[GHAMLI EBENEZER]

I recently (April '10) bought a 2003 Highlander from theToyota Motor Credit Corp. Atlanta as repossesed vehicle, odometer reading at delivery in Ghana 054779. Oil cosumption very high; Engine starts with a LOT of smoke but ceases immediately after some few seconds. After that no smoke when running. Speed is great; dash board is showing "see your repairer sign". Fuel consumption is I think okay but after a distance of 180 km the oil was at half the measuring/gauging stick . Iam suspecting leakage but the thick blue smoke upon start of engine is cracking my head. My years of savings going so soon will somebody help this distraught highlander from becoming a low lander !!!!

 

[bepperb]

Blue smoke at startup would likely be leaky valve guide seals, but that wouldn't necessarily explain the high oil consumption. Keep a log of how often you add oil and get a firm grasp on how much you are using. These motors were prone to sludging issues. I would change the oil, and I would probably choose a "high mileage" oil for it's enhanced cleaning and seal conditioning, and see where things go from there.

A small amount of oil buring on startup isn't great, especially on a car with that low mileage, but it's something you can probably live with. The oil consumption, though, is something that needs to be examined.

 

[GHAMLI EBENEZER]

Re: High Oil Consumption
Thanks for the reply and I am getting a bit relieved I will wait for some more replies and views before going to the garage. That will put me in a good position when they are trying to diagonise the "anomaly".

 

[deadrx7conv]

Engine is worn out.
Not sure what brands/types of oil are available in your area.
Full synthetic oil should be considered.
And, to reduce consumption, use a thicker weight of oil.

Pull the valve(rocker) covers and make sure it isn't sludged up. Replace the PCV valve and air filter.

While you're at it, give the vehicle a complete preventive maintenance of ALL fluids, filters, and normal replaceables.

 

[avconsult]

The engine is not really worn or out or end of life. If probably has worn or carbon fouled valve stem seals or --i.e. blue smoke on start up. Pretty common in Toy engines after 100k miles.

Heavier viscosity oil often makes it worse, as the oil doesn't drain away from valves as fast during cool down. Can't hurt to try.

A Seafoam treatment to the crankcase oil (not the intake treatment) per bottle instructions might clean up enough deposits to make an improvement.

Ultimately the seals need to be replaced.

 

[jean03077]

Happened to my 02 Highlander with only 75K-- dealer said I needed a new engine as it took 6 quarts of oil every 1000miles! Ended up fighting with Toyota with the vehicle torn apart in the dealership for a month. FINALLY Got a new engine --as it was a "certified" toyota. Shortly after valves needed replacing...a year later valves needed replacing. This is a rare toyota lemon.

jean03077