Oil level

Hey Tacoma world! Newb here with stupid questions…

I’ve been having issues with my oil levels. Seems to run low reasonably quickly with no visible leaks. 2014 2.7 L. Regular oil changes and last time I had it changed the mechanic said it was low. I brought it in about 1000 miles before the next recommended oil change. She suggested the previous oil change location shorted me on oil without really any evidence that would suggest that. I’m concerned there might be another issue and would like your help in figuring it out. I check the oil about every other day to keep an eye on it and fill if needed. Right now, I am putting about 1/2 quart every week. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated. It’s also difficult to get a good reading on the level as the oil seems to run up half of the dipstick. See picture for clarification. Thanks

 

Half a quart a week with no external leaks? Sounds like it's burning oil and sending it out the tail-pipe. Very common for older Japanese 4-cyl engines. Not really much you can do except keep topping it off.

The fix is either new piston rings or valve stem seals, probably piston rings..

Guys will suggest pcv valve replacement but they never fail

Also, checking the oil level in the morning before starting the engine will make the stick easier to read

 

You could try the B12 Chemtool treatment and keep us informed if you see an improvement. Then try Valvoline Restore and Protect and again let us know of any improvement.

https://www.rav4world.com/threads/a...n-soak-oil-burner-success-with-2az-fe.335573/

 

Welcome to the forum

Losing 1/2 quart in a week shouldn't be too difficult to find.
How about some additional info:

How long have you owned the truck?

How many miles on it?

How many of those miles did you put on?

Do you park in the same place every day, nothing on the ground?

Define "regular oil changes" in miles or time.

What kind of driving do you do? City,
highway, short trips, etc.

 

I would try this.

 

First determine if loss is due to a leak, worn pistons, or bad valve stem guides. Could also be a bad head gasket, but you would be seeing other symptoms. Then, you can try specific OTC products. Sometimes, going to a thicker viscosity oil will help a bit.

 

When you check the oil pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a rag. Put it back in, leave it for 2-3 seconds and pull it out again. Keep the dipstick vertical. If you hold it sideways oil will run up the dipstick and show more oil than you really have.

Anywhere between the 2 dots is fine. I don't add partial quarts. When it gets at or below the lower dot I add a full quart.

How much you lose/week isn't important unless it's leaking when not being driven. That should be easy to find. It's how much/1000 miles. If you're changing oil every 5000 miles and are a quart or less low when you change it, you're fine. If you're adding a full quart every 2000-4000 miles it's not ideal, but not necessarily a problem either. If you're adding a quart every 2000 miles it may be a problem. Once you're using a quart every 1000 miles or less, it's a problem.