Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response - READ ONLY

877 messages, Last post on May 09, 2002 at 5:24 AM

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#31 of 877 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 03, 2002 (10:00 pm)
I don't think some people are listening here. Please do not argue with the host online. Please do not try to dominate and control the board's flow or content. The Toyota spokesperson has not even posted yet, nor have any number of people who actually own the affected cars. Let's give other people a chance to talk. Try asking people things instead of telling them things. If you can't follow these basic instructions, I will have to ask you to leave the forum and perhaps the entire website. Mr. Shiftright Host
#32 of 877 john339 by luphy Apr 04, 2002 (12:53 am)
Just wondering if you could provide a link or reference to this test by experts that supposedly proves that the Toyota engine does not tolerate 4k mile oil changes. BTW, I'm wondering what exactly would show up on an oil analysis that would warn you of an impending sludged engine?
#33 of 877 Press Release by yrmac Apr 04, 2002 (4:23 am)
This statement from Toyota is not really a "victory" for the Toyota Motor Corporation rather it is an indicative of how powerful the internet could be. They listened because the media screamed "foul".
#34 of 877 New article in USA Today by jj35 Apr 04, 2002 (4:55 am)
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm This article states that Toyota is changing the engine design because of the sludge issue. Why change the design if there is supposedly nothing wrong with it?
#35 of 877 Risky post by bluedevils Apr 04, 2002 (5:22 am)
I'm posting in spite of the risk of being banned from Town Hall entirely, but here goes... I thought Ford did finally "step up to the plate" and offer relief for owners of vehicles with the troublesome 3.8L V6 engine. I am happy for Toyota owners everywhere to see that Toyota has implemented this new repair program. This is a positive thing for consumers, both current and future. I hope the offer extends to folks who have already spent money on engine repairs or replacements. However, my view is that Toyota had to do something like this. Their entire brand reputation was at stake. The issue has reached critical mass, and they could not ignore it any longer. I'm glad they did what they did, but I don't give them credit for 'stepping up to the plate' or 'going above and beyond the call of duty.' My impression is that manufacturers typically respond with relief for consumers when a major problem such as sludge or head gasket failures becomes well-known and widespread. As a satisfied former Toyota owner (never should have sold my trouble-free 91 Camry DX at 118k miles), I had, and still do have, a very positive belief in Toyota vehicles. Well-built, durable, reliable. This belief has been shaken by this sludge debate, but not broken. P.S. armtdm, your response to the host's comments was valid. If the host disagrees with us, aren't we entitled to respond in a civil fashion?
#36 of 877 I finally found the article on the change... by bobistheoilguy Apr 04, 2002 (5:38 am)
"Toyota says the problem is caused by going too long between oil changes, but nevertheless says it is changing the engine design to prevent a repeat." click here for the whole story.. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm This article is stating Exactly what I have been saying. Toyota's drains are too long. But like most of you have said, They are not saying in fact because of them, but still keeping thier foot in the door so that the blame can go either way. I think they are doing what ever it takes to repair the problem which is good, and I suspect they want to leave the "blame" issue out of the picture in hopes that will eventually die out which if it was me, I'd say smart move on thier part. I know some people are stubborn enough to resist or let it die out but I believe that will be a minority if others get it fixed and can move on. I suspect that they are going to incorporate either a higher capacity oil system by either adding a oil cooler or bigger pan. I don't see much of any other way to reduce other than eliminating the gears which is not a feasable idea for redesign. The other idea will be to reset the milage drain numbers. With those kind of redesigns this would not admit an actual problem with the engine but a "fix" for a more forgiving engine due to over site maintanence problems by the owner.
#37 of 877 USA Today Article by pdalpsher Apr 04, 2002 (5:44 am)
provides some additional information about the conditions that contribute to the formation of gel. Temperature extremes...cold winters, hot humid summers combined with short trips. That helps but what is a 'short trip' under 5 miles, under 10 miles, etc? The more information like this that gets released the better I will feel about my Highlander. I now feel much better about the vacation I was planning but was considering abandoning. If highway miles aren't particularly an indicator for a problem then I'm good to go. I am religious about oil changes. My '90 Camry was on a 3k schedule with excellent results. I'm doing the Highlander the same way. Suggestion: It would really help if the maintenance schedules on the Toyota web site was consistent between cars and trucks. Trucks have hot weather as a 'severe driving' condition, cars do not. With the information in this article it appears to be critical that this information be communicated to owners asap....summer is just around the corner.
#38 of 877 from what i understand by bobistheoilguy Apr 04, 2002 (5:48 am)
the highlander has a bigger oil capacity (6 ro 7qts?) and has very few if any sludge issues. In any case, 3k drains on it or any other one, you will not experience any sludge problems with these engines even with the type of conditions outlined in the article.
#39 of 877 Highlander uses by pdalpsher Apr 04, 2002 (5:54 am)
just over 4 qts/change (just had it done yesterday and was charged 4 qts). I'm awfully glad I got one with at tow prep package as it has an oil cooler. Summer where I live (VA) is hot and humid but I'm doing 3k changes regardless of what the books says. Everyone I've ever know with a high-mileage engine has been a fanatic about oil changes!
#40 of 877 Some Peace of Mind by ramblinon Apr 04, 2002 (6:04 am)
with the extended 8 year unlimited mile warranty. I will continue to change my oil and filter just prior to 3000 miles at a Dealership. I will also mark my new oil filters with a rotating code for identification (an old Cryptologist). I think that it is very important that we all understand that while Toyota has still not admitted fault the USA article today states that Toyota is REDESIGNING THE V-6 AND ALREADY REDESIGNED THE 4 CYLINDER. So in my most humble opinion change the oil and filter prior to 4000 miles. After the "stick in the eye" it takes time to heal and I find myself still angry. Best regards, Ed