MAJOR Oil Leak

[subzero]

Ok guys, I posted this similar problem a while back, and thought it was resolved. Last time I had my oil changed, I almost ran totally out of oil just at 3000miles. Most of the responses were that the oil place probably shorted me. So I needed another oil change around 500 miles ago. I decided to do it myself like I usually do. I put around 5.5-6 quarts in. I get in my car today, 500 miles later, only to have the car crank the motor for damn near 6 seconds before starting. I knew immediately what the problem was, as this is the same damn thing that happened last time. I checked the oil to find that it was well below the first dot on the dip stick. I dont understand where the hell all this oil is going. I recently went on a snowboarding trip, and dont know if that may have something to do with it. Also, I have no noticable leaks under the car in my driveway where I park everyday. Is it possible to have a hug leak that only leaks oil when it is running??

ps Im driving 400 miles tomorrow, is that a bad idea?

 

[Thai]

Or that your engine is burning tons of oil! I still think that your previous oil problem was due to the oil place.

Good luck.

 

[greasefingers]

First off: you are not putting enough oil in the engine! The v8 engine takes exactly 6.5 quarts of oil with a new filter. The proper method for checking the oil level is: let a hot engine sit for five minutes. Then check the level. It should now be in the middle of the Low & High mark.

Huge external oil leaks are always visible.

With any engine, the two most popular reasons for increased oil consumption are: 1- blown head gasket, where the oil mixes with the coolant. A quick inspection of the coolant will tell you. 2- oil slipping past the rings or valve seats, in this case the engine burns air-fuel, & oil.

I would remove the PVC valve and clean it. It is a check valve, so after cleaning it blow in both directions and make sure that it functions properly. If the PVC valve is blocked, then the oil pan headspace will get pressurized. You might also be able to remove the oil pan dipstick , with the engine running, and see vapors flying out if the PVC is blocked?

I would also inspect a spark plug and see if it is oily.

Also remove all the front skid plates and have a good look at things with a flash light.

 

[toto]

greasefingers is right - you started off a quart low!!
I put 7 quarts in my V8 with a YZZD3 filter. It's up to the top mark, but that's OK.

 

[Mark86]

I agree with what the other members have said. You are definitely not putting enough oil in. My method is to run the engine for a minute or two after the oil change and then check the oil level. If you have an oil leak, you will find a black stain in your driveway. I know that from experience! On the other hand, if you suspect an oil leak, I would not want to take the truck on a 400 mile drive.

 

[007Runner]

greasefingers is right - you started off a quart low!!
I put 7 quarts in my V8 with a YZZD3 filter. It's up to the top mark, but that's OK.

Is that the standard oil filter that comes with the engine? Just wondering because with a filter change I thought it took 6.5 qts to refill.

 

[drake3]

Is that the standard oil filter that comes with the engine? Just wondering because with a filter change I thought it took 6.5 qts to refill.

6.5 qts in my '06 V8 with the Toyota filter gets me to exactly the middle point on the dipstick. I imagine 7 would get it to the full line.

 

[007Runner]

The owner's manual says the V8 takes 6.5qt to refill with a filter change.
It really takes 7 qt to refill it to the top line where it should be.
Why is it Toyota has such a hard time with oil capacity's?

I am so glad you told us the true capacity. After I do a oil change it is nice to have the proper amount of oil in the crankcase the first time the job is done.

 

[tomhaney1]

Ok guys, I posted this similar problem a while back, and thought it was resolved. Last time I had my oil changed, I almost ran totally out of oil just at 3000miles. Most of the responses were that the oil place probably shorted me. So I needed another oil change around 500 miles ago. I decided to do it myself like I usually do. I put around 5.5-6 quarts in. I get in my car today, 500 miles later, only to have the car crank the motor for damn near 6 seconds before starting. I knew immediately what the problem was, as this is the same damn thing that happened last time. I checked the oil to find that it was well below the first dot on the dip stick. I dont understand where the hell all this oil is going. I recently went on a snowboarding trip, and dont know if that may have something to do with it. Also, I have no noticable leaks under the car in my driveway where I park everyday. Is it possible to have a hug leak that only leaks oil when it is running??

ps Im driving 400 miles tomorrow, is that a bad idea?

That is bizarre. You are still under warranty so I would take it to the dealer and have them run it. 6 quarts should have still registered on the measurement stick. You might also have an oil pump problem which is making the pressure low, especially at startup.