but just when you start it up... I purchased a 1994 corolla with 96500 miles on it. Was great had everything in great condition, incredible miles, had all work reciepts at sale... too good to be true? Well maybe...
the last few weeks I noticed that it smokes when I start it up. Nothing crazy just like the condensation on a cold morning but not as much... and thats what I assumed it to be. However this morning was the first time in 5 days I drove the car and when I started it, it let out a big ol cloud of smoke.
I talked to a friend of mine, whos worked around cars and told me that it could be that my seals could be wearing so im burning oil. Told me there's nothing I can do but drive it till she drives no more...
Are there any second opinions? I dont want to start putting money into a car that will eventually die no matter what. I just recently got the oil changed by my dealership I bought my tundra at and they didnt catch it either. Should I start using those "restoring" engine oils or synthetic or if I decide to leave it to a mechanic what am I looking at getting done?
but just when you start it up... I purchased a 1994 corolla with 96500 miles on it. Was great had everything in great condition, incredible miles, had all work reciepts at sale... too good to be true? Well maybe...
the last few weeks I noticed that it smokes when I start it up. Nothing crazy just like the condensation on a cold morning but not as much... and thats what I assumed it to be. However this morning was the first time in 5 days I drove the car and when I started it, it let out a big ol cloud of smoke.
I talked to a friend of mine, whos worked around cars and told me that it could be that my seals could be wearing so im burning oil. Told me there's nothing I can do but drive it till she drives no more...
Are there any second opinions? I dont want to start putting money into a car that will eventually die no matter what. I just recently got the oil changed by my dealership I bought my tundra at and they didnt catch it either. Should I start using those "restoring" engine oils or synthetic or if I decide to leave it to a mechanic what am I looking at getting done?
Thanks to everybody for helping me out.
Your friend is exactly right...although 96000 miles almost seems alittle young to be burning oil to me...but hey, every engine is different and it all varies based on how the car has been driven. It would probably be wise to invest in high quality oil that is more suited towards older engines. Also, I can't remember the exact name, but there is an engine restoring fluid that you put in the oil and it's said to restore seals, etc. It's called Restore [lol] or something, and it comes in a silver metal can with red and blue writing and it has pull tab on the top of the can; you just pour it in your car's engine oil. You can get it at most auto parts stores and it's available in different sizes for 4/6/8...etc cylinders and it's relatively cheap. I put a can in my '87 corolla every time I change the oil. Like your friend said, if it's burning oil, it IS the beginning of the end. Just take care of it, drive it gently, and it oughta give you some good miles. I wouldn't shoot for synthetic just yet...since you're losing oil, you'll end up putting unnecessary money into it. Good luck...and please, let us know how things go!
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It sounds like the valve stem seals are leaking or gone. At 14yrs old the rubber seals have probably rotted into oblivion. Find a reliable mechanic to replace them and adjust the valves.
It sounds like the valve stem seals are leaking or gone. At 14yrs old the rubber seals have probably rotted into oblivion. Find a reliable mechanic to replace them and adjust the valves.
I agree, back in the 80's and 90's GM had a big issue with the valve stem seals wearing on cars that were only a couple years old and less that 50000 miles. You would be surprised to know how many GM parts are on you Carolla, thought I have no Idea about the valve stem seals. That said, it only costs a few extra bucks to change to a high mileage oil, or use some sort of restorative agent, but would cost hundreds to replace you valve stem seals. Then If it still smokes, you can do the repairs.
By the way, if you do the seals, it would be a good time to replace your timing belt and water pump, if you are due, or near due for it. Also mace sure you get your valve lash adjusted if applicable.
My Tercel did this as well about the last 80,000 miles or so. I sold it to a co-worker with 188,000 miles and he's still driving it and I know he hasn't done anything with it. Point is, it's not going to kill it. Just watch the oil and drive it. It just depends on how much it bothers you.
Your friend is exactly right...although 96000 miles almost seems alittle young to be burning oil to me...but hey, every engine is different and it all varies based on how the car has been driven. It would probably be wise to invest in high quality oil that is more suited towards older engines. Also, I can't remember the exact name, but there is an engine restoring fluid that you put in the oil and it's said to restore seals, etc. It's called Restore [lol] or something, and it comes in a silver metal can with red and blue writing and it has pull tab on the top of the can; you just pour it in your car's engine oil. You can get it at most auto parts stores and it's available in different sizes for 4/6/8...etc cylinders and it's relatively cheap. I put a can in my '87 corolla every time I change the oil. Like your friend said, if it's burning oil, it IS the beginning of the end. Just take care of it, drive it gently, and it oughta give you some good miles. I wouldn't shoot for synthetic just yet...since you're losing oil, you'll end up putting unnecessary money into it. Good luck...and please, let us know how things go!
I would not put any Syn in that engine. Just use a good high mileage Dino oil. Watch your oil consumption to determine how much make up oil yu need to put in between oil changes.
If yu are burning more than 1 full quart every 4-5 K miles then yu will probably get another 50K miles on this engine trouble free....yet yu will be buying oil a little more frequently than normal. But that is fine for this amount of miles.
Not a Full Time Smoker...
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