More oil talks - 1 quart low - 1 month?

[emonomics]

Hi everyone, not to car saavy, so I'm asking if you think this might be a problem that requires attention soon.

I bought my 94Runner (3.0 V6 4WD) a little more than a year ago and have been quite pleased. I really haven't had to do much to it at all, other than replace a CV joint and change a couple belts. Timing belt/H2O pump was changed by the previous owner.

Unfortunately, it's going to need a clutch soon, but I understand what that entails.

Anywho, I have been taking it to one of those Valvoline Oil Change places for lazy bastards like myself, but I like these guys cause they don't mind that I hover nearby making sure they are doing it right. I've changed the oil a couple times on it myself, I just hate trying to get to the oil filter. Hands too big or something.

I changed the oil last July 8, and they mentioned they have a free top off service, so on Saturday (aug 13) I saw they weren't busy and stopped in to get topped off. To my suprise, after that one month and a little more than a thousand miles, it was a quart low.

I park in the same spot in my driveway all the time, and there are no fresh oil stains, nor can I see any leaks when I climb under there.

Does anyone think this is a problem? A quart a months seems like a lot, but that's only compared to my old 4 cyl camry that never burned/leaked oil.

Your response is appreciated, this is a great site. Thanks!

~Emo

 

[curiousGeorge]

Make sure they really top off the oil the first time.. I don't trust place like Jiffy Lube... those low cost oil change place, since I heard lots horrible stories. You never know are they doing the right thing. Or they change the oil in hurry... i.e. 10min . they didn't drain all of your oil or not make sure it really top off..
Otherwise, if that isn't the case, the consumed oil was burned.

 

[greasefingers]

You should also list how many miles are on the engine.

 

[emonomics]

125 k on the engine, as far as I could tell, they were topping it off correctly. Thanks for the response!

 

[91T4R]

125k seems a bit soon for a Toyota to be burning oil, even if it is the 3.0. I would suggest cleaning the engine real well then driving for a day or two and looking for leaks that aren't making it to your driveway. Also, have a friend drive behind your truck and tell you if you're smoking.
If it's not making it to the driveway, it's probably not too serious, but it doesn't hurt to ease your mind. HTH.

Robert

 

[yotatilla]

I understand the allure of jiffylube, but please bring it to a garage and let them take good care of it. My buddy drives a 1999 4Runner and the local "jiffylube" and he payed them extra to change the coolant and tranny fluid. Unfortunatly, the guy was a joke and he drained everything, and neglected to refill it. Since they rarely drain all fluid, he wasn't totally screwed. My friend got about 10 minutes out of the shop and the trcuk overheated(duh). Luckily, the truck overheated before any serious damage could be done. They offered him like a year of free oil changes. He unrespectfully declined.