a recent post, I voiced my discontent with the way GM had handled the
> plenum
> failure problem in general, and mentioned it might be time to look at a
> Toyota.

> Someone (pardon for not remembering whom) posted that Toyota had also had
> problems with sludging engines, leading to failure in some instances.

> Drove the Toyota today. Wonderfully quiet, smooth, and responsive. Was
> really
> impressed.

> So I asked about the sludging problem while at the dealership. They
> confirmed it
> had happened and gave the reason that many people tried to run too long
> between
> oil changes. They said that the manual clearly called for oil and filter
> changes near
> the 3000 mile interval, but a lot of people tried to push oils to 7500 and
> more. And it
> just didnt work.

> This post covers several items, and comments are welcome.



Claiming to need a 3,000 oil change interval is one way of saying
that they cannot fix the problem in the current engine series. If
you feel the need to go Japanese I suggest getting the 4 cylinder
engine. Powers the Camry just fine. Test drive some of the new GM's
first though...

wrote:

>>Toyota reduced it too much, and any mechanic can tell you that
>>this can greatly increase the build-up of sludge.
>
>Perhaps you are right, and perhaps not.

If you don't believe me, remove the PCV valve hose and see what happens
in 1,000 miles.

>IF the manual instructed you to change the oil at 3000 mile
>intervals

It doesn't, except perhaps for severe-duty driving.

> wrote in message
om...
> In a recent post, I voiced my discontent with the way GM had handled the
> plenum
> failure problem in general, and mentioned it might be time to look at a
> Toyota.
>
> Someone (pardon for not remembering whom) posted that Toyota had also had
> problems with sludging engines, leading to failure in some instances.
>
> Drove the Toyota today. Wonderfully quiet, smooth, and responsive. Was
> really
> impressed.

Just go buy a godamn toyota and STFU.

"Scott" <homealone.com> wrote in message
...
>
> > wrote in message
> om...
> > In a recent post, I voiced my discontent with the way GM had handled the
> > plenum
> > failure problem in general, and mentioned it might be time to look at a
> > Toyota.
> >
> > Someone (pardon for not remembering whom) posted that Toyota had also
had
> > problems with sludging engines, leading to failure in some instances.
> >
> > Drove the Toyota today. Wonderfully quiet, smooth, and responsive. Was
> > really
> > impressed.
>
> Just go buy a godamn toyota and STFU.

Gosh, Scott. Thanks for you eloquent and perceptive comments.

"Edward Strauss" > wrote in message
...
> wrote:
> Claiming to need a 3,000 oil change interval is one way of saying
> that they cannot fix the problem in the current engine series. If
> you feel the need to go Japanese I suggest getting the 4 cylinder
> engine. Powers the Camry just fine. Test drive some of the new GM's
> first though...

When I polled the lubricating oil producers some months ago, those that
answered
also tended toward recommended short change intervals. Some did not answer
at all.

I dont not know whether Toyota claims a fix for their V6. I drove the 2.4
litre 4
(claimed 160 bhp) and it was powerful enough.

I want to take a look at the new Lucerne too, but none of the area
dealerships
have them. They seem to have a new engine as well, but I might be hesitant
if this is a first year production.

wrote:
> "Scott" <homealone.com> wrote in message
> > Just go buy a godamn toyota and STFU.
>
> Gosh, Scott. Thanks for you eloquent and perceptive comments.

HLS, you forgot one thing... to STFU.
Two things if you haven't bought the Toyota yet.

Kidding,
Toyota MDT in MO

"Comboverfish" > wrote in message
oups.com...

> HLS, you forgot one thing... to STFU.
> Two things if you haven't bought the Toyota yet.
>
> Kidding,
> Toyota MDT in MO

You have known me long enough to know that I am unlikely to STFU;>)