2 Toyota's, both the same problem - engine sludge

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Alan Peters

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I was wondering if any members can help me or have any advice. Some close friends have 2 Toyota's, a Camry and a Sienna minivan. Both are 03 and have developed engine oil sludge, where the oil turns into almost pudding like and black. Both are still under warrenty with the Carmy has 26K miles and the minivan has 32K. The oil has been changed regularly by the a local Toyota dealer (Has receipts to prove). He found out today the Sienna needs a new engine and Toyota will not provide assitance. The cost is est. around $8000. The Camry which he is still driving taking his kids to events and wife to work. The dealer put synthetic oil in to help add life but it still needs a new engine. The cost around $9000 dollars. He get around 10 miles to the gallon and is burning oil like running water.



He doesn't have much money raising 3 kids. He's trying to find any additional information or if theirs a class action against Toyota for faulty engines. He's posted on numerous websites only to get told to get off and get a life. He's spoke to an attorney and has pursed dispute resolution with the dealer on why they will not pay for 2 new engines. He does have rental coverage in his insurance policy. Any help would be appreciated.



Big Al
 
Check the link below posted by I believe, by Todd Z a while back. Under search I entered 'sludge' and found Toyota's problem engine sludge. Looks like there is a cless action suit either in the making or under litigation already. Good Luck to your friend, his family got my sympathy. :(
 
Much has been written about this on the Toyota sites and the forums at www.bobistheoilguy.com. The problem seems to come from a hyperactive PCV valve. The best solution looks like buying the cheapest oil and filters you can find, like SuperTech at Wal-Mart ($1.96 filter and $4.88 jug of oil), and just change the oil every 2000 miles.
 
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As others have said, that is a major problem with some Toyota's.



You friend has only one choice, since they are both under warranty, he needs to file a claim against Toyota. His manual should be able to explain how to go about it.



I really feel sorry for him. He purchased two cars thinking they would last him a long time. I really feel sorry for him.





Tom
 
IMO, and experiance of freinds, the JAP dealerships and factory have janked the chain on us, just as much as the USA made.:angry:
 
For the people that have this problem, it is major, but I doubt it is any more common than our tranny issues.



I owned two Toyotas in the past. Neither had this problem. I always changed my oil every 3,000 miles and used Pennsoil or Castrol GTX. My 91 Corolla had 95,000 on it when it was wrecked, and the oil kept coming out a dark amber at oil changes until about 60,000 miles. My 2000 Echo which replaced it had 65,000 when I traded it on my first ST, and it didn't have any issues either (except for being a tiny, high-profile vehicle that got blown all over the interstate here in OKC).
 
Toyota also had a re-call for this about 5 years or so ago... affected the v6 mainly and some 4 cyls..and changed the oil weight that you should use in the motors..

I believe they went from 10w30 to 5w30 or something like that.....

Todd Z
 
I've had no sludge problems in my '03 Matrix (1.8 Corolla engine).



I change the oil every 5K miles with Mobil 1 5W-30 and use either a K&N or Bosch oil filter. Each time I change the oil, it flows out as easily as the fresh oil I put back in. I've been using Bosch oil filters lately, as I was having to mail order the K&N filters for $10 each. The Bosch cost $4.50 at the local AutoZone.



I don't understand why Toyota won't cover the engine replacement since their own service dept did the oil changes for the owner, and could easily check their computer to verify he brought the vehicle in regularly.
 
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