OIL CONSUMPTION (SHORTING) IN TOYOTA CAMRY
We often get asked if carbon cleaning can help with Toyota Camry that is consuming oil or shorting oil so we prepared this video to explain why your engine is consuming oil (oil shorting) and what can be done to prevent it from damaging your engine.
The compression and oil control rings in modern engines have a less tight fit in the cylinder wall compared to older engines. This means there will be a small amount oil loss between services. This is recognized by manufacturers.
There are 3 stages of oil consumptions. When your engine consumes 1 quartz or about 1/3 of a gallon between services, that is the beginning of oil consumption that is above manufacturer limits. This is stage 1 of oil consumption. The engine can still be saved at this stage.
When the engine consumes 1 gallon or thereabouts between services, this is stage 2 of oil consumption and the engine can still be saved in most cases.
Above 2 gallons between service and if the oil light is coming while driving, this looks like symptoms of stage 3 oil consumption. The engine is likely gone at this stage.
How do reduce oil consumption (shorting)
Assuming the engine cylinder wall is not already damaged, the key to avoiding this problem is regular oil changes with good quality oil. Our recommendation is to change the oil every 5000 miles or every 6 months, whichever one comes sooner.
As debris and deposits build up around the oil control and compression rings, it is recommended to use an engine oil flush like JLM ENGINE OIL FLUSH. It contains a detergent that washes off dirt, gunk, and deposits on the piston rings. Only use it every few oil changes NOT every oil change.
In the video, you can see the carbon buildup in the intake manifold and cylinder heads. Although carbon cleaning does not resolve the oil consumption issue, it is a vital preventative maintenance service for every engine.
A detailed car inspection before purchasing a new car may identify an engine with a potential oil shorting problem.
