Toyota 2.7 I4 a sludger?

[nomochevys]

I have been kicking around the idea of buying a used one. The newer ones come with synthetic and the change interval according to Yota is 5K and they want synthetic back in it. This seems odd to me. Is this a good engine and is it a known sludger maybe? I know Toyota had some sludger engines in the past but was curious to what everyone thinks. This engine is in the Tacoma by the way. I think its called 2TR-FE.

 

[Frank@Toronto]

Before buying an used engine, remove one of its valve cover and see if there is any sludge.

For engines that are sludge prone (not saying this one is), then use synthetic oil and do not extended the oil change interval time.

 

[RTexasF]

I believe it was the 3.0 l V-6 that was a sludger but I don't know if that was all years or only certain year models.

 

[Ken2]

I think this is the list of the primary problem engines:
Camry 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 7/01
Camry 6 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 8/02
Solara 4 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 5/01
Solara 6 cyl. Produced 6/98 - 8/02
Sienna 6 cyl. Produced 7/97 - 6/02
Avalon 6 cyl. Produced 7/96 - 6/02
Celica 4 cyl. Produced 8/96 - 4/99
Highlander 6 cyl. Produced 11/00 - 8/02

You can do a 'net search for Toyota oil sludge or Toyota oil gel.

 

[Cristobal]

A lot of the problems were cause by failure to change the PCV valve. Mix that with cold engines and people who did not maintain their cars and this is what you get.

 

[bepperb]

There are two Toyota 2.7's. Neither are sludge prone.