I am completing a top end rebuild of a 2003 4 cylinder Rav4 with the 1AZFE 2.0L engine. I fell prey to the infamous stripped head bolt threads in the block problem at 165,000 miles. The engine overheated a couple of times when the problem showed up and the head was no doubt leaking for a while before I got to it. I have used Kendall Titanium 5W30 semi synthetic since the car was new and always had good clean oil. When this problem developed I was surprised to see varnish developing so fast through the valve cover oil fill opening and when I tore it down for the rebuild (block thread inserts, timing set, head rebuild, injector rebuild, water pump, etc) I was shocked at how crispy the oil was in the top end. I have an opportunity to change oil if it make any sense, the engine is pretty cleaned out and the head is nice and shiny.
Was my burnt oil condition typical for a blown head gasket and overheat or was the legacy oil in this car to blame?
Should I change oil type/brand now or stick with what I was using, and if I should change what do you recommend? I am a big fan of Penzoil in other cars and have 200,000 miles on a 4.3L V6 using PYB. I don't care if I should use Dino, Semi or Synth - whatever is the best choice for this car.
Thanks,
George
Was my burnt oil condition typical for a blown head gasket and overheat or was the legacy oil in this car to blame?
Should I change oil type/brand now or stick with what I was using, and if I should change what do you recommend? I am a big fan of Penzoil in other cars and have 200,000 miles on a 4.3L V6 using PYB. I don't care if I should use Dino, Semi or Synth - whatever is the best choice for this car.
Thanks,
George
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