Hello friends,
I've recently acquired a 2007 Scion tC. This vehicle has the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine with 146,660 miles on it at time of writing. It was purchased with 145,688 miles and I had to add 2 quarts of oil to bring it back to the full line of the dipstick at that time. The coolant overflow reservoir was also nearly dry, I've filled it to max, and the level has not dropped thus far.
I changed the oil at 146,149 miles on April 18 using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 and an oversized Purolator LX3600 filter. I added about 3/4 quart around 250 miles later when I checked the oil and it was on the low line of the dipstick. Techron Fuel System Cleaner 12oz was used in a tank of Shell 87 octane prior to the oil change. The owner's manual specifies 0W-20 or 5W-20, but the owner's manual says 5W-30 is acceptable, and amusingly (for us anyway) has confusing and duplicative wording about which is the best choice: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/post-your-latest-oil-change.108957/page-1317#post-7573814
This morning I checked the oil and the dipstick is bare. I see no evidence of any leaks. It's only been ~500 miles since the oil change. No oil on hand to make it up (I know, what kind of BITOGer am I to have no engine oil on hand?), but I will get some today and report back how much was added to bring it to the full line of the dipstick.
I do not know if this vehicle was repaired by the Toyota campaign for oil consumption this engine is known for, but based on the current consumption, my guess is no. I have replaced the PCV valve and hose at 146,368 miles with a Beck/Arnley valve and Gates hose. I do have the old PCV which looks fairly gummed up but does still rattle when shaken - if pictures of that could be helpful, I can post some before disposing of it. Spark plugs have not been examined or changed yet. I have been trying to drive somewhat spiritedly in order to exercise the engine in case that is a contributing factor to the consumption. Looking at the Carfax records, at 56,103 miles in 2013, the water pump was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Spark plugs were stated to be replaced in late 2018 with no mileage indicated.
As far as make up oil, I'd imagine it's optimal to stick to Valvoline Restore and Protect if feasible? I'm not expecting Valvoline Restore and Protect to do any miracles overall, particularly with the known design flaw with insufficient oil return holes which generally causes this oil consumption, but I'm certainly eager to see what it accomplishes, nonetheless.
I'm thinking the next step is to examine & probably just change out the spark plugs while I'm there. Anything else? I've read that piston soaks may help mitigate oil consumption though I have never performed one. I'm also aware that Valvoline states that Valvoline Restore and Protect takes up to 4 OCIs to have effect, and I'm ok with continuing with it to see what happens.
I've recently acquired a 2007 Scion tC. This vehicle has the Toyota 2AZ-FE engine with 146,660 miles on it at time of writing. It was purchased with 145,688 miles and I had to add 2 quarts of oil to bring it back to the full line of the dipstick at that time. The coolant overflow reservoir was also nearly dry, I've filled it to max, and the level has not dropped thus far.
I changed the oil at 146,149 miles on April 18 using Valvoline Restore and Protect 5W-30 and an oversized Purolator LX3600 filter. I added about 3/4 quart around 250 miles later when I checked the oil and it was on the low line of the dipstick. Techron Fuel System Cleaner 12oz was used in a tank of Shell 87 octane prior to the oil change. The owner's manual specifies 0W-20 or 5W-20, but the owner's manual says 5W-30 is acceptable, and amusingly (for us anyway) has confusing and duplicative wording about which is the best choice: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/post-your-latest-oil-change.108957/page-1317#post-7573814
This morning I checked the oil and the dipstick is bare. I see no evidence of any leaks. It's only been ~500 miles since the oil change. No oil on hand to make it up (I know, what kind of BITOGer am I to have no engine oil on hand?), but I will get some today and report back how much was added to bring it to the full line of the dipstick.
I do not know if this vehicle was repaired by the Toyota campaign for oil consumption this engine is known for, but based on the current consumption, my guess is no. I have replaced the PCV valve and hose at 146,368 miles with a Beck/Arnley valve and Gates hose. I do have the old PCV which looks fairly gummed up but does still rattle when shaken - if pictures of that could be helpful, I can post some before disposing of it. Spark plugs have not been examined or changed yet. I have been trying to drive somewhat spiritedly in order to exercise the engine in case that is a contributing factor to the consumption. Looking at the Carfax records, at 56,103 miles in 2013, the water pump was replaced by a Toyota dealership. Spark plugs were stated to be replaced in late 2018 with no mileage indicated.
As far as make up oil, I'd imagine it's optimal to stick to Valvoline Restore and Protect if feasible? I'm not expecting Valvoline Restore and Protect to do any miracles overall, particularly with the known design flaw with insufficient oil return holes which generally causes this oil consumption, but I'm certainly eager to see what it accomplishes, nonetheless.
I'm thinking the next step is to examine & probably just change out the spark plugs while I'm there. Anything else? I've read that piston soaks may help mitigate oil consumption though I have never performed one. I'm also aware that Valvoline states that Valvoline Restore and Protect takes up to 4 OCIs to have effect, and I'm ok with continuing with it to see what happens.
