Helpful opinions appreciated

[blazin]

I've owned my 00 V6 Solara for about 3 years now. Though it's plagued with the general Solara troubles, it runs like a champ. However, everytime I change my oil, I need to pour less than 4.5 quart. Reason being, if I pour more than that, the oil line on the dipstick would go pass the maximum line by about half a cm or so. I've read the forum and 5 quarts is the norm for this engine. Since this engine is prone to sludging, nay sayer who blames everything on abuse don't chime in please, : D I was wondering if sludge could be the reason. I got the sludge letter from Toyota, a year or so ago, but didn't really take notice of it as my car runs fine. I'm planning on taking the car to the dealership so they can check for sludge. I do have some sludging near the oil cap, but I'm not 100% sure about it. Car is driven spiritedly, but never abused. I get the puff of white smoke when I start my car after it sits for a while. Doesn't matter what time of day it is, other than if the front of the car is pointing downward, then no puff of white smoke. If it's facing up upward, guarantee puff of white smoke. I have two fluid leaks and I was wondering if the dealer is going to claim abuse? Power steering fluid leaked, though it fixed itself for a while. Have the common valve seal leak as well. Anyway opinions appreciated.

[MCOjerry]

I personally, have never heard of this before, but it would make sense. If you have sludge, it would take up space where the oil would normally be.

You should measure the oil whan you change it, to see how much is coming out. I guess, though, this would take time to build up, nd cause less oil to drain. Plus, it would not account for oil burned...nevermind...that was a stupid suggestion

[anttarz]

how many miles you got?

[blazin]

@ MCOjerry - never measured the amount of oil that comes out, but seems normal.

@ anttarz - got the car with 94k, now has 117k. Have always put in 4.5 quart after my second oil change. Seems weird that it doesn't take 5 quart. Wouldn't sludge cause my engine to not perform too well? I get average mpg and engine is pretty smooth. Maybe slight sludge?

[anttarz]

do you know what kind of maintence was done on the car (especially the 90k)? I would personally take care of a lot of the leaks you have. You prob need to replace some seals and gaskets. If 90k tune up was done, they should have seen if there was any sludge when replace the head gaskets.

Only using 4.5 quarts can be attributed to a few things. Not completely flushing out the old oil, dipstick may need to be rechecked after running the car (different engine temp will read different levels on the stick), or maybe it is sludge. I would remove the head cover to inspect or bring to the dealership. I would not worry about the dealership claiming abuse on the vehicle, especially since sludge is such a common problem.

Good Luck!

[blazin]

Thanks anttarz. I have no idea what maintenance has been done to the car. I guess I take it to the dealer to have the car check.