Hey guys.. it's been a while since I've posted to the board.. I've been so busy with school and 2 jobs, I haven't had a chance to relax... anyway...

I was checking my dipstick the other day, it's been about 800mi. since I had my oil changed, and it seems like the oil is getting dirty really quickly... I also noticed what I think is oil very slowly leaking on the passenger side of the engine, I was going to snap some pics, but my buddie forgot to bring his digital camera. Also I think that the oil is running down onto the pass. side a arm.

Let me know what you guys (and gals!) think.

Thanks,

Eric

 

I'll bet someone swapped you a diesel when you weren't looking!

More seriously though, you must have a 3.4V6. Some of the 3.4 and Supra owners have reported a sludge buildup in their engines over time. Plus, your engine is just probably getting older..so it may start leaking past gaskets and seals.

What I do every 1-2 times a year is get some of that oil for high mileage vehicles (dino) and swap it in (with new filter) for 1 month (about 1,000 miles) then change the filter with the Mobil 1 that I normally use. You could even add a quart of Marvel Mystery oil.

The high-mileage oils supposedly have more detergents and seal conditioners and MMO is supposed to be mainly detergents which will help rid your engine of any buildup. The

I think it's either Corey or Dr. Z that do a Bilstein engine flush and swear by it. I stick with my poor boy method because I haven't found a shop that can do the Bilstein.

 

when was the last time your PCV valve was replaced as well as the air filter? If the pcv valve is not working well it could cause some build up in your engine.

Also do you have a 3.0 liter? have you had the head gasket recall done? (or at least the timming belt replaced and in most cases they would replace the head gasket)

What kind of oil are you using? I used to run dino but at 70k I swiched to mobil 1 and the oil stay's cleaner longer as well as cleaned out the engine.----ok the dip stick is clean as well as the part I see when I open the oil fill location--

Before switching to a syn just try what gwhayduke said and change your oil on a shorter intervel.


PS: Stay away from castrol syntec = brown death

 

When you say "dirty" I assume you mean black?

How many miles do you have on the engine? This is a sign that your seals are wearing out. Its similar to your brake fluid turning black, the seals start to wear inside the calipers and the master cylinder.

As for the leak, that may be a separate problem.

 

gwhayduke :
Actually I'm running a 3.0, and I will give that dino a try..


Poul D'eau:
I'm unsure of when the last time the PCV valve on the truck was changed. I bought the truck last May with 102,000 mi on it, it currently has 115,000mi. on it. I know that the timing belt was changed around 75-80K, but I don't belive that the head gasget has been changed (and I'm hoping that I will not have to go throught that.)


<96 Runner>

I would imagine that the seals are starting to get wear out with 115,000mi on the engine....


Thanks for the responces.. hopefully I can get this problem fixed w/o having to replace the head gasket.

 

Have you checked out the headgasket recall status for your truck?

I just had mine done under "warranty." I also had the rear coil spring recall done.

Call the dealer with your VIN. You may also be eligible for the saggy-rear-end recall (coil spring recall).

Hey its free! Give it a shot.

 

I will do that. Although I will not be eligable for the saggy-rear end recall b/c I don't drive a runner I have a pickup w/leaf springs in the rear..
Thanks again,

Eric

 

Good point!

 

I thought '95 was the first year of the Taco & the 3.4.
Anyway...stay away from the crankcase flush products. They're usually kerosene and not only clean your engine on the inside, but also reduce the lubricating qualities of your oil.

 

does such thing exist for a 95 4runner?

 

I had a similar problem with my '82. Us "poor boys" up north add a litre(quart) of diesel to the oil and drive it for about 3 miles. Park it and drain. Replace with a quality oil (Mobil 1), then after 3000 miles change again. Then put yourself on a regular preventative maintenance schedule for oil changes (every 4 months). Just remember DO NOT do the "diesel flush" every time, once every 2 years should suffice.

I've wheeled this '82 for 15 years (not gently either). It still has the original motor with no signs of retiring.

 

Nope, the springs in the early 3rd gen will bottom out real easy

The second generation that you and I have, while saggy at least it doesn't bottom out.