No Oil Change in 25k miles

[PolyCule]

Hello BITOG members, long time reader first time posting. My friend who did not get her license until her mid 20’s/just informed me that she hasn’t changed the oil in close to 3 years, but that she has topped it off several times. According to the sticker on her window it has been 25k+ miles since it was last changed. To make matters worse, much of her driving is short 1-3 mile trips that don’t reach operating temperature.

2018 Toyota Corolla 1.8L, OEM specs 0w20 GF-5 oil. Only 65,000 on the odometer!

I am going to do an oil change on it soon using M1 EP 0w20. I will keep an oil sample of the old stuff to send to blackstone just for fun as well as cut open and examine the oil filter and post results. Besides just fresh oil, I feel a need to do some sort of cleaning after that amount of neglect, but don’t want to knock any deposits loose and clog up oil passages/screens. Im also not going to be able to constantly monitor her vehicle. My question is, how should I now proceed to remove the contamination left behind?

A.) Some solvent flush (LM engine flush or other?) added to old oil and drain. Refill with new M1 EP oil and run a shortened 3k OCI

B.) no solvent flush, drain and fill with 1/5 oil cleaning additive like HPL EC30/MMO/SeaFoam/Auto-RX or others and use something like T6 Multi-vehicle 5w30 (as the additive will likely dilute the viscosity closer to 0w20) and 3k OCI.

C.) Drain old oil, fill the whole thing to the top with diesel fuel (or something else?) let it sit a day and drain. Refill with cheap rinse oil and filter - run for 30 minutes - drain. Fill with M1 EP 0w20 and run 3k OCI.

D.) No special flushes or additives, Fill with M1 EP 0w20 and run 3k OCI.

E.) Some combination of treatments listed (or not listed) above.

I haven’t evaluated the engine yet to see how much sludge exists, I will do my best to document and update this post. I wouldn’t worry about doing any of these options on my older Toyota 2UZ-FE engine, but I am a little cautious on this newer 0w20 vehicle that has been running the same oil for almost half its life. Thanks for your insight, hoping for someone with experience in a similar vehicle

 

[KrisZ]

OP likes to live dangerously I see. I would've directed her to the nearest quick lube place and wished her luck.

 

[PolyCule]

Those are some mighty big chunks of metal in the drain pan.

I thought there was a decent amount also. But I was thinking about if it was equivalent to the amount of metal I get in 5 oil changes, and how this accumulated pretty much during this cars break in period from 40-65k miles? Maybe, it’s a Toyota.

Little late for that bud.

@PolyCule , good luck to you sir, you've rolled the dice. Are you taking over maintenance of this car or is this a one time favor?

I’m doing at least the next two oil changes. And showing her how to air up tires (at about 20/32psi on all tires). Trying to set up a yearly automatic purchase schedule for her so once a year Amazon just delivers the oil and filters and she takes it to the local shop. I feel good about rolling the dice, it was more of an intervention on behalf of the vehicle. It would have gone on with only top offs until it seized or was brought in for something else.

OP said it was cleaned before.

Yes wiped it down completely clean, hit with brake clean, I wanted to be sure everything I saw was just from this oil change.

 

[PolyCule]

Agree, if she forgets the OC mileage, but for the grace of God please ask her to change the oil once a year.

Proper dental hygiene requires a dental cleaning at a minimum of twice a year if u want to keep ur original teeth.

U cannot be that forgetful.

I believe that her understanding of what an oil change was, is lacking on the “change” part. She knew to keep it topped off because someone told her to (it was overfilled). But also there were really zero signs or issues that could be felt or heard while driving the vehicle that would let her know something was wrong. Other than the maintenance required light that has been on for over 2 years. I rode in the vehicle to the parts stores and it functioned totally normal.

 

[Patman]

This is a testament to Toyota durability. If this was many other cars that were neglected this long it would’ve had much different results.

That’s why you see so many old Corollas still out there. Even with infrequent oil changes they just keep plugging away.

 

[Elkins45]

This is a testament to Toyota durability. If this was many other cars that were neglected this long it would’ve had much different results.

That’s why you see so many old Corollas still out there. Even with infrequent oil changes they just keep plugging away.

I wonder why? Is it a testiment to whomever specified the materials and heat treat for the cams, crank, piston rings, and cylinder liners? Or the bearing materials and tolerances ? Or is it just really good quality control?

Are Corollas built of better stuff, or built better from the same stuff? Or maybe both? Is a Corolla engine more than the sum of its parts?

 

[PolyCule]

I wonder why? Is it a testiment to whomever specified the materials and heat treat for the cams, crank, piston rings, and cylinder liners? Or the bearing materials and tolerances ? Or is it just really good quality control?

Are Corollas built of better stuff, or built better from the same stuff? Or maybe both? Is a Corolla engine more than the sum of its parts?

I don’t know anything about this particular Toyota engine, I’ve owned two tundras with the 4.7l 2UZ-FE and one rav4 with the 3.5L 2GR-FE and they were still running fine when sold around 260k miles. What I did appreciate about this engine was that the oil filter was a thread on can located right next to the drain plug. Easy access and both drained into the same pan without moving it.

 

[DuckRyder]

Frankly I’d probably have just changed it and let it fly.

I know I’ll take heat but she would probably be just as well off tho take it to TLE and request good oil and filter. After you stop the changes.

 

[Patrick0525]

I believe that her understanding of what an oil change was, is lacking on the “change” part. She knew to keep it topped off because someone told her to (it was overfilled). But also there were really zero signs or issues that could be felt or heard while driving the vehicle that would let her know something was wrong. Other than the maintenance required light that has been on for over 2 years. I rode in the vehicle to the parts stores and it functioned totally normal.

Gotcha, that explains her perception and behavior.
Someone from the patriarchy (father, brother, boy friend) needs to explain the importance of maintaining a maintenance log book and an ICE schedule. I wholeheartedly welcome anyone from the matriarchy to speak on this topic but I found more domain experts on emotional intelligence, nurturing and empathy.

 

[svtrit]

Gotcha, that explains her perception and behavior.
Someone from the patriarchy (father, brother, boy friend) needs to explain the importance of maintaining a maintenance log book and an ICE schedule. I wholeheartedly welcome anyone from the matriarchy to speak on this topic but I found more domain experts on emotional intelligence, nurturing and empathy.

If she is anything like my daughter, she needs to feel the cost of killing a car before she wakes up to what the patriarchy has been preaching.

 

[PolyCule]

I think I did enough to change her OCI habits which were due to a lack of knowledge and interest to find out on her own. neither of her parents drove much or were mechanically inclined, and by the time she moved out of the city with great public transportation and needed a car she was already 25 and out of the home. By 25 most people just assume you know what you’re doing. Talking to her about it after the change, her concept of how a car used oil was more like a gas tank, kind of like a reservoir of consumable fluid for the engine (cars use oil while driving, don’t let it run empty or it won’t drive.) The Patriarchy (in the form of every older mustached man behind the counter at the auto-parts stores) helped emphasize how important regular OCI’s were with their shocked faces. Resetting the maintenance light and putting a date/mileage sticker on the window will also help.

By buying a new Toyota as a first car she really had very little to maintain, My first vehicle ($500 1989 F150) leaked and burned a quart of oil every month. I got used to constantly checking the oil and topping off with whatever brand/viscosity was available. I just drained it once a year as I figured I had already added enough new oil for 2 changes over that period haha.

 

[crashz]

My "friend" went 31k miles on an oil change in a 98 Beetle. Every time someone suggested a change, she said she only had enough money for an oil change or a pair of shoes. She chose shoes. I did the same as you, changed the oil with a diesel rated oil (no flush) educated her and helped maintain the car after.

That friend has been my wife now for 16 years.

Here is the real danger: Now I'm the car guru. Whatever happens is my responsibility, no matter how I protest. Especially after some unsavory experiences at the dealer. Sorry Poly, but you are in for the long haul!

 

[Mewbs]

OP likes to live dangerously I see. I would've directed her to the nearest quick lube place and wished her luck.

Gonna have to agree with this here. If you do her oil change unknowing that its been neglected by her. She will likely point you as a source of liability should something go wrong down the line afterwards. The dealership would love her to trade in her vehicle for another.

 

[PolyCule]

My "friend" went 31k miles on an oil change in a 98 Beetle. Every time someone suggested a change, she said she only had enough money for an oil change or a pair of shoes. She chose shoes. I did the same as you, changed the oil with a diesel rated oil (no flush) educated her and helped maintain the car after.

That friend has been my wife now for 16 years.

Here is the real danger: Now I'm the car guru. Whatever happens is my responsibility, no matter how I protest. Especially after some unsavory experiences at the dealer. Sorry Poly, but you are in for the long haul!

Haha, she’s a good friend of my Wife, and I may very well be in for the long haul with all the responsibilities that accompany it.

I also may have had vehicles play some role in courting my wife. We worked together and She totaled her vehicle hitting a deer on the way to pick up her parents from the airport. I loaned her a Ford Taurus station wagon for them to use. Then went to the dealership with her to purchase a RAV4 and haggle over price. Started dating shortly after and have been together 7 years.

 

[thastinger]

This is why I don't buy used cars.

 

[PolyCule]

Gonna have to agree with this here. If you do her oil change unknowing that it’s been neglected by her. She will likely point you as a source of liability should something go wrong down the line afterwards. The dealership would love her to trade in her vehicle for another.

If she ever went to a mechanic or dealership that might worry me haha. It should have been under warranty up until 5000 miles ago but she said she wasn’t or didn’t purchase an extended one? As @crashz said, I think I may have acquired the car guru status and will be contacted before the dealership. I just hope not too much permanent damage occurred and it’s only fluids, filters, and air in the tires for the next 100,000 miles.

I did warn her that the damage could have already been done, it could fail in 500 miles or 200,000. Maybe one day we’ll run a carfax on the VIN and see how many oil changes it got until now - as the few that happened were all previously done at shops. I don’t buy used cars without good maintenance logs.

 

[GR_CoB]

If I was in the same boat, I would've went with option C. Quick overnight soak with diesel to the brim, drain next day and do 100 miles with cheapest oil+filter, and then replace with Mobil for a normal OCI. These steps would actually clean the engine.
For those who are worried - It's very easy to type up and print a basic consent form, and your bank can even notarize it for free if you're that paranoid about being responsible.
But I personally would still go with option C.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

To echo some points others have made:

1. For her own educational purposes, have you told her how potentially harmful her lack of action was?
2. If I were to touch that vehicle, I'd 100% make sure she is aware what I'm doing is to help. If something goes wrong down the road don't come blaming me!
3. M1 EP seems like overkill for me, at least at first. I'd do a couple 1-2k OCI's with SuperTech and tell her to go take some long drives on the highway.
4. Maybe after a few real short OCI's I'd switch to Valvoline Restore and Protect and keep the OCI to 2-3k.

***EDIT. I'm late to the party. Let us know how it turns out the next oil change!

 

[dubber09]

If you have boroscope, you can try going thru oil fill neck and even dipstick to have a glance at how bad it is in there. VRP with filter change at 1500 miles and filter inspection as a starting point may give you idea on next approach.

 

[Patrick0525]

If she is anything like my daughter, she needs to feel the cost of killing a car before she wakes up to what the patriarchy has been preaching.

Too funny. My wife who learned to drive in early thirties and Asian born has the hallmarks of the stereotype. I was afraid would have to exert my toxic masculinity and release my misogynistic demons but since she played a lot of state sports she has excellent eye hand coordination. This translated into a courteous disciplined defensive driver who is not a car killer. I am so so blessed.

Without complaints, she willing cooperates in disconnecting the 12V sae connector from the battery charger/maintainer before reversing the car out of the garage. I told her if u want a fully charged battery and a guarantee that ur car will start just follow the procedures.

 

[Patrick0525]

I think I did enough to change her OCI habits which were due to a lack of knowledge and interest to find out on her own. neither of her parents drove much or were mechanically inclined, and by the time she moved out of the city with great public transportation and needed a car she was already 25 and out of the home. By 25 most people just assume you know what you’re doing. Talking to her about it after the change, her concept of how a car used oil was more like a gas tank, kind of like a reservoir of consumable fluid for the engine (cars use oil while driving, don’t let it run empty or it won’t drive.) The Patriarchy (in the form of every older mustached man behind the counter at the auto-parts stores) helped emphasize how important regular OCI’s were with their shocked faces. Resetting the maintenance light and putting a date/mileage sticker on the window will also help.

By buying a new Toyota as a first car she really had very little to maintain, My first vehicle ($500 1989 F150) leaked and burned a quart of oil every month. I got used to constantly checking the oil and topping off with whatever brand/viscosity was available. I just drained it once a year as I figured I had already added enough new oil for 2 changes over that period haha.

That explains the situation. My departed father would always remind my brother and I with the following: “Some people learn early, some learn late and some never learn. Which group do want to belong to? “. His comment resonates daily in my life.