Does my car need overhaul?

[Kitt]

Hi Folks,

Its been a while since my last post here hehe

So my car is a 2005 Yaris Hatchback, 2NZ engine with 235000km (143000 miles), never overheated, maintenance up to date, no strength loss (not that im aware of), no check engine lights and no oil leak or smoke. It works just fine. I measure the drained oil when I change it and it returns 3 out of 4 quarts and that is what concerns me. I used to do an engine flush after an oil change (did this about 3 or 4 times) and I think that is what caused it, however, I am using an oil additive and the oil loss has decreased. I've been told that due to the engine age it needs overhaul but I've also heard that the oil "loss" is not that critical. so, do I need to overhaul it or not?

[CoryM]

1L of oil per oil change is perfectly acceptable for a car with that mileage. Keep the oil topped up and you will be fine. Do not bother flushing the oil as it is not required.
IIRC, toyota's oil consumption guidelines are around 2L per oil service on a new car.

[bronsin]

Trajectory nominal.

You've got a great Yaris on its way to 500,000 miles no problem.

PS crankcase takes 3.7 qts not 4.

[shepd]

Use thicker oil (5W30 instead of 5W20, if you're using 5W20) and use cheap dino oil instead of synthetic oil. Thicker oil and regular oil are both less likely to seep past any small areas, thus you're less likely to consume oil.

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by shepd

Use thicker oil (5W30 instead of 5W20, if you're using 5W20) and use cheap dino oil instead of synthetic oil. Thicker oil and regular oil are both less likely to seep past any small areas, thus you're less likely to consume oil.

Good advice!

[Kitt]

Im actually using 20w50 mineral, I'll switch to synthetic to see what happens, but thanks for the advise, I think I'll invest on a paint job on it instead, it requires it a lot and in some other parts, I just want it to last 10 years more, this is my first car and I definitely want to keep it!!

[esse10]

Originally Posted by shepd

Use thicker oil (5W30 instead of 5W20, if you're using 5W20) and use cheap dino oil instead of synthetic oil. Thicker oil and regular oil are both less likely to seep past any small areas, thus you're less likely to consume oil.

I knew it , I knew it.. I have been using regular 5w30 this whole time with no issues. Those folks using synthetic stuff are throwing their money away. why complicate things , just keep it simple S*%$%*

I'll let you'll know when I reach 500k miles on regular Dino Valvoline 5w30.

[shepd]

LOL, thicker oil does have some negative side effects: Engine life can be reduced if it is significantly too thick, and your mileage will decrease.

Kitt: You want 5w30 conventional (mineral) oil. Don't switch to synthetic 5w20, the problem will get worse (for as long as you're using it, it won't *damage* anything, though).

[Kitt]

Originally Posted by shepd

LOL, thicker oil does have some negative side effects: Engine life can be reduced if it is significantly too thick, and your mileage will decrease.

Kitt: You want 5w30 conventional (mineral) oil. Don't switch to synthetic 5w20, the problem will get worse (for as long as you're using it, it won't *damage* anything, though).

Thanks for the info, I'll go back to 5w30.

Will the weather affect on anything? I am in Panama and the temperature here is in average 87~89f. Not sure if this will affect

[IllusionX]

I've been reading hot places like in UAE, they use 10w30, 10w50, 20w30 etc...

You might want to stick to what is recommended for your region.

In Canada, many cars run in 0w20.