2011 Toyota Sienna van smokes on startup (sludge?)

[wanderingandrew]

Hey all,

A family member has a 2011 Sienna van, 65k miles on it. It was purchased new 2 years ago, 90% highway miles, synthetic oil and Toyota OEM filter cartridge is changed every 7500 miles (Toyota recommends every 10k) and fluids checked regularly.

Recently noticed a puff of blue smoke on startup, doesn't matter if it's warm or cold. My first thought is valve seals, but I'm also afraid of the sludge issue from the late 90's / early 00's is raising it's head again.

I have not been able to find any mention of this on other forums. Granted, this is probably one of the higher-mileage 2011's out there... Has anyone noted similar?

Gracias.

 

[bofa]

Blue smoke usually means it's burning oil... so yeah valve seals (if only on start-up) or piston rings (if continuous) are likely culprits. I wouldn't expect that at 65k. If they didn't get the extended warranty, it's going to be a pretty expensive repair... or just live with the smurf smoke or get rid of it.

That sucks though - I wouldn't expect that from a fairly new vehicle even with high miles.

 

[Park]

Isnt this a 4runner forum? Just sayin.

 

[fourwd1]

Isnt this a 4runner forum? Just sayin.

It's also the Off Topic section. Just sayin

 

[mikebontoft]

who cares what forum this is.... it's a member asking for help.

I'd also check the crankcase ventilation system (pcv) as it could be clogged, allowing excessive pressure and amplifying any possible leaks like valve seals.

 

[bofa]

who cares what forum this is.... it's a member asking for help.

I'd also check the crankcase ventilation system (pcv) as it could be clogged, allowing excessive pressure and amplifying any possible leaks like valve seals.

That was part of a larger oil consumption problem I had with a Nissan 350Z. It ended up getting lemon-lawed.

 

[wanderingandrew]

We pulled the front valve cover and used a boroscope to look at everything possible. Looks very clean, almost new. The owner has made the decision to run it as-is and will keep a close eye on oil consumption.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[wanderingandrew]

We pulled the front valve cover and used a boroscope to look at everything possible. Looks very clean, almost new. The owner has made the decision to run it as-is and will keep a close eye on oil consumption.

Thanks for the replies.

Following up... the van was traded last year with 196k miles on the clock (yes, close to 200k in about 5 years). No further issues noted with oil consumption or blue smoke. The thing ran great, no mechanical failures, but the owner wanted AWD and traded in for a Subaru Outback.