alohatiger

I have an older engine with my 1993 4runner, Auto, V6, 4x4.

It might be burning up some oil, since I can't really find the leak. Could a long-distance trip burn more oil?

Also, does anyone know about the PCV valve burning off oil or oil burning off from the engine to the intake?

Should I switch to a heavier oil, such as 10W-40? I will be strictly in a temperate area, year-round summers. Toyota normally recommends 10W-30.

Also, I could also reduce the amount of coolant in my radiator, and use mostly distilled water if I'm in a no-freeze zone, right? I'm thinking a 25% coolant (OATS), 75% distilled ratio might work out for me.

Thanks for all your advice!

Highland Runner

How much oil are you burning? ALL engines burn at least some oil. I have over 200,000 miles and burn a quart every 2000 miles. I recently changed to Mobil syn 10w-30. It has helped my oil pressure stay more consistant, and also burn less oil. It seems I heard about the PCV sucking oil from an engine but don't know if that is really true or possible. You can use less coolant than 50/50. You also might want to try Water Wetter or equivalent and make sure you have Toyota red coolant. For any oil questions out http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi? .

MTL_4runner

Definately replace your PCV valve to ensure it is working properly. The engine could be just buring oil but you would likely see smoke on accel or deccel. Also check very carefully for leaks particularly on the back side of the engine where it is not as easily visible.

You could try a thicker oil to see if it helps but otherwise 10-30 should be fine if there are no other problems.

Not sure what the heck you are doing with a very dilute coolant mix. I would never go below 50/50 and I was living in AZ! Doesn't get much hotter than that anywhere on this planet anyway. I suggest the long life (red) coolant and read the directions on the back of the jug. It will tell you what mix is best for each temperature range.....they have done the testing so follow it religiously.

alohatiger

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CTB

Ya, I'd say stick with a 50% coolant / 50% distilled water mixture for your cooling system.

kaiberg

long distance freeway trips can seem to burn more oil...reason is that in normal driving small amounts of other fluids like water and gas can get into the engines oil making the oil level appear higher than it actually is...with extended freeway driving these other fluids burn off and you are left with just oil...so the level may appear lower...dunno its just what ive read...as stated above...all engines do consume a bit of oil...i do think though that yotas tend to do so more than some other trucks out there...but why would anyone drive some other truck ??

Flygtenstein

Usually I am down about a quart every 5k when I change the oil.

The last 3 changes I have been down 2.5 after 5k, 2 after 5k and 3 after 2800.

Those were over a 3 month period, lots of highway.

I have a small leak at the oil cooler, but seem to be getting blow-by.

Either 2k or so for a rebuild and keeping a poopy engine or ~6k for a turnkey 3.4 with less miles, more power and the possibility for even more. Something to think about.

My current set-up is 3.0 with an auto in a 95 runner with 141k miles.

YMMV.

alohatiger

I understand your situation. A good start definitely would be the PCV valves, unless you've already replaced them or checked those out. I have a feeling that's what's happening to my truck.

And the blow by, is that evidenced by blue-tinted smoke?

alohatiger

BTW, I had the oil changed today with Mobil 1 synthetic, the Toyota filter, and a new oil drain pan gasket. Also degreased a slight leak in my power steering (pump or hose, I don't know, how can you tell?) and sprayed my CV boots and miscellaneous rubber parts under my truck with silicone by AMSOIL (wow, food-grade silicone! you can eat it the stuff, it's so pure!)

Anyhow, enough of that. Does anyone know where the engine bushings are so I can spray them down with some silicone? Any other rubber parts I might want to maintain? Thanks again!


Mahalo,
alohatiger