Using Oil, no leak, very little smoke

OK, this is actually about my daughter's 2007 Camry LE. It is using a LOT of oil - about a quart every 2-3 gas fillups. I have seen no evidence of leaks on concrete, it only rarely smokes a little on startup, and seems to run fine, sounds fine, and drives fine. I'm trying to find someone trustworthy to check it out for me, but I was hoping someone on this forum might be able to give me some things that might cause this much oil loss without some indication of where the oil is going.

 

Any heavy deposits on tailpipe? How many miles? You've got to be recirculating and burning it. Maybe a mechanic can comment. I'd still investigate ring wear. Compression test? Any other symptoms?

 

I had that sort of thing happen on two different autos. Check the coolant and see if there is any sign of specks of oil, or drops of water in the oil. You are probably burning some, but that is a lot to use, so it could be a bad head or other gasket which is allowing the oil and water to mingle. It can be kind of hard to see water in the oil or water in the oil when the problem starts, then it will be worse and easier to notice over time.

If it is not leaking and blowing a lot of smoke when running that would be my guess- head gasket or similar.

 

look at this TSB I found
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10091611-5448.pdf

 

Just over 100k miles, and I do see some deposits on the tailpipe. I have not had any testing yet. Just wanted to get a general direction before moving forward.

No sign of oil in the coolant on a quick check.

Great find! Although her VIN come up with nothing, I have printed this off to take for a checkup at a dealer.

Thanks and I will be checking on everything you posted. Will just take a little time. I may have to wait until she gets to Auburn and use a dealership over there. Anyone know of a good dealership in the Auburn/Opelika area?

 

With that many miles it’s probably valve stem seals. Possibly valve guides.

 

Are you still using 0W-20 oil. I changed over to 5W-30 and have noticed all around better, quieter running engine. Mine has 83k miles. Would burn a little oil between oil changes but once I went to 5w30 that has gone away completely. Might not fix your consumption issue but may slow it down some.

 

Assuming its a 4cyl, piston rings have been an issue with these engines, mine included, not enough drain holes ends up burning oil.. My friend's 08 4cyl Camry blew it's engine due to burning oil... Toyota will fix if it fits within its burn cycle, they have the voodo math on who is covered.

 

UPDATE: I had a Toyota dealership check it out and they found seeping from the timing cover gasket. They wanted $1000 to fix it, but them being a dealership, I assumed I could get it done cheaper elsewhere. I have moved my daughter to Auburn and have identified a reputable mechanic up there. I will call this week to get a quote on replacing the timing cover gasket. The dealership said they would do an oil consumption test after the leak has been repaired. We'll see how much oil is being lost after the gasket replacement.

Question: What would be a reasonable cost for this repair, and are there any other things that would make sense to do while doing this repair? I'm thinking that it would be a good time to replace the timing belt. Again it has just over 100k miles.

 

The timing cover leaks but not enough to leave a trace on the ground?

 

Supply and demand, $1000 seems a little steep..... I think it is way to much, then again their method will be to "pull the engine" due to the space to work. Maybe half at a local shop??

 

Yes, I have mine caked on the power steering pump, which is pretty interesting, I upgraded to 10w30 to limit the burning of oil, and I guess the leaking as well..

 

Correct. I always look for stuff on the ground where we park, and my wife let's me know if I drip any oil during an oil change. Clay-based kitty litter is cheap and has saved me hundred of times.

 

OK, for anyone following this, I finally got my daughter's car home from school to have this checked out by a (non-dealer) shop that has earned my trust over the years.

As a reminder, the dealership told me the oil was seeping from the timing cover and quoted me $1,000 just to fix that. My trusted mechanic said to let him check it out before giving me a quote on the phone (as he usually does). He found that the leak was from both the front and rear of the valve cover - MAJOR DIFFERENCE! He fixed that, replaced the water pump (found it leaking), PVC valve, serpentine belt, and thermostat while he was in there, all for 35% less than the dealer quoted me for their imaginary timing cover issue.

I've told my daughter to still check the oil every time she gets gas to see if there is any leak or usage remaining. I'd heard very good things about this particular dealer so i will be writing them about this once I confirm that the car is holding oil properly again. I know I shouldn't be surprised but I AM disappointed.

 

Glad you got it figured out... I would advise you ask on using 10w30 oil as it would curtail some of the burning issues if it continues. The pistons in those engines weren't designed efficiently to drain the oil through the piston passages which cause backing in drainage and ultimately burning...

 

Will do. Thanks for the suggestion!