Engine burned all my oil in 3 months (~3k miles)

Okay. Still doesn't mean it was empty.

 

Quick question --

You DID check the dipstick ~10 mins (or more) after adding, as you say, 5 quarts of oil, right?

That is to say:

Just because there was no oil on the dipstick doesn't mean the oil pan was bone-dry. Typically the difference between the "high" and "low" mark on the stick is around a quart or so on a lot of engines. It usually does not measure the entire depth / capacity of the oil pan.

If you saw no oil on the dipstick, assumed the pan was nearly DRY, and just dumped in 5 quarts, you may have just massively over-filled your oil pan, which can be nearly as bad as way underfilling it.

If you haven't already, check the dipstick again & verify that the oil is at the correct level (somewhere between the high and low marks) and not way up PAST the HIGH mark due to over-filling.

If it is now way past the high mark you need to drain out enough oil to get the level somewhere in the normal zone on the dipstick.

 

Ok. Damn near empty then!

 

Just for information:

The 2.7Liter 2TRFE engine holds 6 quarts of oil not 5.

 

What's kind of puzzling though is, at least according to the information provided, the oil pressure light never came on.

 

Probably because he still had enough oil to maintain pressure. That is why it didn't lock up or spin a bearing...

 

Thanks for all the info guys. I recently replaced the Cat and sensors in April 2024. Cat was done and replaced the sensors as well. I had a p0420 code, lost power and it rattled when I shook it. I made sure the Cat was the right one for my engine family so it can’t be that. Passed smog check in CA. I’ve driven it with no problems.

I’ve seen no blue or white smoke come out, no burning oil smell that could mean a leak. No oil stains on driveway. The low oil light never came out, only the “check engine” light that one day when I checked and noticed I had no oil on the dipstick. After pouring 5 quarts the noise stopped and check engine light came off.

I also replaced the PCV valve last year so it can’t be that. It’s an original Toyota part and looks new still.

I haven’t done any pressure checks but I’m pretty sure something inside the engine is causing it to burn so much oil. Something related to the valves, seals or pistons.

Like TnShooter said, all I’ll do now is drive and see if it happens again. I’ll just be topping the oil if it’s indeed burning so much that fast until I’m able to take it to a mechanic that can fix Toyota engine parts.

Any theories of what could be causing it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Did you RE-CHECK the dipstick after you added 5 quarts? Make sure you haven't drastically overfilled the oil.

Your next steps are to start at least pulling the spark plugs & inspecting them.

 

Yes. After pouring 5 quarts the oil went back to between the 2 dots, closer to the “full” dot. So I probably had 1 quart or less left on my oil pan.
I will check the spark plugs tomorrow.

 

Thank god! Yeah I know it takes 6 quarts, I only bought a 5 quart container to fill
It up. That fixed the noise and check engine light. We’ll see if the engine burns it off again in 3 months

 

Yup, I was confused too. I honestly thought it was the belt pulley tensioner or fan, only reason I checked my oil was because the “check engine light” turned on. It never crossed my mind that I had no oil after doing an oil change 3 months ago

 

Could also be a VVT code, i.e. if the oil pressure gets too low, the VVT actuator (which works by diverting engine oil through various small passages, a miniature hydraulic valve) doesn't want to work correctly, leading to possible timing-related codes.

You really ought to have some kind of OBDII reader so you can see what codes were thrown.

 

I replaced the PCV valve last year, it’s still like new. Regarding your other possibilities, I don’t know but you may be close. Only way to know is opening up the valve cover and taking the engine apart

 

You should do a piston soak. Pull the plugs, fill each cylinder with a solvent like Berryman Chemtool and let it sit overnight. Turn the engine by hand a little and repeat the soak. Make sure there is no fluid standing in the cylinder before putting plugs back in. Start the engine, warm it up then change the oil.

This often frees up stuck oil control rings.

 

Yes, i can confirm, I've done this to many neglected engines. Hopefully it has stuck rings and not worn down rings.

 

You are so right ! The owners manual shows 5 quarts and can't get a straight answer on it even from the stealership..

 

I have looked into this, having a 2013 2.7 and NOT being able to put a little more than 5qts (5.5qts?) with filter change. From what I have found, most everyone that has had a response to this issue has also responded that they can only do about 5.5qts at best with filter change.

These days, I do 5 quarts even, which brings me up to just under halfway between the two dots and call it a day (I always change filter with each change). Periodically, I will add additional when I have leftovers from doing my wife's Prius (both spec 0w-20) to bring it up to the top.

 

My 2012 owners manual says 6.1 US Quarts with filter change.

2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine
6.1 qt. (5.8 L, 5.1 Imp.qt.)

Checked the 2006 manual and it also says 6.1 US Quarts for the 2.7 L 2TR-FE Engine.

ENGINE LUBRICATION
Oil capacity (drain and refill),
L (qt., Imp. qt.):
2TR−FE engine
With filter 5.8 (6.1, 5.1)
Without filter 5.1 (5.4, 4.5)

 

No theories but I would try a quart of Marvel Mystery Oil with a fresh oil change. Others will tell you to not waist your money, but I've used it for years on older engines and there are plenty of positive reviews helping noises go away.

 

I removed my spark plugs today. How do they look?

I might do that piston soak. Are there any posts in here where I can follow instructions on how to do it right? Basically I remove the spark plugs and add 1-2 oz and wait like 6 hours then crank it?