Guys,

Check out this article. The short version is that Toyota is extending the warranty for eight years on damage to engines caused by sludge, with no limitation on mileage.

http://www.latimes.com/classified/au...hway1%2Dmanual

Bob

 

i didn't get that letter! but my car starts like a charm and no smoke...also the article said 2.2 and 3.0 liter engines..if we have the 3.4, are we ok??

 

Is this problem caused by Toyota or someone else. If Toyota, then it is good that they are acknowledging the problem and trying to fix it...another reason it is the best car/truck/suv company ever. :fireman:

 

Does this affect 2002 4 Runners ???

 

I just saw information about this on Gadget's site. Here's the link:
Toyota Sludge

 

I guess I got lucky with my 3.0 V6. I've had it for 11 years and put on 157K. Although recently I've noticed that it's starting to burn about a quart of oil every 1500 miles. (It keeps the oil looking clean though!)

Toyota is a great company and they stepped up with the gasket problem as well. Mine gave out at 62K and after pleading my case, Toyota replaced them at no charge--and this was about 2 years before the problem became widely known to the public.

 

Thanks for the heads up on the sludge issue. We purchased a 2002 4-R less than 3 weeks age and
were clueless. But after having a Chevy & Dodge
with major breakdowns within 6 years I think Toyota is still the best choice. Just in case I
am printing & saving the articles.

The maintenance guides for the 2002 Toyotas come with an "Important Information" postcard insert stating that failure to perform regular oil changes can cause oil sludge build-up and would not be covered by new vehicle limited warranties.
After reading the submitted articles that doesn't
sound quite right.

cpw

 

I don't have any problems with mine (knock on wood). I just hope that I do not in the future. :fireman:

 

After reading Gadget's page (numerous times ) I would tend to believe that running high quality synthetic oil such as Amsoil or Mobil One would really help prevent the sludge build up that occurs when using regular oil.

Just my .02

 

I thought of sticking to the 3000 oil change intervals instead of the 5000 as recommended
in the maintenance guide. I have a while to
go yet. But on long trips change time comes
up fast. cpw

 

How do you know if you have a sludge problem? Just inspect? Or is there a symptom?

Based on the article on gadget's site, I do not think poor maintenance can cause the problem. His article says that the sludge builds up on engine surfaces as it forms. It is not suspended in the oil, so changing the oil won't help. The "cure" is to design the engine so that combustion gases can vent out of the engine, instead of oxidizing the oil and caking onto engine parts.

My sister had a 1976 Celica, with 20R. She was horrible about maintenance. She had a gas station put oil in it when the valves began to rattle! I bought the car from her at 180k miles, and realized it had oil changes every 50,000 miles!!! When I pulled the valve cover to give it a valve lash adjust, there was barely any sludge at all. The car was totalled at 220k miles, and the engine was still fine, not using any oil, and compression testing good.

So I agree with Gadget - it's about the engine venting system and how well they get blow-by gases out of the engine.

But still, how do we know if we have sludge? Should I just open the oil filler and look, or is there a performance symptom?

1994 V6....

Dave

 

Dave:

I found this on edmunds.com under
Townhall discussions for the Sienna
model.


"symptoms/signs of sludge: your engine using up oil, blowing blue smoke, clumps of oil during oil change... to name a few."

I don't think us 4-Runner people have
to worry about this particular problem
I hope

cpw

 

I hope too!

From what I've read, it hasn't affected the trucks.

Um, I though a 4Runner was a 4WD - your sig says 4Runner 2WD ECT. I have a '94 2WD ECT truck. HATE the ECT, but the 2WD's just fine since I don't go offroad.

 

The SPA (Special Policy Adjustment) for the "Oil Gelling" problem does not include 4-Runners, Tacomas, Tundras, or Sequias. Sleep well. No worries.... just change your oil every 3000-3750.

Jay

 

Thanks Jay...now I can rest easier

 

Hey Dave, I don't use the ECT much either. Just when I need an extra boost or when passing. I will get a chance to test it out for a little more
umph to climb mountains later this month.

The 2WD is good for me on the unpaved trails to get to a hiking area or views. My husband has the 4WD for the serious stuff.

 

The link is not working for me!