1BADGTS wrote:FYI for everybody concerned with oil consuption on 3.0 V6's. We have done some extensive research on this at our dealership and alot of the problem stems from the PCV system and the valve covers. Now, this is not going to fix everyones oil burning (as stated above there can be other reasons for oil consumption), but we have had great success with this fix and alot of consupmtion went away. Toyota has redesigned the front (bank 2) and rear (bank 1) valve covers. The original valve covers, especially bank 1 (rear) where the PCV valve is located, is baffled with small ports and chambers in them to help bleed of some of the vacuum from the PCV system. What we found was happening was over time and miles these ports start to plug up, which increase the vacuum pull on the PCV system, so instead of just pulling the gases and moisture out of the motor, it actually has enough vacuum to pull oil through as well !! This is where you can see 1-2qts disappear between oil changes. We have tried chemically cleaning the valve covers without much success (actually removing them and soaking in a CUDA parts cleaner for hours, NOT just Seafoam or other additive !!). If you replace both valve covers with the new updated covers and PCV valve it should cure alot of the problem. We have had some luck with just replacing the bank 1 (rear) valve cover, but Toyota suggests replacing both. Valver covers don't come cheap though. I believe they are @ $325 each and 3-4 hours labor to replace both (bank 1 being the most time consuming). Be aware as well that continued use without taking care of it can cause you to burn holes through the intake valves on cylinder #1 & cylinder #2, because they are the closest intake runners to the PVC port, so most of the oil goes through those. Hope this helps for people having this issue.
wow that was some great insight!
Yeah I also forgot to mention that I replaced my pcv a while back
Upon inspection I noticed that it still rattles and once cleaned with brake fluid, did not sound as agile as compared to a the new pcv I got at the dealer.
Quick note: when replacing your pcv you should might as well replace the pcv grommet since I noticed a small pool of oil surrounding it
HOWEVER if it's your first time replacing the grommet, then due to heat and time that sucker is gonna CRUMBLE EVERYWHERE
so a word of warning be careful when replacing it since some pieces might fall into your crank case
For me, I slowly and carefully ripped small portions of the top part while one end of the needle nose pliers is dugged into the hole to prevent the whole tube from falling in.
then I forcefully use the nose pliers and somewhat bent it in half and then pull a section of the grommet cylindrical wall off and then use the pliers to pull the rest of the piece out.
This took me about 30 minutes but be patient and take your time!
It will suck to try and fish out small bits and pieces in your crank case yet alone remove the rear valve cover D:
hope this helps and makes sense!