Service Question

[matthewpstro]

I purchased a used 2004 4runner with the 4.7L about 3k miles ago. after getting an oil change, the engine suddenly has more pull. enough that i noticed it, didn't say anything to the fiance, and she noticed it. it would appear the prior owner wasn't keeping up on maintenance. Any suggestions for moving forward? Anything I can do to verify I've cleaned up sludge or worse? Anything I should be worried about and try to catch?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

If you don't know anything about the maintenance history of the truck, now would be a good time to grab some tools and do some PM. I would change all the other fluids (drain and fills), coolant, trans fluid, front/rear diffs and transfer case. Depending on the mileage, the V8 will need a timing belt swap. If you're worried about engine sludge, you could pour 1/3 of a bottle of seafoam into the crankcase before your next oil change. Just be sure to not drive more than 100 miles with it in the engine.

 

[matthewpstro]

If you don't know anything about the maintenance history of the truck, now would be a good time to grab some tools and do some PM. I would change all the other fluids (drain and fills), coolant, trans fluid, front/rear diffs and transfer case. Depending on the mileage, the V8 will need a timing belt swap. If you're worried about engine sludge, you could pour 1/3 of a bottle of seafoam into the crankcase before your next oil change. Just be sure to not drive more than 100 miles with it in the engine.

I'm aware of the t-belt. at 85k and saving up for it this summer probably. The transmission flush at the dealership i don't believe comes with transfer case, front/rear diff swap. coolant, brake fluid already done. I'm not familiar with seafoam, either the dangers or benefits. With my last car, an Audi, they did pressurized steam cleans of the engines/turbochargers to deal with slude.... nothing like that?

EDIT: I realized I mentioned the tranny flush, but didn't state that its scheduled. is the diff fluid easy? I've always been afraid of opening up drivetrain anything...

 

[Gatafly]

Could be wrong, but i have a very hard time believing that an increase in power came from changing the oil.

 

[Kardolf]

Could be wrong, but i have a very hard time believing that an increase in power came from changing the oil.

I would, too. Is there a chance they changed the air filter at the same time? That could show up as a power increase.

 

[matthewpstro]

I would, too. Is there a chance they changed the air filter at the same time? That could show up as a power increase.

nope, i did a K&N drop in the week i bought it. i don't think its an increase in horsepower, as much as it was a reduction in friction... or maybe its an oil weight thing? Summer to winter oil weight?

I was just as skeptical and surprised when I hit the throttle. But its pretty significant, and i'm getting about 2mpg better since.

 

[V8Man]

If you are really worried about engine sludge, the 4.7 has a lower small oil pan you can drop and take a look around. I can show you some nasty stuff I found in the 03 I bought. The first 89k it was leased and no records of any oil changes or service. The dealer resold it to another then they put 64k on it. They changed the oil every 4 to 5k. That's when I bought it cheap with low oil pressure and a sludge filled engine and clogged oil pump pickup screen. I also agree an oil change will not increase power enough to feel it.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

is the diff fluid easy? I've always been afraid of opening up drivetrain anything...

Diff fluid is super easy. Drain and fill on all 3 (front diff, rear diff and transfer case). Here's a link to a DIY

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ntial-transfer-case-fluids-pics-included.html

Seafoam is a highly debated substance. When I bought my 2004 with 148k, I used seafoam in the gas tank, crank case and intake system. I use it on every car I buy and have never had an issue. Do your research and make your own decision there.

 

[matthewpstro]

If you are really worried about engine sludge, the 4.7 has a lower small oil pan you can drop and take a look around. I can show you some nasty stuff I found in the 03 I bought. The first 89k it was leased and no records of any oil changes or service. The dealer resold it to another then they put 64k on it. They changed the oil every 4 to 5k. That's when I bought it cheap with low oil pressure and a sludge filled engine and clogged oil pump pickup screen. I also agree an oil change will not increase power enough to feel it.

I would like to see what you found! Other than low oil pressure what are the symptoms of engine sludge?

Diff fluid is super easy. Drain and fill on all 3 (front diff, rear diff and transfer case). Here's a link to a DIY

Changing Differential & Transfer Case Fluids - Pics Included

Seafoam is a highly debated substance. When I bought my 2004 with 148k, I used seafoam in the gas tank, crank case and intake system. I use it on every car I buy and have never had an issue. Do your research and make your own decision there.

Thanks for the link! Good write up. And i'll do some research on seafoam.

 

[V8Man]

4.7 engine at idle has only 5 psi oil pressure. Any less than that the oil light turns on.
Here is a picture of the bottom of the oil pan. Other indications can show in the oil fill tube and under the valve cover.

 

[matthewpstro]

4.7 engine at idle has only 5 psi oil pressure. Any less than that the oil light turns on.
Here is a picture of the bottom of the oil pan. Other indications can show in the oil fill tube and under the valve cover.

Now that is some sludge! Thanks for posting that.

 

[MikeInNH]

As others have suggested...Start with ALL THE FLUIDS. Cheap and easy to do. Keeping fresh fluids is probably 80% of making a vehicle many thousands of miles.

If your engine does have sludge. You have a couple of options. The BEST option is to remove the pan and scrape out all visible sludge. But unfortunately sludge just doesn't collect in the pan. The rest of the engine will have to be cleaned out as well. I do NOT recommend motor flush. This can dislodge large chunks of sludge and clog the oil filter or oil pickup screen. You want to dissolve sludge slowly. I recommend at each oil change to replace one quart of oil with one quart Rislone. Change oil ever 2-3k miles for while. After 4-5 oil changes the engine should be pretty clean. Then keep up with the oil change schedule outlined in your owners manual (should be every 5k miles).

 

[matthewpstro]

As others have suggested...Start with ALL THE FLUIDS. Cheap and easy to do. Keeping fresh fluids is probably 80% of making a vehicle many thousands of miles.

If your engine does have sludge. You have a couple of options. The BEST option is to remove the pan and scrape out all visible sludge. But unfortunately sludge just doesn't collect in the pan. The rest of the engine will have to be cleaned out as well. I do NOT recommend motor flush. This can dislodge large chunks of sludge and clog the oil filter or oil pickup screen. You want to dissolve sludge slowly. I recommend at each oil change to replace one quart of oil with one quart Rislone. Change oil ever 2-3k miles for while. After 4-5 oil changes the engine should be pretty clean. Then keep up with the oil change schedule outlined in your owners manual (should be every 5k miles).

Is there any problem with doing the Rislone treatment ahead of time? Or is it just expensive?

I am a student, living in an apartment, so finding a place to do fluids myself is at best frustrating, but I have the parts and oil to do my differentials. I keep up with oil changes, but haven't cracked the pan to see if its sludgey. I've also been planning on the toyota dealership transmission flush when my student loans hit.

Thanks for the input!

 

[matthewpstro]

Quick note, as I'm sure it'll change some of the responses I get in regards to oils/treatments/risks/maintenance.

I'm not living within one mile of where I go to school and many days I go to school and home and that is it. Not many 30minute drives....

 

[earthrealm]

bookmrked

 

[MikeInNH]

Is there any problem with doing the Rislone treatment ahead of time? Or is it just expensive?

A quart of Rislone is cheaper then a quart of synthetic oil. All you do is add the rislone to fresh oil. Then leave it there til your next oil change. If you're not doing your own oil changes...Rislone use to sell a small bottle used to add to a full crank case.